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Big L E X - Shaping Spaces, Creating Stories

Designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati

Jul 04, 2025
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Designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati

Have you ever stopped to think about how the places we inhabit, the structures that surround us, truly come to be? It's almost as if some of them just appear, fully formed, yet behind every remarkable building or thoughtful public area lies a story of growth, a vision, and a whole lot of creative thinking. This is particularly true for certain groups who have, in a way, developed naturally over a good many years, moving from a single person's idea to a large collective of hundreds, making a real impact on our built surroundings.

What we're looking at here is a journey of expansion, a sort of blossoming from humble beginnings into a significant presence in the world of design and building. This group, known for its creative approach, has, in some respects, been on a steady climb, adding more and more talented individuals to its ranks. They've gone through a pretty big change recently, something they call a "big leap," which shows their commitment to always moving forward and finding new ways to approach their work, which is quite inspiring to see.

This transformation suggests a renewed focus on how they bring together different elements, from the wide-open spaces of the outdoors to the very smallest details inside a building. It's about blending various fields, like figuring out how land should look, making sure things are sound from an engineering point of view, crafting buildings, planning whole areas, and even designing everyday items. This comprehensive approach means they consider everything, from the big picture down to the little things, which is what makes their work stand out, you know?

Table of Contents

The Story of Big - A Journey of Growth

The story of Big, the group behind many fascinating structures and plans, is a pretty remarkable one, actually. It began with just one person, a founder with a strong idea, and over a couple of decades, it grew in a very natural way. It wasn't about sudden, explosive growth, but more like a plant slowly but surely putting down roots and spreading its branches. This development saw the group expand from that single visionary to what felt like a close-knit group, almost like a family, working together to bring ideas to life.

Over time, that family grew larger, reaching a point where it became a significant force, a collection of seven hundred talented individuals. That's a lot of people, all contributing their skills and insights. This kind of expansion means a wealth of perspectives and abilities come together, allowing for a broader range of projects and a deeper level of creative problem-solving. It's a testament to the initial vision and the way the group has managed to keep its core values while getting bigger and bigger, you know?

This journey from a small beginning to a large, influential team shows a steady commitment to their craft. It speaks to a culture that encourages collaboration and allows ideas to develop and mature over many years. When you have so many people working in harmony, bringing different kinds of expertise to the table, the possibilities for what can be achieved really open up. It's quite something to see how far they've come, really.

Key Facts About Big's Evolution

Founding StageBegan with a single founder's vision.
Early GrowthDeveloped into a collaborative, family-like group.
Current ScaleExpanded to a collective of 700 individuals.
Recent ChangeUnderwent a significant transformation called "the big leap."
Core FocusIntegrates landscape, engineering, architecture, planning, and products.

What is the Big Leap for Big L E X?

So, what exactly is this "big leap" that Big has recently taken? It sounds like more than just a simple change; it's a significant moment for the group, representing their most recent step forward. This kind of transformation often means a shift in how they work, what they prioritize, or even the types of challenges they are ready to tackle. It suggests a new level of ambition and a fresh way of looking at their ongoing work, perhaps even how they approach the core ideas of design and building.

A "big leap" can mean many things for a group like this. It could involve adopting new ways of thinking about how spaces affect people, or perhaps a stronger focus on making their projects fit even more seamlessly into their surroundings. It might also mean bringing their different areas of expertise – like landscape design and engineering – even closer together, creating projects that are truly integrated from the ground up. This sort of change typically means a lot of thought has gone into how they can continue to improve and innovate, which is pretty exciting, you know?

This latest transformation is probably about making their process even more thoughtful and connected. It's about moving beyond just creating structures and instead focusing on crafting experiences and environments that genuinely work for people and the places they are in. It's a forward-looking move, a way of ensuring they remain at the forefront of their field, always finding better ways to shape the world around us. It's a statement about their ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries, that's what it is.

How Does Big Approach Design for Big L E X?

When it comes to how Big approaches design, there's a clear emphasis on looking at the whole picture. They don't just focus on one aspect; instead, they bring together several different fields, which is a bit like having a team of specialists all working on the same puzzle. This includes figuring out how outdoor areas should be arranged, making sure structures are sound from an engineering point of view, designing the actual buildings, planning how whole neighborhoods or areas will function, and even creating everyday items. This wide range of skills means they can tackle projects of almost any scale, from a small object to a large urban plan, you know?

This comprehensive way of working allows them to create projects that feel complete and well-thought-out. For instance, when they consider a new building, they're not just thinking about its walls and roof. They're also thinking about how it fits into the surrounding land, how people will move through it, and even the smaller things that people will touch and use every day. This kind of integrated thinking helps ensure that everything works together in a harmonious way, making the final result much more cohesive and user-friendly, which is actually quite important.

Their method seems to be about understanding all the pieces of a project and how they connect. It's about seeing the bigger system, whether it's a piece of land, a building, or a product, and then figuring out how to make each part contribute to the overall goal. This means their designs often feel very considered, with every element playing a part in the overall experience. It's a pretty smart way to go about things, really.

