We sat down recently with Debowsky Design Group’s very own Jonathon Chang to talk about one of his architectural influences, Bjarke Ingels. 

Who is an architectural influence of yours?

Bjarke Ingels is the first person that jumps to my mind when I think of an architect who has influenced me over the years. 

Can you describe a specific work that has had a lasting impression on you and why?

The Heights School in Arlington, USA, had a profound impact on me because it exemplifies how simplicity on the macro scale can mask a depth of complexity at the micro level. The project’s clean, straightforward design initially appears modest but reveals a meticulous attention to detail and innovative functionality upon closer inspection. This interplay between the overarching form and intricate details demonstrates how thoughtful design can profoundly affect both the appearance and experience of a space. 

What is it about this architect that draws you to their work?

I am drawn to Bjarke Ingels’s work because of his remarkable ability to merge bold, radical expressionism with practical functionality. His designs not only present striking and unconventional forms but also seamlessly integrate functional spaces that enhance the user experience. Ingels’s architecture captivates me with its blend of simplicity and complexity, showing how innovative, expressive design can create impactful and meaningful spaces on multiple levels.  

How has this architect influenced your own approach to architecture or design?

Bjarke Ingles’s work has profoundly influenced my approach to design by blending elements of Japanese and Scandinavian architecture. His designs merge the clean, functional elegance of Scandinavian aesthetics with the minimalist and nature-integrated aspects of Japanese architecture. While his work incorporates aspects of Japandi, it also features bold, innovative forms that go beyond the restrained nature of this style. Ingels’s emphasis on expressive, dynamic design and seamless integration with nature has inspired me to be more experimental and expressive while maintaining a sense of humility in my own approach to architecture. His ability to fuse these diverse influences encourages me to explore and incorporate both Japanese and Scandinavian principles in a unique and impactful way. 

If there is one critique you have about this architect’s work, what would it be?

The principle of “form follows function,” coined by American architect Louis Sullivan, advocates that a building’s design should prioritize its intended use, with aesthetics evolving from its functional requirements. At times, Bjarke Ingels’s focus on radical, visually impactful forms has been critiqued for potentially compromising functionality or resulting in designs perceived as more gimmicky than practical. 

The tension between form and function is a significant discussion within the architectural community, reflecting the broader debate about balancing innovative aesthetics with functional utility in design. Nevertheless, Ingels’s work remains influential and has definitely inspired me, pushing me to explore new creative possibilities and think more expansively about the intersection of form and function in architecture. 

If you could collaborate with this architect on any project, what would you like to create?

If I had the opportunity to collaborate with Bjarke Ingels, I would propose designing a church with a striking, avant-garde form that remains warm and humble. The vision would be to create a space that stands out through bold, innovative design while fostering a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The church would blur the lines between exterior and interior, seamlessly integrating with nature to create a harmonious environment. This approach would reflect Ingels’s ability to blend dynamic forms with a welcoming, serene setting resulting in a visually compelling and spiritually nurturing space.