The name of my office, ANTARCTIC, unites my first name and my profession: Antoine-architect. With a name like that, one is easily led to think of Antarctica, the South Pole. That is no coincidence. The name includes its opposite, the North Pole: Ant-Arctica. A duality which agrees with my principal working method. In my work, I like to start out from contrasts. They create a tension and ambiguity within any architectonical design. Think of opposites like transparent-opaque, warm-cold, light-dark, open-closed and clear cut-labyrinthic.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/antoine-pasfoto-1.jpg
In designing a building, an interior, or formulating the solution to an urban planning problem, I prefer to work conceptually. Of course, that is the job of every architect, but in my case I am always trying to narrow down the problem to one decisive idea. One concept that could translate the essence of an assignment in one clear construct. Furthermore, I believe in the power of simplicity. As the cliché goes: mastership is in limitation. Or, to quote a colleague more famous than myself: less is more.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-2.jpg
My attitude towards the architectural problem is different. The more complex, the better, that’s my motto. More complexity only increases the architectural challenge. In short: architecture to me is the search of a simple and elegant solution to a complex architectural problem. But the result should not only solve the problem, it should also surprise and show imagination and courage. If I have a ‘method’ at all, it is to work conceptually without any dogmatic limitations. Analytical, free, with the device: nothing is impossible.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-3.jpg

Analytical

A project is investigated out of different perspectives. A thorough analyze is seen as basis for a good design.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-4.jpg

Clear

From a huge amount of information, a clear concept is distilled. A concept which can be made clear by one gesture.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-5.jpg

Unique

Among all physical aspects as urban regulations, program etc. also personality and specific wishes of the commissioner are an important factor in the total design process. From all these factors and influences a building arises with a strong identity: unique due to the location, unique thanks to our commissioner.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-6.jpg

New

New Constructions are being designed in close connection with the concept. The concept is seen as a start-up and as a challenge. The materialization supports the concept and reacts on the location. There is a thorough search for new applications in material.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-7.jpg

Concept & Detail

The smallest detail will support the total concept. The total concept will be influenced by the smallest detail.
https://www.antarctic.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-8.jpg