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Architects Directory 2009

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Scot DiStefano Architect

USA

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

With his influences varying from poet E.E. Cummings, composer Vivaldi, artists Martin Puryear and Roberts Smithson, to a range of architects from Frank Lloyd Wright, Santiago Calatrava, Le Corbusier, Richard Meier, Antonio Gaudi, and Renzo Piano, as well as vernacular architecture in general, Scot DiStefano has an undeniably interesting portfolio. DiStefano is a sole practitioner, having founded his own business in 2000, after graduating from the University of Florida and gaining valuable experience at Dan C. Duckham Architects. His approach has been dubbed “organtech” architecture, as his design combines organic and high tech architecture, always respectful to nature and man’s basic desire for shelter.

THE HOUSE

Pyrangie House is not exactly a "prototype", as DiStefano finds the existence of a specific site and client crucial for every project, as the combined energies of the brief and the people involved always play an important role in the architectural process. In this specific design, the footprint was kept to a minimum, and the house was located in a vacant plot close to the architect's current residence. He designed it for himself as the client, using a number of ecological features, including passive lighting and ventilation, active solar harvesting, solar water heating and rainwater containment/reuse. The house’s shape – resembling folded wings – refers to a type of butterfly indigenous to the area, which lent its name to the structure.

THE FUTURE

Although usually favouring low-tech solutions over shiny new technologies, the architect incorporates technology in his designs with extra care: "I have observed that technology tends to create more problems than it solves," he explains. DiStefano would love to have the chance to build for people who would otherwise never see the positive impact good architecture can have. "Some call it 'affordable housing'. I think we should call it 'Affordable Architecture' and make it so," he says.