Rada Ruijter, Associate/Architect
The physical environment has a profound effect on people. I want to create spaces that feel right. Take, for example, our project Port de Pêche in Benin - a fishing harbour in West Africa, where the men go out to sea and the women trade the catch. We’re building a small community there, amidst the industrial workings of a harbour. More than ten buildings in total. A fish market, a police station, shops, a nursery, workshops and even a hotel. What defines us as a practice is that we understand what truly matters. In the fishing harbour, for instance, we pay special attention to all entrance points – the places where users come closest to the building. We designed unique tiles with patterns of fish and sea creatures, glazed for a beautiful effect. The entrance is slightly recessed, allowing people to stand in the shade. These kinds of choices make all the difference.