HDA STUDIO
Located in the old Marais quarter of Paris. A glass roof sheltering a single open plan office space recently renovated. A specific feature is the furniture : laser- cut waxed plywood in a single freeform shape with a series of petals demarking individual work stations, the continuous flow designed to encourage spontaneous interchange.
Phone: (+33) 01 42 78 07 07
Fax: (+33) 01 42 78 01 02
Email: hda@hda-paris.com
WHO WE ARE
HDA, founded by Hugh Dutton in 1995, is a Paris- based studio with a branch office in Hong Kong.
Hugh Dutton qualified as an architect at the Architectural Association in London and spent early years working with Norman Foster on the Stansted Airport. In 1982 Hugh joined Peter Rice, an engineer known for his inventivity, notably for the Sydney Opera house and Pompidou Center, at his newly formed company RFR in Paris. He then spent the next 13 years immersed in an integrated holistic approach to design. Collaboration from this time include pioneering bolted structural glass and cable structures at the La Villette Science museum, the Louvre pyramids, La Defense fabric ‘Clouds’, the marble translucent west front of the Cathedral de Notre Dame de la Treille in Lille. The publication “Structural Glass”, jointly written by Dutton and Rice, is regarded as a seminal work
by the profession.
CREATIVE FLUENCY
Fluency in language is achieving familiarity with words to the extent that communicating with them appears effortless. We concentrate on what we want to say, rather than how we say it. At HDA, our words are the inspirations that provide the essentials of what is needed to realise our built works: materials, light, structure, the envelope, the environment, climate, understanding fabrication processes and workmanship … With these skills at our fingertips we strive to work for a synthesis of poetic intent and physical reality. Each member of the team contributes a distinct and complementary discipline. Each project begins with a clear concept, a specific story to tell. We develop the narrative by understanding and orchestrating these skills with creativity, which carries the process to another level by providing freshness and newness, motivating us and challenging us. We believe this method takes us to coherent and timeless quality in our design work.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
HDA’s work is generally on standalone fragments, features, or pieces where multidisciplinary skills are required for cohesive, holistic design compositions. The office has participated in well-known European iconic cultural works in France, Italy and Greece. HDA works often in Asia, on major airports and public buildings but most frequently with innovative developers, notably Swire Properties in Hong Kong. We develop specific iconic building components in collaboration with the primary architect and their local technical teams or design institutes.
HDA TEAM & SPIRIT
« HDA has almost 20 years of existence, We have worked around the world and editing this new edition of our references has demonstrated to me the extent and diversity of our work. Consistent themes of geometry, structure, light, and materials as well as the rigor refinement and detail are clearly evident and fundamental in what we do, no matter where it is and with whom we have worked…
This moment is a fitting turning point for a new departure. We have consolidated our resources, our studio space, and reinforced the team to be able to fulfill the challenges we set ourselves with our client partners ”
« I am an architect graduated at the ESA ( École Spéciale d’Architecture ). I began my professional career in Paris since 2012. My passion for architecture design encourages me always to move forward and never be satisfied with my work.The practice at Hugh Dutton Associés inspires me to explore all the unknown field. »
Skilled in Complex 3D modeling , design and production documentation. Her Chinese culture background as a strong asset to HDA for Asian work.
« I graduated as mechanical engineer at Politecnico in Milan and started working in facade domain in 2002 achieving a strong knowledge in codes and design of steel, aluminum and glass. »
Technical designer, draughtsman and engineer with 12 years experience in façade design with high profile contractors such as Permasteelisa and Yuanda.
« Joining HDA gives the opportunity to participate on complex projects. By working with team partners from very different fields, I learn new things every day on geometry optimization, structural design or architecture detailing. »
Engineer-architect skilled in 3D modeling, parametric and structural design.
« I am passionate about creative thinking that can align technical and architectural solutions to find innovative solutions to build complex designs. At HDA, I found a setting where I can challenge myself and contribute with my skills in facade, structure and climate design and to bring architectural concepts to reality. »
Architect, urban planner (PUC-PR) and building technology engineer (TU Delft)
« Working at HDA is an opportunity to explore innovative technical solutions and complex geometries towards challenging projects, being a part of a skilled and dynamic team. Having completed Master’s degrees in Architecture and Structural Engineering, I aspire to develop a global approach in design processes, from concept to detailing stages. »
Architect and Structural Design Engineer experienced in complex modeling and structural analysis.
« Mathematics and Sciences are admirable due to their clarity. A refined line or a sophisticated structure are beautiful. The pursuit of these qualities led me to HDA. Since there are always things to learn in a creative team that inspires me, each moment working in HDA let me progress every day with a lot of joy»
Architect skilled in 3D modeling and parametric design of complex geometry. Graduated from Hanyang University and ENSA Paris Val-de-Seine.
« HDA is composed of a multidisciplinary team at the junction between architecture and engineering. The double education that i followed allowed me to integrate this team in the best way. Since the implementation of architectural concepts to the technical realization, each project (facade, glass roof, canopy, …) and subject (light, materials, climatic conditions, functions, …) are treated in a singular way, even almost “handcrafted”. Joining HDA allows me to contribute to this adventure through the analysis of structures and the modeling of complex geometries.»
« I have been working with Hugh Dutton for over 10 years, accompanying him though the concept and design phases. I particulary like the agency’s methodology, and enjoy the ressarch phases of each project betwwen science, engineering and design»
« A graduate in Aesthetics and Arts at La Sorbonne, my international experience allows me to embrace the necessities of an architectural practice, the frequent travels of Mr. Dutton, the business awareness, the great variety of interlocutors. I am glad that after many years, I get to discover the architectural world through a dynamic and multifaceted practice such as HDA.»