The LuxuryLab Award 2024 will be awarded to the renowned Mexican architect Fernanda Canales, in recognition of her outstanding work in the implementation of civic spaces in northern Mexico. Canales has demonstrated an innovative vision and unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development, creating spaces that not only beautify cities but also promote social integration and community well-being. Her work has transformed previously neglected areas into vibrant and accessible centers, providing citizens with places to gather, interact, and participate in public life.
Fernanda Canales’ work in northern Mexico is characterized by her focus on participatory architecture, involving local communities in the design and construction of these civic spaces. Her ability to listen to and understand people’s needs has resulted in projects that reflect local identity and culture while promoting environmental sustainability. This award not only celebrates her talent and dedication but also highlights the importance of creating inclusive and resilient urban spaces, which are essential for the social and economic development of the region.
Doctora Cum Laude en Arquitectura por la Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM), con Maestría de la Universidad Politécnica de Barcelona (UPC), y Arquitecta por la Universidad Iberoamericana de la Ciudad de México (UIA). Ha recibido reconocimientos como el premio Emerging Voices del Architectural League of New York y fue elegida por la revista Domus como una de las cien mejores firmas de arquitectura en el mundo. Su trabajo ha sido expuesto en el Royal Academy of the Arts en Londres, en ifa Gallery en Stuttgart y en la Bienal de Venecia.
“Luxury is such a subjective subject. Everything fits into it, from beluga caviar, to the please of not having to do a thing or, in some cases, having clean water 24 hours a day.” However, visually, luxury is understood as something that represents design and refinement at its peak. This trophy seeks to express a sense of proud opulence in its intimate combination of metals. The sobriety of silver combined with flashes of gold, projected at the slightest movement. «I am very proud to have been invited for the second time, to design such a prestigious award that celebrates a career in the service of what is well done, excellence and unusual qualities that represent luxury for me.»
If the first time I designed this tribute was at the hands of Mexican silversmiths, this time I gave free rein to the imagination from the magnificent workshops of St James in Brazil, under the watchful eye of the team of artisans and goldsmiths who worked to give life to some restless lines that I drew on paper. The sculpture reflects an intimate relationship with a certain lavishness, an essence of luxury. Their touching, unified, parallel lines in direction coincide with a phrase coined by Leonardo da Vinci: «Simplicity is the utmost sophistication». This trophy celebrates luxury as a lifestyle, as a tradition with vision or a unique and unrepeatable experience.”
Co-founded in 1984 by brothers Fernando (1961-2022) and Humberto (1953) Campana, the Campana studio has achieved international recognition for its furniture design and intriguing pieces. In 2024, the studio celebrateS its 40th anniversary acknowledged as a pioneer of disruptive design, which led them to create a groundbreaking language in their field. Deeply rooted in Brazilian culture and traditions, their work carries universal values at its core, such as freedom and human dignity, creating their identity through life experiences. By incorporating the idea of transformation and reinvention, their creative process raises everyday materials to nobility. Brazilian characteristics – such as the abundance of colors, mixtures, and creative chaos – bring the triumph of simple solutions, poetically. Based in São Paulo, Campana is constantly investigating new possibilities within Design: from furniture making to architecture, landscaping, fashion, scenography, and more. Bridging disciplines and encouraging the exchange of expertise among communities and artists are vital sources of inspiration, fresh repertoire, and free-thinking. Working with multiple brands and industries allows them to combine the best of craftsmanship, sustainable production practices and state-of-the-art technologies.
In 2002, Campana started crafting its line of limited editions and unique pieces, handmade at the studio in Sao Paulo. These special editions are represented by international galleries, including Friedman Benda in New York, Carpenters Workshop Gallery in London and San Francisco, Galleria Giustini/Stagetti in Rome, and Firma Casa in Sao Paulo, as well as Luciana Brito Galeria, which started representing Campana in Brazil in 2022. Campana pieces are part of permanent collections of renowned cultural institutions such as Centre Pompidou and the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, MoMa, New York, Museum of Modern Art of Sao Paulo and Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein. The Campana Brothers are currently listed as one of the world’s top iconic architects at Interni (2018). In 2015 and 2014 Wallpaper ranked them, respectively, among the 100 most important and 200 greatest design professionals. In 2013, they were listed by Forbes magazine among the 100 most influential Brazilian personalities.
In 2009, Instituto Campana was founded to preserve their ever-growing collection for future generations and to promote design as a tool for social transformation through cultural and educational programs.
In 2022, Humberto Campana received the Honorary Doctorate title from the University of the Arts London, UK, as well as the University of Córdoba, Argentina, for his outstanding contribution to the creative industries. In 2012, Fernando and Humberto Campana received the Colbert Committee Award in Paris; honored by Design Week in Beijing; received the Order of Cultural Merit in Brasilia, and were awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture, and elected Designers of the Year by Maison & Objet de Paris. In 2008, they received the Design/Miami Designer of the Year award.
Regrettably, on November 16, 2022, Fernando Campana passed away at the age of 61. In Humberto’s words: “My relationship with Fernando has always been and continues to be transcendental, on another level. Our connection from the moment of his birth until his departure only reinforces that his physical presence was just a brief meeting of souls on this planet, and it is my mission to continue telling our stories and proposing new ways of living
life.”
Determined to honor his brother’s legacy and the projects they traced together, Humberto Campana remains firmly committed to continuing with future plans for the expansion of activities, including the partial inauguration of Parque Campana in June of 2024, an outdoor venue comprising twelve green pavilions that aims to joining art, science and education.