Through January 2024, the exhibition “Sommet: Structure, Precision, and Detail” will be on display at the Bisman Ediciones Architecture Gallery and Residence, located in the “Casa de Estudios para artistas” by Antonio Bonet, Horacio Vera Barros, and Abel López Chas in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. Through plans and models, Sommet architecture studio showcases work defined by simplicity, understatement, and high construction quality.
Organized by Bisman Ediciones and supported by the College of Architects of Bolivia (CAB), the College of Architects of Santa Cruz (CASCZ), and its International Architecture Biennial (BASC), the exhibition is sponsored by IDERO Arquitectura and Saint-Gobain. Sommet was founded in 2008 by Sebastián Fernández de Córdova, Mariano Donoso Rea, and Erika Peinado, and is based in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Sebastián and Erika completed their initial training in Bolivia and pursued further studies in Spain before returning to establish the firm in their home country. Having studied at the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB), they embraced 20th-century aesthetic principles and committed themselves to built architecture.
The architects present an exhibition showcasing plans, construction details, and models of four of their recent residential projects. The show features no photography, adhering to the curatorial guidelines for the Ibero-American architects program established by the Bisman Ediciones Gallery—an approach previously taken by Josep Ferrando in his show “La trama infinita” and Nicolás Campodónico in “Muros”.
The studio's vision focuses on creating simple, functional architecture, free of superfluous elements and composed of rationally and fluidly distributed spaces. Form is presented as an unambiguous manifestation of structure, harmoniously integrating the interior and exterior. Materiality and details take center stage, adding character and depth to the design.
The grid is a central component of their approach, playing a critical role in the layout of the structural system. Integrated into the design, it facilitates wall placement, guides glazing modulation, and directs furniture layout, which in turn affects lighting. Moreover, as Sommet notes, the grid serves as a core element that establishes order and definition in every project. This modular framework becomes the skeleton upon which the functional layout and the spatial and formal expression of the building are woven, while simultaneously integrating all components of the project.
In the words of the architects, “Architecture goes far beyond being simply a visual expression; it represents the very essence of construction and stands at the intersection of creativity and technique. In each of our projects, we approach both the formal aspect and the spatial layout with precision, always considering the underlying structural system as the fundamental pillar that guides our approach.” Contributing to the promotion and visibility of architectural practices in Bolivia, the exhibition features models and documentation for the following works: Casa VB, Casa A, Casa F, and Casa G.
The Bisman Ediciones Gallery is sponsored, supported, or partnered by the following institutions: Pan-American Federation of Architects' Associations (FPAA) / MAPA Network; Association of Architects of Catalonia (COAC) / Open Center of Architecture; Embassy of Spain in Argentina / Cultural Center of Spain in Buenos Aires; Heritage Operations Department, Ministry of Culture, Government of the City of Buenos Aires; Professional Council of Architecture and Urbanism (CPAU); Institute of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of San Martín (IA-UNSAM); School of Architecture and Design of the University of Morón (ESAD-UM); Model Museum (FADU-UBA); Tejido Urbano Foundation; IDA Foundation; Moderna Buenos Aires, and Open House Buenos Aires.
This article was written by Agustina Iñiguez. The translation is powered by AI.
