Scope on the Creative Factory: ZeroLogic: No detail too small and no ambition too large
ZeroLogic is Farhan Alibux (1981), a multi-faceted architect that loves the challenge of design and engineering. From the third floor of the Creative Factory he operates, ready to shape the world in his image.
A guy like you must be high on the wanted-list of big architectural companies.
I started out working for a large firm. I loved working together with so many different people, I loved the big assignments I got to be part of, but since I’m good with numbers, they wanted to make me an engineer only. An engineer has more of a one-track mind then an architect. I enjoy the challenge of looking at an assignment from all angles. I went to another big firm, and the same happened. I love the designing part too and I could never give that up. So that’s when I decided to start my own business and so far, it has been a good choice.
Sounds pretty logical to me, what about the name?
I was charmed by the word Logic. Because I always use a sense of intuition and emotion when I design, I realised that that was the complete opposite of logic. I am a combination of those two opposites, hence the name: ZeroLogic.
Does ZeroLogic have a signature design?
I prefer working with two or three shades of colour in one building. Black marble with white concrete and wood, for example. I like to work with contrasts, just like my company name. My designs will set opposing aesthetics against each other. This in return, when done right, will give exiting and inspiring designs.
You’re currently working on a mosque, how did that assignment come about?
It’s a funny thing. One day I received an email from someone I hadn't spoken to in a year. It was short and concise. The message read; 'Farhan, call me ASAP' And with his name and phone number he ended the e-mail. That e-mail started a chain of events that would enable me to become the architect of the mosque. My dad is a Muslim and my mom a Hindu. When the Muslim congregation that asked me for the design heard that I wasn’t a Muslim, they were a little perplexed. But because I grew up between two different religions, three if you also count my Catholic grade school, I understand worship better than other people. Believing in one religion polarises your personal perceptions and influences your view on the world. I don't believe in all-powerful deities, all I believe is that all humans are in essence the same with similar needs and goals. If we set aside our differences I believe we will in a prosperous and peaceful existence of mankind.
What assignment are you most proud of?
The mosque is the most fun assignment so far. I get to do everything from the start. I’m most proud the prestigious municipality building of The Hague I got to co-design. This was an assignment of 1,5 years. By the end of this year all work on the building will be finished.
What does the breeding ground you’re currently reside in have to offer you?
Freedom, mostly. I get to develop in any direction I desire. The atmosphere in the offices is less formal than it is in bigger firms. You get to venture into business directions you deem appropriate. I also find work connections here. I work with Karensa: an interior designer. She advices on the interior for buildings and I help her with technical questions.
Was it a financial setback to start your own business?
The pay stayed relatively the same, but the division of labour has changed. I think I work two days a week on administration, networking, getting new assignments and making sure people pay their invoices and three days on the actual designing.
The newspaper headlines this week said that it’s a grim future for architects because of the recession the coming few years. Do you have a tactic to battle it?
Ouch. I don’t, but I have low overhead costs. When you’re responsible for more people then yourself, you feel it hitting hard. It will be hard work, but I’m all up for it and small assignments keep my company going well. Besides, this gives me the opportunity to start the research for my PhD degree next year.
Who do you reckon deserves a spotlight on 2010lab.tv?
My neighbour in the Factory, Sylvia Delissen and her company Firestarter is absolutely worth getting to know. She makes new marketing concepts with a dose of guerrilla style advertisement. She definitely has my attention!
Related videos:
Related blogs:
Go to channels:
A guy like you must be high on the wanted-list of big architectural companies.
I started out working for a large firm. I loved working together with so many different people, I loved the big assignments I got to be part of, but since I’m good with numbers, they wanted to make me an engineer only. An engineer has more of a one-track mind then an architect. I enjoy the challenge of looking at an assignment from all angles. I went to another big firm, and the same happened. I love the designing part too and I could never give that up. So that’s when I decided to start my own business and so far, it has been a good choice.
Sounds pretty logical to me, what about the name?
I was charmed by the word Logic. Because I always use a sense of intuition and emotion when I design, I realised that that was the complete opposite of logic. I am a combination of those two opposites, hence the name: ZeroLogic.
Does ZeroLogic have a signature design?
I prefer working with two or three shades of colour in one building. Black marble with white concrete and wood, for example. I like to work with contrasts, just like my company name. My designs will set opposing aesthetics against each other. This in return, when done right, will give exiting and inspiring designs.
You’re currently working on a mosque, how did that assignment come about?
It’s a funny thing. One day I received an email from someone I hadn't spoken to in a year. It was short and concise. The message read; 'Farhan, call me ASAP' And with his name and phone number he ended the e-mail. That e-mail started a chain of events that would enable me to become the architect of the mosque. My dad is a Muslim and my mom a Hindu. When the Muslim congregation that asked me for the design heard that I wasn’t a Muslim, they were a little perplexed. But because I grew up between two different religions, three if you also count my Catholic grade school, I understand worship better than other people. Believing in one religion polarises your personal perceptions and influences your view on the world. I don't believe in all-powerful deities, all I believe is that all humans are in essence the same with similar needs and goals. If we set aside our differences I believe we will in a prosperous and peaceful existence of mankind.
What assignment are you most proud of?
The mosque is the most fun assignment so far. I get to do everything from the start. I’m most proud the prestigious municipality building of The Hague I got to co-design. This was an assignment of 1,5 years. By the end of this year all work on the building will be finished.
What does the breeding ground you’re currently reside in have to offer you?
Freedom, mostly. I get to develop in any direction I desire. The atmosphere in the offices is less formal than it is in bigger firms. You get to venture into business directions you deem appropriate. I also find work connections here. I work with Karensa: an interior designer. She advices on the interior for buildings and I help her with technical questions.
Was it a financial setback to start your own business?
The pay stayed relatively the same, but the division of labour has changed. I think I work two days a week on administration, networking, getting new assignments and making sure people pay their invoices and three days on the actual designing.
The newspaper headlines this week said that it’s a grim future for architects because of the recession the coming few years. Do you have a tactic to battle it?
Ouch. I don’t, but I have low overhead costs. When you’re responsible for more people then yourself, you feel it hitting hard. It will be hard work, but I’m all up for it and small assignments keep my company going well. Besides, this gives me the opportunity to start the research for my PhD degree next year.
Who do you reckon deserves a spotlight on 2010lab.tv?
My neighbour in the Factory, Sylvia Delissen and her company Firestarter is absolutely worth getting to know. She makes new marketing concepts with a dose of guerrilla style advertisement. She definitely has my attention!
Related videos:
Related blogs:
- Liefdesfotografie: for the love of it!
- Hélène Guenin Pt I: "There is not one set of condition to secure the development of creative quarters"
Go to channels:
Thu, 09.12.2010
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Capital of Culture 2001 and City Of Architecture 2007. The Dutch port city is not only one of the most important hubs of global economy - it also reflects symptomatically the urban challenges of our time.
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