Marco Kuo
I grew up
In Ontario.
Education
Master of Architecture candidate, 2024 / University of British Columbia
The Shape of Two Cities: New York, Paris Program, 2018 / Columbia GSAPP
Bachelor of Interior Design, 2017 / Toronto Metropolitan University (Previously Ryerson)
Notable accomplishments/awards
‘Field of Lines’ Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia 2021 (Architecture Installation) with Alessandra Cianchetta, Sonia Leimer and Stephanie Marie Bigelow
Why Measured?
For their reputation as an office being able to execute highly refined and tailored buildings. Another admirable character is their detailing and sensitivity to material choice and how one traverses space. There carefulness does not restrict their playfulness and curiosity, and given their attitude to being present in the design process from the start to the end, I believe there is a lot to learn from them.
Earliest architectural memory
Earliest pleasant architectural memory would be entering the Sagrada Família when I was a teenager… the colour, scale and detailing completely blew me away.
Favourite space
My living room, though I would say a rather comforting common space to escape from the public would be the bathroom. After seeing Sou Fujimoto ‘Transparent Toilets’ and Mark Wigley’s lecture on pipes, I’ve developed a new profound respect for ‘Spaces for Hygiene’.
A space that has affected me
The Centre Pompidou. Having resided in Paris for almost two years, seeing this project almost on a weekly basis completely changed what I expect from radical and challenging architecture.
Materials that excite me
The new possibilities of digitally fabricating, producing and, reusing wood products and scarps.
I’m influenced by
Any form of satire and critique.
When I’m not working you can find me
At the climbing wall or at the gym.
Go-to unit of measurement
Still thinking in imperial. Trying to shift to metric to see how my design will change.
Favourite object
My black cup. The colour and texture is super comforting.
On my playlist
FKA Twigs, Clippings, Death Grips and Carly Rae Jepsen.