Bryan Young on the Dominican Republic and Artistic Inspirations
Exploring the intersection of architecture and art through Bryan Young’s inspirations.
1The Roots of Architectural Interest
Bryan Young developed an interest in architecture while growing up in Los Angeles. The works of Louis Kahn became a turning point for him. Young studied architecture at UC Berkeley and completed his education at Harvard Graduate School of Design. During this time, he developed a focus on materiality and unique fabrication techniques.
2The Art of Alexander Girard
Bryan Young drew significant inspiration from Alexander Girard’s 1972 piece ‘Blue Triangles.’ This artwork shaped the tiling strategy used in Young’s Glitch House project in the Dominican Republic. The optical effects and geometric details of the piece offered a new perspective in architectural design.
3Van Gogh’s Roses
Young displays Raina Lee’s ceramic piece inspired by Van Gogh’s ‘Roses’ in his Brooklyn home. This piece revives the original painting’s color while captivating with the depth created by the ceramic glaze. Lee’s unique techniques showcase the fusion of art and craft.
4Childhood Memories
Young’s childhood memories play a significant role in his designs. The parrot figurine inherited from his grandmother and Kenner’s Millennium Falcon toy illustrate how nostalgia and pop culture can be integrated into architecture. These objects fuel Young’s passion for collecting and storytelling.
5Project in the Dominican Republic
Young Projects’ Playa Grande project in the Dominican Republic aims for architecture in harmony with nature. The project features a roof that mimics the dynamic geometry of the forest. The main house engages in a dialogue with the surrounding ficus tree, offering a design that integrates with nature.
6Concert Experiences
Young attended his first post-pandemic concert with The Flaming Lips at Brooklyn Steel. This experience reminded people of their desire to come together. In the following years, Young watched performances by artists like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Bob Dylan, discovering the connection between music and architecture.
7Material Exploration
Young Projects is known for unique fabrication techniques like growing crystals and hand-pulling plaster. These techniques reveal the potential of materials while giving designs a distinctive character. Young collaborates with artisans to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
8VERSO Gallery
In 2002, Young co-founded VERSO, a design gallery in Tribeca, with Amauri Aguiar. The gallery hosts a collection of bespoke furniture and art pieces. VERSO stands out as a platform at the intersection of design and art.
9The Future of Architecture
Bryan Young’s work demonstrates that architecture can be not only functional but also an emotional and artistic experience. Designs in harmony with nature and material exploration offer hope for the future of architecture.