Arts - The art in architecture - The art in architecture

    I recently interviewed a creative architect: Gregory Carroll. Greg is quite an asset to Camden, with well with over two decades designing spaces to better our environment, his projects have excelled in their level of aesthetics and functionality. One of his current projects is the Northwind Lofts Building on N. 2nd St. and 26th and he will soon transform the space to lease to artists and other creative types. This is what Greg had to say about art and architecture:

    MA: What drew you into the field of architecture?

    GC: Honestly, I simply like to draw (no pun intended). The basic high school “Architectural Design” classes offered another version of artistic drawing. My interest in building design evolved from those early art classes.

    MA: How long have you been doing this?

    GC: Wow! I’ve been in the field of architecture for 25 years, with the last 16 years as owner of Xerxes Architects, here in the Twin Cities.

    MA: There are non-creative architects out there, clearly you are among the creative. How has art influenced the way you approach architecture?

    GC: I enjoy discussing architecture as sculpture. Whether we are viewing buildings from afar, or enjoying spaces by living in or passing through them, the physical experience of shapes and volumes affects us. As designers of buildings and spaces, we have the opportunity to create three dimensional “art.”

    MA: What’s your dream project? Why?

    GC: I enjoy working on a variety of building types, but a dream project would be one with the only design constraints coming from nature. An important aspect of architecture is the building’s relationship to its surroundings. Working with the power of the sun and the beauty of vegetation, water and views, create a unique project challenge, regardless of the building type.

    MA: Do you have any projects going on in the North side? Tell us a bit about one….

    GC: We are currently working on three renovation projects in North Minneapolis. The project closest to Camden is a 50,000 square foot, 100 year old, brick warehouse originally home to a window and door manufacturer. Coincidentally, the goal of the building owner is to renovate the exterior and common areas and offer rental space for “creative” tenants such as artists, photographer, and maybe even architects.

    MA: Why is creative architecture so important from your point of view?

    GC: Architecture is designing shelter for people and objects. It must be affordable, functional and logical, but if we as designers don’t at least attempt to add creativity and fun to our projects, then we are doing a disservice to our clients. All clients deserve better landscapes, workplaces, social spaces, factories and warehouses.

    MA: You’re a Northside resident; do you ever plan to have your firm in the North side?

    GC: Our projects are located in both St. Paul and Minneapolis, so we’ve chosen to locate the current studio in the Midway area. I like what is happening with the current development along the river of North Minneapolis. A future studio in that area is certainly a possibility.