theory

The concept of ‘Group Form’ encapsulates a design philosophy influenced by Fumihiko Maki’s manifesto on Collective Form, who was a major member of the Metabolist Movement. This principle suggests that the form of the group transcends the composition of individual parts, fostering a dynamic, articulated system that is not a static, rigid object but an adaptive, living structure. As in biology, where the cells have shorter life cycles than the organism itself, our approach is to design forms that are open ended, relevant within today’s globally dynamic cultural ecosystem of individual and collective expression.

Our vision of architecture transcends aesthetics—what we aim for is a “meta aesthetic” order with structures that encourage societal engagement and connect with a collective context, from local to global scale. We strive to achieve a dynamic equilibrium within our cultural and institutional heritage, aiming to expose and counteract to the subtle cultural disruption often recognized in our built environment, and to offer solutions where
many practitioners may hesitate to intervene.

Group Form is an architectural practice focused on making powerful statements through subtle design gestures. In an era where architecture leans toward spectacles of extreme expression, we pursue authenticity that resonates within the humbling understanding of space, time, and context. Our mission is to reclaim and elevate our shared cultural artifacts, reestablishing their relevance within a contemporary cultural framework.

Group Form does not seek recognition through differentiation of new innovative designs but seeks connection with, and a deeper understanding of, the history of cultures and societies and individuals. Group Form aims to set as a main aesthetic value of creation not simply eye-pleasing design or unique design schemas, but a cultural and terrestrial awareness of materials, methods and symbols. To achieve this goal, we focus on the
awareness and recognition of distinct modes of habitations following humanity’s cultural and technological evolution.

Group Form supports that the integration rather than the preservation of different modes of habitation in real life, can reshape the human ecosystem with more versatility and finally help us regain resilience but also a rich and multilayered human civilization. Group Form is all about purism of distinct theses of life. To succeed we must first establish a foundation that will allow us to reclaim and revitalize parts of a forgotten pluralistic world.

Group Form is an office that works with respect to tradition and the contemporary status quo. As societies we have transitioned -largerly through media culture- to an a-chronic view of history or perhaps this is simply just a comfortable stage in our cultural evolution. In any case we constantly hit against our cultural past, again and again in all types of situations. To move on we, as societies and architects, have to open the closet of our
cultural history and interact with it, or move beyond it.

Group Form practices an architecture of long-lasting structures, that can withstand in a chaotic machine of cultural production and consumption.