When asked what led her to study architecture, Charuca Pla (ARQ ’13) admits that she has been drawn to Schools since she was a child: “I remember how houses made me feel and my relationship with the material world,” she explains. That intuition and her fondness for the technical sciences led her to the School of Architecture the University of Navarra, an experience she recalls as “the bridge to a broader training .”
In this entrance Charuca shares her professional journey as one of the founders of Nuc Estudio, her vision of architecture, and the organic connection she maintains with design.
What do you remember about your years as a student?
I enjoyed the conceptual side of the projects and the time we could devote to research. College fosters a curiosity to learn new things, and that attitude led me to discover and delve deeper into disciplines such as photography, film, and anthropology.
What is Nuc Estudio's approach?
The term NUC is a Spanish adaptation of the English word “nook,” which means “corner.” Our projects specialize in residential architecture and home construction. We work on comprehensive projects that combine interior design with construction and architecture.
What sets you apart from other programs of study?
Our goal is to create architecture that accompanies the inhabitants of these spaces at any time of day and adapts to their changing moods. We focus on experimenting with spatial layout and the interplay of materials, textures, finishes, and colors; we like to call it “intermediate architecture”—a bridge between the built environment and objects.
How does design contribute design architecture, and vice versa?
It’s extremely important to view architecture and design , rather than as separate processes. It’s the combination of the two that shapes the experience of living in a space. Separating these two disciplines impoverishes the process, while integrating them enriches the final result.
What do you think the future of architecture will be?
Interior design is becoming increasingly prominent, and the role of the architect extends far beyond designing buildings. We also design spaces, objects, and much more.
Are there any leading figures in the industry?
Italian artist Vicenzo de Cotiis, Parisian architect Joseph Dirand, and Belgian designer Vicent Van Duysen are professionals who blend design architecture and inspire us every day.
