From September 18 to 26, 2024, during a business trip to Portugal, I had the unexpected opportunity to visit Álvaro Siza's architectural works with my team. The powerful first impression of his spaces was captured on my camera film, yet over time, the vividness of that memory began to fade. It took me a long time to sit down and write this piece. Like kneading and fermenting pizza dough, my thoughts needed months to settle. In the midst of factory visits and demanding development schedules, I often felt scattered, and this architectural journey might have seemed like a luxury at the time. But looking back now, it was not mere leisure—it was a moment of rediscovering both my work and myself.
Álvaro Siza once said,
"Architects don’t invent anything; they just transform reality"
(El Croquis, No. 68/69, 1994.)
Standing within the spaces shaped by his philosophy, I began to understand his words. His architecture is simple, yet its simplicity is not the end goal. Each seemingly effortless wall and structure is the result of countless thoughtful considerations. Siza believed that architects do not create architecture but rather uncover it. His work is a journey of shaping space in harmony with its surroundings, its inhabitants, and the passage of time.
I have often thought about how the structure of shoes resembles that of architecture. If shoes are moving architecture, then buildings are static shoes. Shoes are not just fashion items; they are structures that support the weight of the human body. Architecture, too, serves this function. When designing shoes, we contemplate form and materiality and consider how they integrate into people's lives. The same applies to architecture. Unlike clothing or accessories, shoes require a firm foundation, just like buildings. In this way, shoes and architecture share an inherent similarity. As I pressed the shutter on my camera, the essence of space seemed to linger at my fingertips. Siza's work seamlessly blends into the cityscape, the landscape, and, most importantly, the people who inhabit it.
The friend who used to guard the swimming pool, I promised to send photos by email. Recently, I found his email address in my notes and finally sent him a message. Piscina das Marés de Leça da Palmeira, 1996, Porto, Portugal
If I were to return to this moment in the future, would I experience it the same way?
In design, I always prioritize the user. If design were solely about function and necessity, it would be nothing more than an empty shell. Everyone interprets the world differently, but ultimately, the most important understanding is of oneself. Only when I fully grasp the meaning of my work and creations does design transcend mere products and become a philosophy.
Álvaro Siza wrote in Imagining the Evident:
"To begin with the obsession of originality is an unrefined and rudimentary process."
(Imagining the Evident, Lars Müller Publishers, 1997.)
In design, the pursuit of individuality and differentiation is inevitable. However, if this pursuit leads to a loss of essence, the result is merely an experiment in form. The same applies to shoes. Superfluous ornamentation and excessive uniqueness can overshadow what truly matters. Good design should be simple and seamlessly integrate into everyday life while meeting the needs of its users.
Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, 1999, Porto, Portugal
It was fascinating to realize how much his philosophy aligned with shoe design. Shoes should not exist as objects of display but as elements that naturally connect the wearer to their environment.
The sky over Porto was clear, and the sun was intense. The people were warm and unhurried. The city felt as though time had paused. Álvaro Siza's architecture stood in striking contrast to this ancient city. His buildings were simple yet refined, cool yet urban. And yet, within their walls, there was a warmth—a mysterious energy that connected people to their surroundings.
Fundação Livraria Lello, 2024, Porto, Portugal
At gradus (grds), we value simplicity not just as a visual aesthetic but as an embodiment of thoughtful details and emotional depth. Our goal is to refine complexity into clarity, ensuring that our designs carry a distinct narrative and purpose that resonate with people.
And so, we embarked on this architectural journey.
hwmi: how we make it
We document the design process, the philosophy behind our creations, and the hands that bring them to life. Our aim is to build an organic bridge between brand and customer. Even if one day I am no longer here, I hope these records remain, serving as a source of inspiration for creativity, design, and the evolution of people’s lives.
Bouça Housing Complex, 1977, Porto, Portugal
