Jerome Cateaux, senior architect at CHROFI, was born in Mauritius and graduated in architecture from the University of Sydney in 2006.
Cateaux has led key projects such as the Narrabeen House, Lizard Log Amenities & Events Pavilion. He is currently the project architect for the Lune de Sang, a private rural estate in the Byron Shire hinterland and the recently completed Stone House.
Architecture & design spoke to him about architecture in Mauritius, why he enjoys working in different typologies and his work with phenomenology.
Can you tell A&D about the approach Mauritius takes to architecture?
Mauritius is a small country but very ambitious in the way it wants to position itself as an example of progress on the African continent. In recent times we've seen rapid economical growth, which led to a mini boom in the building industry. With this influx of investment, Mauritius took the opportunity to embrace the global trend of sustainability. Being a small island with limited assets, sustainability seems to be the right approach. However, these efforts are still isolated and will need to be addressed at a broader scale.
You've been involved in several different projects. What has been your favourite project so far?
I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work on many interesting and rewarding projects. However, if I have to pick one out, it would be the Narrabeen House. Despite the challenging nature of the site and the budget constraints, we managed to come up with a strong planning strategy that resulted in an unexpected sequence of spatial layers. To later win the 2012 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum was a great testament to the excellent collaboration amongst the client, the builder and us.
Is there a sector you would like to specialise in?
At the moment I'm quite happy to work on different building typologies. The process of thinking and designing occur at different scales and this is what motivates me.
You have an interest in the phenomenological aspect of architecture. Can you explain what that is?
Phenomenology is a very broad topic but in essence it is the subjective study of human experience and how we perceive the world. The way we engage with a phenomenon might occur differently from one person to another. In my works I'm interested in designing spaces that allow the occurrence of a phenomenon or a very special moment in an architectural experience. The challenge then lies in how to create these architectural moments with enough intensity to trigger similar emotions and sensations in people.
Where does your interest in it come from?
In my last semester at university I stumbled across some publications on phenomenology that captured my interest straightaway. Since then it has remained a reoccurring theme in my approach to architecture.
Do you think architects design good relationships between people, buildings and the urban fabric?
The invention of cars and roads had a real negative impact on the way we experience the urban fabric. It will take some time to reconnect the people with the buildings and the urban fabric, but I believe there are already some positive signs that we're heading in the right direction.
Where would you like to be in five years time?
It's hard to say but I'd like to continue making a meaningful contribution to architecture and why not, even helping Mauritius with their sustainability aspirations.
