Rafael de Cárdenas’ career is surveyed in a new book

Rafael de Cárdenas, founder of New York City's Architecture at Large, has his career surveyed in a new book

(Image credit: TBC)

last updated 17 September 2022

Rafael de Cárdenas was working as a fashion designer for Calvin Klein when, seduced by the architecture of the newly-opened Guggenheim Bilbao, he decided to retrain. He founded his multidisciplinary practice Architecture at Large in New York in 2006 and spent the following decade working on everything from architecture to consulting and brand development.

A new book surveys the architect’s career, chronicling over ten years of creative work, including Miami’s Wynwood Building, a gallery space for Demisch Danant, and pop-up interiors for Nike. The Patrick Li-designed tome paints a perfect picture of de Cárdenas’ geographical and aesthetic reach.

Four chapters are divided thematically examining projects by de Cárdenas in high resolution, including his bold interior designs and homes in Manhattan. The presentation of the images, with folding out spreads to maximize impact, communicates in two dimensions the impression of walking into a multi-dimensional de Cárdenas-designed environment, while essays by Felix Burrichter, of PIN-UP magazine, and John Miller, New York and Berlin-based artist, writer, and musician, uncover narratives and open up new ways of interpreting the work of de Cárdenas.

A version of this originally featured in the November 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*224)

new book in high resolution — The book presents images of de Cárdenas' work in high resolution, with folding spreads to maximise impact

ten years work — It chronicles over ten years of de Cárdenas' work at Architecture at Large

The tome is designed by fashion director Patrick Li, who paints a perfect picture of de Cárdenas' career

Featured works include Miami's Wynwood Building, a gallery space for Demisch Danant, and pop-up interiors for Nike

architecture, consultation and brand development

The book covers Architecture at Large's key practices - architecture, consultation and brand development - with lavish accompanying images

(Image credit: TBC)

De Cárdenas has had a truly geographical and aesthetic reach throughout the last decade

INFORMATION

Rafael de Cárdenas/Architecture at Large, $80, published by Rizzoli (opens in new tab). For more information, visit the Architecture at Large website (opens in new tab)

TOPICS

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.