Interview with Gal·la
Interview with Gal·la
‘Creating experiences through architecture’
Photographed by Maria Bernat Astorga
Gal·la Alías Botifoll is a Artés-based architect whose main interests focus on ecological buildings, renewable resources, and the restoration of cultural heritage. With over 5 years of experience while working for 3 well-recognized Architect Signature Companies, Gal·la has worked on private and public buildings and spaces, with the goal of creating spaces where people can interact and live experiences while respecting natural habitats and resources.
1. You studied architecture and specialized in restoration. What moved you to decide that path in your life, and what made you realize that was your main interest?
I realized that my gaze was turning towards heritage recovery. Valuing the past is a challenge for the future.
2. Since you started working as an architect, you have worked on different projects: private and public places. What are your main interests, and why?
My interest is in improving people's lives. Then, I analyze how they use public spaces, what environmental conditions it gives them, and how we relate as a community. Once we enter the house, it is important that the lighting, environmental, and functional comfort conditions are maintained.
3. When you say you are interested in cultural heritage and the development of spaces that people can experience, how do you imagine it?
I imagine spaces that awaken your senses when you visit them. Let the gaze wander into the texture of the shadows of a wall that has lost its homogeneity. The sense of smell is surprised by the prominence of the vegetation in the humidity of the space. Feel the attraction of touching the noble materials, untreated. Perceive its temperature, touch, and aging. I think that going through past spaces can awaken more sensations that often go unnoticed in our perfectly finished white spaces.
4. How do you think your work and Aketekete’s story resonate?
Aketekete creates unique pieces that invite you to touch them, and to look at them. You are captivated by how the light passes through the different materials, textures, and objects, staining the wall with different shadows. I think that's what my architecture is about. To reinterpret the space and create experiences in it.
5. Tell us about your Aketekete choices for a day.
I would start with a comfortable basket, like a Bolo Basket with Black Diamond Pattern to go shopping for fruits and vegetables. Before coming home, for sure, I’d stop to drink coffee on the terrace. Then I would choose some of my very favorites, the Wenne Necklace in Peacock to go out with my friends, and the Butterfly Small in Natural, to carry the essentials.
6. Tips to live more responsibly within your environment?
Think about everything you need for each day. What consumes the most? It's probably food. Go out with your basket to buy them in bulk and locally. On the other hand, the space we live in, the air we breathe, is essential. Surround yourself with natural materials without chemical treatments, and ventilate the spaces. illuminate them with the color and intensity of the sunlight according to the time of day and thus bring the space closer to your biorhythm.
‘‘I don't know what awaits me in the future. I am clear that I want to be ready to face the new challenges that are proposed to me. So it is necessary to reinvent the profession towards sustainability, people's health, and their needs.’’
7. Personal achievements this year.
I moved and listened to my body when it asked me to. I also incorporated more vegetation into the house, and my latest purchases have been repurposed wood furniture.
8. Favorite city and favorite architectural infrastructure?
My favorite city is Girona. It preserves its old town between the river and the wall, it is ideal for walking. I couldn't choose one but I'm fascinated by the cover of Mercat de Santa Catarina in Barcelona. I think it is a very good intervention that promotes local life.
9. Where do you see yourself in the future?
I don't know what awaits me in the future. I am clear that I want to be ready to face the new challenges that are proposed to me. So it is necessary to reinvent the profession towards sustainability, people's health, and their needs.
Gal·la’s AKETEKETE Essentials
Bolo Basket with Diamond Pattern
€134.00
Wenne Necklace - New Colours Styles
from €100.00
Butterfly Bag Small Natural
Sale Price:€92.00 Original Price:€110.00
Taabi Baskets
from €48.00
