REMAINING IN THE SPACES WE BUILD: A CONVERSATION WITH MARIAM ISSOUFOU

Interview by Bobby Trendz

Words by Jacob Washington

Photography by Brandon Battle

When it comes to the creation of the spaces we live and exist in, what does it take for one to have an idea and bring it to life? Is there a protocol? What remains with a person from project to project, and what allows that person to hold weight in the field for decades to come?


For Architect Mariam Issoufou, to remain in the world-building space means returning to her own childhood. When you’re bored as a child, the only thing that satisfies that itch is your imagination. To not accept anything. To question everything.


While Issoufou sought an end to her boredom as a child, her solution was just under her own feet.

The earth was Issoufou’s first canvas. Her equipment? Her hands. Her medium? The sand.


This problem-solving mindset stuck with Issoufou as she continues to ask herself the same question, whether it’s being tasked with creating the intimate design space at Gourmega in West Village or climate-controlled housing that spans miles in the United Arab Emirates.


AoD’s Editor-In-Chief, Bobby Trendz, sat down with award-winning architect Mariam Issoufou for a discussion on design, purpose, and philosophy when it comes to her projects, most recently, Gourmega in West Village. 

What began as a typical afternoon in May grew into a conversation on origin, tact, process, and philosophy. For the Niger-born architect, design does not simply exist in a vacuum. It’s a response.


A response to the circumstances presented to oneself by the external world.

An answer developed through historical research.

A solution uncovered by technique. 

For Issoufou and her team, resonating with a space all stems from feeling. What is the point of appealing to one’s sense of sight if it doesn’t feel “right” to the people it was designed for. 


We joined Issoufou in her spacious NYC office mid-day as she assigned tasks to her team. The office itself was filled with natural light that bounced off the white walls and centered by a plush sofa and loveseat combination. The walls were covered by pictures and drawings of both prior and current work. And a bookshelf, home to not just books but miniatures that lay sibling to much bigger projects.


AoD simply had one task on our hands at the moment: To identify whom Mariam is and decipher how we can best translate her design philosophy to our audience.


But as the conversation unfolded, we realized that very moment was exactly what we believe everyone needed to hear. 

Continue reading in print

Issue 004

The full story continues in this limited print edition.

Buy the print issue

Credits

PRODUCTION

Interview by

Bobby Trendz

Words by

Jacob Washington

Photography by

Brandon Battle

$45

Get Issue 004 Here

$45

Get Issue 004 Here

ART.DESIGN.CULTURE.INTENTION.

ART.DESIGN.CULTURE.INTENTION.

ART.DESIGN.CULTURE.INTENTION.

REMAINING IN THE SPACES WE BUILD: A CONVERSATION WITH MARIAM ISSOUFOU

Interview by Bobby Trendz

Words by Jacob Washington

Photography by Brandon Battle

When it comes to the creation of the spaces we live and exist in, what does it take for one to have an idea and bring it to life? Is there a protocol? What remains with a person from project to project, and what allows that person to hold weight in the field for decades to come?


For Architect Mariam Issoufou, to remain in the world-building space means returning to her own childhood. When you’re bored as a child, the only thing that satisfies that itch is your imagination. To not accept anything. To question everything.


While Issoufou sought an end to her boredom as a child, her solution was just under her own feet.

The earth was Issoufou’s first canvas. Her equipment? Her hands. Her medium? The sand.


This problem-solving mindset stuck with Issoufou as she continues to ask herself the same question, whether it’s being tasked with creating the intimate design space at Gourmega in West Village or climate-controlled housing that spans miles in the United Arab Emirates.


AoD’s Editor-In-Chief, Bobby Trendz, sat down with award-winning architect Mariam Issoufou for a discussion on design, purpose, and philosophy when it comes to her projects, most recently, Gourmega in West Village. 

What began as a typical afternoon in May grew into a conversation on origin, tact, process, and philosophy. For the Niger-born architect, design does not simply exist in a vacuum. It’s a response.


A response to the circumstances presented to oneself by the external world.

An answer developed through historical research.

A solution uncovered by technique. 

For Issoufou and her team, resonating with a space all stems from feeling. What is the point of appealing to one’s sense of sight if it doesn’t feel “right” to the people it was designed for. 


We joined Issoufou in her spacious NYC office mid-day as she assigned tasks to her team. The office itself was filled with natural light that bounced off the white walls and centered by a plush sofa and loveseat combination. The walls were covered by pictures and drawings of both prior and current work. And a bookshelf, home to not just books but miniatures that lay sibling to much bigger projects.


AoD simply had one task on our hands at the moment: To identify whom Mariam is and decipher how we can best translate her design philosophy to our audience.


But as the conversation unfolded, we realized that very moment was exactly what we believe everyone needed to hear. 

Continue reading in print

Issue 004

The full story continues in this limited print edition.

Buy the print issue

Credits

PRODUCTION

Interview by

Bobby Trendz

Words by

Jacob Washington

Photography by

Brandon Battle

$45

Get Issue 004 Here

$45

Get Issue 004 Here

ART.DESIGN.CULTURE.INTENTION.

ART.DESIGN.CULTURE.INTENTION.

ART.DESIGN.CULTURE.INTENTION.