The Randselva River Project - A Case Study for Big L E X

One good example of Big's approach can be seen in their work on a project involving the Randselva river. After spending a good amount of time carefully looking at the site, they came up with a plan for a structure that was both simple and artistic. This building was meant to go across the river, serving a very specific purpose: to bring the entire area together and create an easy path for people to experience art continuously. It's a rather thoughtful way to use architecture to connect different parts of a place, isn't it?

Their idea for this building was to make it feel like it belonged right there. They wanted it to be a natural extension of the surroundings, rather than something that felt out of place. The building itself was described as "sculptural," meaning it was designed to look like a piece of art, blending form and function. This focus on both practicality and beauty is a hallmark of their work, showing how they aim to make structures that are not just useful but also contribute to the visual appeal of an area. It's a pretty neat concept, honestly.

The aim was also to make it easy for people to move through the area and enjoy a continuous display of art. This means the building wasn't just a static object but an active part of a larger experience, guiding visitors along a path. This kind of design thinking, where the building itself helps shape how people interact with a space and its contents, shows a deep understanding of human movement and engagement. It's about creating a flow, a natural progression, that makes the whole visit more enjoyable, you know?

What Makes a Building Feel Like It Belongs?

So, what exactly makes a building feel like it truly belongs in its spot? Big's design for the new structure near the Randselva river is a good example of this idea. Their plan for this new building, which was to be constructed from the ground up, was deeply connected to the distinct qualities of the local area. It wasn't about imposing something new but rather about drawing inspiration from what was already there, which is a very respectful way to approach design, actually.

They made sure to take advantage of the existing shape and characteristics of the building's allowed space, which was defined by the specific surroundings. This means they weren't just putting up a generic structure; they were shaping it to fit the unique outlines and features of the site. This approach helps a building blend in, making it feel like it has always been a part of the place, rather than a newcomer. It's about making the new feel old, in a good way, you know?

Additionally, their design incorporated elements that created a sense of continuous movement, almost like water flowing. The building had "cascading" features, which suggests a series of gentle, flowing levels or shapes. This not only adds visual interest but also helps the building feel less rigid and more dynamic, mirroring natural elements in the landscape. It's a clever way to make a structure feel alive and connected to its environment, really.

Beyond the Big Picture - The Small Details of Big L E X

While Big is known for its large-scale projects and grand ideas, their approach also pays close attention to the smaller, often overlooked, parts. It's easy to focus on the overall shape of a building or the general layout of a landscape, but the true mark of thoughtful design often lies in the tiny elements that people interact with every single day. This consideration for the little things shows a comprehensive approach to creating spaces, which is pretty important, you know?

They think about everything, right down to things like door handles. This might seem like a minor point, but if you consider it, a door handle is something almost everyone touches and uses. The feel of it, how it looks, how easy it is to operate – these small details contribute significantly to the overall experience of a building. When these small parts are well-designed, they add to the feeling of quality and care that goes into a space, making it feel more complete and user-friendly, which is actually quite impactful.

This focus on the minute elements means that the design philosophy extends beyond the big structural decisions to the very personal interaction points. It's about understanding that the user's experience is shaped not just by the grand gestures but also by the quiet, everyday moments. This kind of attention to detail ensures that the final result is not just visually appealing but also a pleasure to use and inhabit, from the largest room to the smallest fitting, really.

Looking Ahead - What Can We Expect from Big L E X?

Considering Big's journey from a single founder to a large, influential group, and their recent "big leap," it's interesting to think about what comes next. Their consistent growth and willingness to transform suggest a future filled with continued innovation and a deep commitment to their design principles. We can probably expect them to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in architecture, engineering, and planning, always looking for new ways to make spaces better for people, you know?

Given their integrated approach, combining landscape, engineering, and architectural design, we might see even more projects that seamlessly blend these different aspects. They'll likely continue to create structures that feel deeply connected to their local environments, drawing inspiration from the unique characteristics of each site. This commitment to contextual design means their future work will probably continue to feel authentic and respectful of its surroundings, which is a pretty good thing.

And of course, with their attention to detail, right down to the door handles, we can anticipate that their projects will continue to offer a truly complete and thoughtful experience. It's about crafting environments where every element, big or small, contributes to the overall sense of purpose and beauty. So, it seems like we can look forward to more inspiring, human-centered designs that truly shape the way we live and interact with our built world, which is actually quite exciting.

This article has explored the remarkable growth and transformative journey of Big, from its origins with a single founder to its current status as a large, influential collective of 700 professionals. We looked at their recent "big leap" and how it signifies a new phase of development. The discussion covered their integrated approach to design, encompassing landscape, engineering, architecture, planning, and products. A specific example, the Randselva river project, illustrated their commitment to creating contextually sensitive, sculptural buildings that facilitate natural circulation and continuous art experiences. Finally, the article highlighted their dedication to even the smallest details, like door handles, emphasizing a holistic design philosophy that aims to create spaces that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

Designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati
Designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati
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