Ilan Bardinger interview
Joe Kovesdy: What inspired you to study/practice architecture?
Ilan Baldinger: At an early age I was fascinated by buildings. The creative process by which a building is conceived and then goes through construction phase to become a reality always intrigued me.
Kovesdy: What have been the rewards of practicing architecture?
Baldinger: I look at the world through an architect’s eyes. I observe, I analyze, I study how things function and how they are made and what can be improved from functional point of view and aesthetic. On a personal level, I derive satisfaction from the way people enjoy my buildings.
Kovesdy: Are there any changes you would like to see in the profession?
Baldinger: I would like to see greater emphasis on substance and less fad.
Kovesdy: Have you ever made a pilgrimage to visit a specific structure?
Bardinger: Yes. I have traveled through Europe and the U.S. to visit the works of Carlo Scarpa in Italy; Le Corbusier in France; [Ludwig] Mies van der Rohe in Germany, Spain and the U.S.; Louis Kahn, Philip Johnson and Frank L. Wright in the U.S.
Kovesdy: Who or what inspires you when it comes to architecture?
Bardinger: I draw inspiration from various sources: from land formations, from site conditions and from my clients. I am a product of our time, of our technology. I build on the traditions of Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.
Kovesdy: What are you currently working on?
Bardinger: Currently I am working on The Disability Empowerment Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This is a unique project housing
multi-agencies serving the disabled community in the Valley. It features a large specialized office complex, a 350-car parking garage connected by bridges to the office building and specialized fitness center with indoor basketball courts, fitness rooms, weight room, locker rooms and outdoor therapeutic pool — all designed to serve persons with disabilities seamlessly. This campus features unique contemporary architecture and innovative building materials. It employs energy conservation strategies and green materials.
Kovesdy: How do you feel about the quality of architecture in the Valley of the Sun?
Bardinger: Since I started practicing in the Valley [1979], I have witnessed a substantive improvement in the quality of architecture. The Valley is home to very talented and capable architects. Work needs to be done in educating clients, the public and the various municipalities in the value of sensible modern architecture that is forward looking and daring.
Kovesdy: You designed Tempe Urban Living at Fifth and Roosevelt streets. Across the street are what I guess could be considered contemporary brownstones. Were you struck by the contrast in the styles?
Bardinger: The business of building is complex and differs in its criteria for design. Diversity is a product of the free market. As architects we have the responsibility to create responsible and meaningful architecture. The problem sometimes is in who controls the design process and what are the goals of the endeavor.
Kovesdy: Do you have a favorite space or area in the Valley?
Bardinger: I like downtown Tempe for the mini urbanism that is being created and the synergy of the university town.
Kovesdy: You have taught classes at Arizona State University. Any observations about young or incoming architects?
Bardinger: My most current experience is with the two ASU grads working for me. They are wonderful young architects who will contribute greatly to the Valley’s architecture for many years to come.
Kovesdy: Is energy conservation important to you in your work?
Bardinger: Energy conservation has always been important to me. It has become even more important with the effects of global warming, cost of energy and its geopolitical implications. It is clear to me that we have to power down our buildings.
Kovesdy: There is increasing demand for green building. Do you think it will be difficult for architects to balance sustainability and aesthetics?
Bardinger: Yes, it will become even a greater challenge. It boils down to greater awareness of what works as far as energy efficiency, healthy environments and sustainability. In the Valley we have to recognize the consequences of building in the desert. We need to make energy conservation a top priority and find our own desert-style architecture suitable to our place and time.
Kovesdy: What is your favorite book or author?
Bardinger: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Kovesdy: What type of music do you enjoy?
Bardinger: My favorite music is jazz. When I am working, I like to listen to classical.
