Ian Bogle talks to Building about the Empire State Building, Adidas Sambas and Lebanese food
Why did you choose construction as a career?
My first word was “hammer” – I guess I knew from then on that I wanted to be an architect.
What have you worked on that you’re most proud of?
I’ve been blessed with working on some amazing projects, particularly the Gherkin while at Foster + Partners, but with Bogle Architects I’m probably most proud of our Early Learning Village in Singapore, which fundamentally challenges the norms of education. It’s truly a one-off.
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
Improve communication across the whole industry – there is so much time wasted through miscommunication or misunderstanding. This is why we, as a practice, are never scared to ask what may appear to be a stupid question. It saves an immense amount of time and enables projects to run smoothly …
Who do you most admire in the construction industry?
As an architect it has to be Norman Foster – he excels at seeing through the mire and hitting the nail on the head. It was a privilege to have worked in such a creative and business-minded environment, and it continues to inspire me.
What’s your favourite building in the world?
The older I’ve become the more I’ve grown to appreciate the work of Mies van der Rohe. I was blown away when walking into the Crown Hall in Chicago a few years ago. However, the Tugendhat House in Brno, Czech Republic, just beats it – it was years ahead of its time!
What famous building do you wish you’d worked on?
The Empire State Building: I’ve always been fond of the idea of being on that famous steel beam, suspended above New York City, eating a sandwich 50+ storeys up …
What do you think is your best quality?
Listening.
Do you have a life philosophy?
Be the best you can at the things you enjoy.
Name three things that you like
Humour, trees and natural landscape – put it down to my Scottish upbringing I guess!
What’s a secret skill we don’t know you have?
I’ve been known to string out a few tunes on the guitar.
What’s your most prized possession?
My Adidas Sambas.
What’s your favourite food?
Vietnamese, Lebanese and Spanish. Although I had a particularly good meal in Yerevan, Armenia, a few years back.
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