By Fernando Guerra – His Work At Studio FG +SG and Top 5 Projects In Africa
Fernando Guerra has spent more than two decades showcasing his skill as an architecture photographer. However, he wasn’t always an architectural photographer. Fernando Guerra trained as an architect. This explains his unique perspective when he takes photos of some of the best architecture designs across the globe.
His Life
Fernando was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1970. He pursued his degree in architecture at Lusiada University (Lisbon) and worked as an architect in Macau for five years. Fernando had a passion for photography and had been taking photos since he was 16 years old.
Instead of setting aside his desire for professional photography, he decided to merge his passion for photography with his career as an architect.
When he walks into a building, Fernando sees more than the aesthetic appeal of the building. His photographs capture the spatiality of the structure, its shapes, and its dimensions. He brings clarity to the building by offering other architects a chance to observe the variables of the designs across the globe.
His expertise as a photographer and architect gives an impartial analysis of architectural structures. Today, he is called upon to give critical analysis because his views and perceptions differ from those of a casual observer.
To Fernando, architecture is a calling, and he is determined to preserve the work of renowned architects through photography. Today, he is a highly sought-after architecture photographer.
Studio FG + SG
In 1999, Fernando Guerra and Sergio Guerra established studio FG + SG, an architectural photography studio. For the first decade, the two focused on revealing to the world contemporary Portuguese architecture.
Fernando Guerra has primarily been responsible for the photography department, while his brother, Sergio, produces articles and manages the studio.
In 2004, the duo decided to establish a publishing house, FG+SG – Livros de Imagem. This is where they publish all their architectural photographs.
Publications
Fernando Guerra’s works have graced some of the most popular publications across the world. Some of the magazines that have carried features of his works include Casabella, Dwell, Icon, A + U, and Wallpaper*.
Fernando Guerra adopted aerial photography in 2011, even though it was still a new phenomenon. Sometimes, he and his team were forced to alter the design and equipment they used to enhance the images they captured.
FG + SG has collaborated with several architects, including those based in Portugal and different countries across the globe. Some notable Portuguese architects have collaborated with FG + SG, including Alvaro Siza, Manuel Mateus, ARX Portugal, and Carlos Castanheira.
International architects who have worked with FG + SG include Marcio Kogan, Arthur Casa, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and Zaha Hadid.
Awards and Achievements
In 2012, Fernando was nominated and appointed Ambassador for Canon Europe for his success as an architectural ambassador. He won the Photographer of the Year 2015 award for his colourful photograph of EPFL Quartier Nord in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Top 5 Projects In Africa
Guelmim Airport, Morocco
The Guelmim airport is located 3km to the north of Guelmim, South of Morocco. The airport was constructed in existing military infrastructure. Fernando Guerra captured not just the image of the airport, which appears to be in the middle of nowhere. Still, he focused his lenses on the expansive space and future probability of expanding the airport.
An architect looking at the images can immediately see the potential of the space and how to incorporate new designs into the existing structures.
Besides the airport structures, Fernando picks the landscape on the horizon. He did not miss the two mountains on either side of the building, a distinct feature that makes this airport stand out.
Extensibility and flexibility are important features that most architects seek to achieve in their designs, irrespective of the space available. The images illustrate the linear box, accessible [atio garden, and the parallel runways.
His images also capture the natural lighting, the metal facade, geometrical patterns, and bold colours, contrasting sharply with the blue sky.
One Airport Square, Acca Ghana
Fernando Guerra was also the photographer behind the images of One Airport Square. This multifunctional building has commercial spaces on the ground floor and offices on the upper ten floors.
The images that Fernando produced reveal the true nature of the building, even to those who have never seen it physically. He showed the contrast between the project area and the immediate surrounding.
The configuration of the space as a public and commercial area is so distinct, with the proportions of this unique design well highlighted and illustrated in the images.
Fogo National Park Headquarters, Cape Verde
The photos Fernando Guerra took of Fogo National Park in Cape Verde are all that is left to reveal the essence and beauty behind this project. In 2013, this project won the National Prize for Architecture. Seven months later, a volcano eruption buried it in lava.
Today, as stories are told of the existence of Fogo National Park, Fernando’s photos are all people have to illustrate the beauty and talent behind this noble yet short-lived project.
The images show how the building integrated with the volcanic landscape. The local materials are a nice touch to the entire concept.
Villa Opale, Morocco
Villa Opale is a private residence designed by Driss Ketani and photographed by Fernando Guerra. The house has a picturesque view of the sea. The plan is quite fluid, with multiple entry points accommodating pedestrian and vehicle entry, both situated in different directions.
Fernando projected the different angles of this house perfectly. He took shots of the stunning surroundings, and at the same time, showcased the practical side of the building. Its geometric angles were not missed.
Guelmim School Of Technology
The Guelmim School Of Technology was shortlisted in the 2014-2016 cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Besides the structures, this school is located in a remote area and is designed to bring education closer to the communities living far from urban centres. The images by Fernando Guerra show the different infrastructures, including the classrooms, laboratories, library, offices, lecture halls, sports grounds, study rooms, and staff quarters.
The pictures show how the structures enhance the appeal of the surrounding, which is made of a series of canopies, courtyards, and walkways partially covered with timber and metal. The architecture is contemporary but also set up to fit the environment.
Mario el Africano
around Africa
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