By: Maria Williams
Architect, Writer, and Photographer Darwin Harrison was raised on the plains of West Texas – an area renowned for its vast flatlands and a horizon that never seems to end. Although some find it daunting, the landscape is breathtaking with boundless ever-changing skies – picturesque sunrises and scenic sunsets. Over the years, Darwin has been both challenged and inspired by this region of his home state but aspires to realize its potential as a compelling artistic muse.
Darwin comments: “It takes a level of nuance to appreciate the ever-changing landscape that can change from crisp intense sunlight to sudden downpours of rain to windstorms with walls of brown dust and violent thunderstorms with the threat of tornadoes. Yet, it is this landscape that has informed my work. The immense scale of the environment can, at times, make you feel small in comparison, but at other times, it’s as if you’re at the center of the world.”
As for the vernacular structures of the region, many buildings are designed in a way that embodies their functional purpose and inspires Darwin to achieve this same level of functional clarity. As a natural designer and thought leader, Darwin combines his artistic vision with this same prioritization of function; ensuring his projects meet a client’s intentions while infusing them with his distinctive flair.
He continues: “West Texas has informed my designs by keeping me grounded. I like the expression of materials to be authentic and direct with no pretense. Current architecture is often very visual-based; it’s more about provoking an immediate reaction or gaining notoriety – so as a designer, I am faced with a common design dilemma of today – to design something simply to look at, to admire – or, more significantly, something to inhabit and look from the inside outward.”
When approaching this fundamental question, Darwin endeavors to create a portfolio of comfortable and humanized designs. His work seeks to move beyond mere concept into creating an experience, engaging with the senses as a whole and not just the eyes. With a focus on the real, tangible aspects of architecture, Darwin utilizes materials that possess a quality he describes as “true materiality.” This means that they express an innate character, something fundamental, natural and rich. Unlike faux materials, which imitate the appearance of something they are not, these materials have individual characteristics that Darwin believes are impossible to truly replicate.
Within the contemporary context, it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate the real from the inauthentic, but ‘true materials’ are recognizable by their ability to trigger a complex sensory response. Aside from the materials he uses, Darwin also considers the significance of natural light and acoustics when approaching any new project.
He adds: “Light and sound cannot be overlooked when planning the design of a truly engaging space. When we dine in a restaurant that’s brightly lit, crowded and noisy, it creates an entirely different ambiance than one with soft music and dim lighting. Taste and smell are harder to quantify and integrate but offer real potential as well. Of course, you cannot taste a building, but undoubtedly, the fragrance of a burning fire and the feeling of warmth that comes with it bring about an unquantifiable element of comfort.”
Darwin’s architecture is neither timid nor overbearing, it strives for an integrated presence within the landscape, in a way that is inviting and well-placed. Rather than appealing to those seeking instant gratification from visiting a domineering super-photogenic structure, Darwin prefers to create something people appreciate long-term and do not wish to leave behind.
The architect’s passion for photography complements his design abilities – helping him to observe the world through multiple lenses and seek out subtle and varied levels of appreciation. Discovering and capturing scenes that make good photographs, Darwin has developed the ability to find imagery that captivates people but offers more – exploring compositions of colors, textures, patterns, light and shadows that entice an emotive reaction. As a writer, Darwin has refined a keen eye for detail, making him more introspective in his approach, more fluid and evocative.
As he continues to express his multifaceted abilities through architecture, photography and written observation, Darwin Harrison encourages the re-evaluation of modern design, stressing a return to realness. He introduces a unique perspective on the evolution of this field while representing a body of work that transcends the visual and engages all of the senses.
Published by: Martin De Juan
