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SERIEN LEHRJAHRE BEI ... • WORKING AT ...

a treasure trove. A large staircase leads to the first floor, where the architecture firm has
around 40 workstations. There is also a model-building workshop and a large terrace
for lunch breaks. Team meetings take place weekly. The senior architects, with whom
the interns work directly, have an overview of the projects, their progress and deadlines.
During my time at EMBT, there were about seven of us interns – all from different countries.

r EMBT projects are very much inspired by the context and radiate a special joie de
vivre. How do you approach tasks in the office?
Working models and collages play a special role in the design process. They are used
to develop ideas, to test them and as a basis for communication. At the beginning of
a project, the employees spend some time in the model-building workshop. During my
internship, I worked on five competitions, all very different in their function and scale.
The projects ranged from an urban development measure in the small Bavarian town of
Iphofen, to museums and a stadium, to a 1,000-hectare master plan in Mongolia. We were
particularly pleased with the two first places in the competition for Shengshang Island in
China, in which I was allowed to participate. EMBT has several ongoing projects in China
and also regularly participates in competitions there. Without the office in China, this
would probably not be possible. The design, plans and booklet are created in Barcelona.

r What have been the most important experiences you have gained overall?
I will always remember the freedom with which the office designs, the respect for the
location and the belief that a great deal is possible! The office is very open to new impulses.
At the beginning of a project, work is carried out on many different ideas, where there are
no taboos in terms of form and design. As the design progresses, certain ideas emerge as
more suitable. EMBT designs with the motivation of developing an especially good project.
Winning a competition is not the ultimate goal. The team proposes what it perceives as
being right and important for the location!

r Benedetta Tagliabue travels a lot, gives lectures and is a member of juries. How
present is she in the office and what role does she play in the design process?
Benedetta is in the office several times a week and is therefore very present in the office
routine. She is in close contact with the project managers regarding the progress of the
respective projects and, of course, the design itself. Even though she travels a lot and has
many meetings, she spontaneously takes part in team meetings and always has a pencil
at hand to intervene directly in the design process.

Foto: Marcela Grassi r Successful architecture firms led by women are still the exception. What were you
able to learn in this regard from Benedetta Tagliabue?
The classic office structure at EMBT leaves no doubt about the importance, responsibility,

a successful woman as a boss is very inspiring. Role models like her are extremely helpful
Auch eines von Lisas Lieblingsprojekten: Nutura Pavillon ... • Also one of Lisa‘s favourite projects: Nutura Pavilion ... authority and influence that Benedetta has as co-founder and director of the office. Having
and motivating for young female architects like me but I also hope that criteria such as
... im Auftrag von Roca für den Salone del Mobile (2023) • ... commissioned by Roca for Il Salone del Mobile (2023) “female” will no longer make a difference in the future and will be replaced by “inspiring”,
for example. Benedetta has managed to create a place with a very special atmosphere.
Benedetta’s very brief but often direct feedback on my work was motivating and inspiring,
coupled with a lot of freedom in the work process.

r In 2011, after the sudden death of Enric Miralles (1955-2000), Benedetta Tagliabue
founded the Enric Miralles Foundation. What is the purpose of this?
The Enric Miralles Foundation has set itself the goal of promoting experimental architecture
in the spirit of Enric Miralles, Benedetta’s former office partner and husband. Exhibitions,
lectures and workshops are held here on a regular basis.

r What are your favourite places in Barcelona? And what makes the quality of life in
this Mediterranean city so special in your opinion?
Barcelona is a city with a lot of history, extremely lively, loud and sometimes a little
improvised. One of my favourite places is the harbour, where I spent many lunch breaks.
In Barcelona, you live outside all year round – in the bars, on the streets and in the parks.
While the beach is also attractive for locals during the hot season, the barbecue sites in
are the main attraction in winter. I would definitely recommend such a great experience
Foto: Marcela Grassi abroad to architecture students! Having the courage to do an internship in a foreign
language and culture is personally and professionally empowering. I am very grateful to
have had the opportunity to work at EMBT and gain so much experience there!

046 • AIT 12.2024