CAPLA Architecture Senior Lecturer Oscar Lopez and Partner Named 'Young Icons' by Sources for Design Magazine
CAPLA Senior Lecturer in Architecture Oscar Lopez and his design studio s p a c e BUREAU have been featured in Sources for Design’s 2021 special issue on “Young Icons: Designs for a New Generation.”
Lopez and his partner Mihir Bavishi work with young creatives “to create spaces for them and their business that reflect youthful values and meaningful design,” notes the article, which also highlights their project Anello, a vintage Tucson space transformed into a modern dining experience. “As young entrepreneurs, they have cultivated a following of like minded friends and clients.”
In redesigning the restaurant space, Lopez and Bavishi strived to create a unique experience “to focus on the cooking and eating experience, creating a place for community and humanity.”
“The design experience is driven by authenticity and simplicity,” they say in the article. “The Japanese minimal esthetic on the interior is hidden in the vintage exterior. Red neon light is the only signage, creating an arrival adventure. Through the vintage brick facade trimmed in wood slats you see the Italian pizza oven and the community, engaged in the ritual of sharing a meal. Only then, do you know you have arrived.”
The article describes their artistic process and features major pieces throughout the restaurant, including design elements and how each feature contributes to the feel of the space: “The simple interiors reflect [the owner’s] values for focusing on people and the community. But the execution of those values is the result of two talented young architects who have a distinct vision of design. Working on a tight budget, tight time frame and in an antiquated building created challenges. But young talent seems to find a way to turn those challenges into design advantages. Anello reflects that youthful vision of authentic design.”
Read the full story at Sources for Design.
Since founding s p a c e BUREAU in 2016, Lopez, Assoc. AIA, and his practice have received eight AIA Awards for built projects on the local, state and regional AIA level. He has been a lecturer at CAPLA since 2016, teaching second-year and master’s architecture studios and serving as American Institute of Architecture Students faculty advisor and leader of summer study abroad programs. He is a recipient of the 2021 AIA Associates Award, 2018 AIA Arizona Associates Award, 2019 AIA Mountain Region Jason Pettigrew Leadership Scholarship and 2020 AIA Arizona Presidential Citation.
