“foll[i]”
by Studio Etienne Bastormagi · Metn, Lebanon

Etienne Bastormagi is a multi-disciplinary architect of scales. In 2016, he founded his own eponymous studio practice with the sole intention of engaging in spatial play across forms, leveraging degrees in Architecture and Urban Design with over ten years of experience as lead concept architect for one of the largest design firms in the SWANA region.Whether urban interventions, architecture, interiors, scenography or objects, each new project begins from a state of complete unpredictability, presenting unique possibilities to produce moving works that challenge the standard expectations of architecture, art and design.Etienne is fascinated by the nature of light as both matter and wave, and continuously explores this duality by manipulating the heavy densities and volumes of industrial materials into moving spatial compositions that embody lightness and a flexibility for transformation. The essence of his practice is to create strong and grounded architectural experiences that––whatever the scale––always convey a sense of inviting luminosity and warm depth, while maintaining clean lines and sober intellect.Currently based between Beirut and Milan, Studio Etienne Bastormagi offers a collaborative platform to explore design potentials across a continuously expanding spectrum of scales, industries and contexts. Inspired by local engagement and committed to the evolution of contemporary design practices in the region, Etienne continuously collaborates with creatives and makers sharing similar interests and extensible imaginations. He has also nurtured this growing community as a lecturer of architecture and representations in various universities throughout Lebanon since 2006.Recently named in Architectural Digest’s 2024 Definitive List of Top Designers in the Middle East and Africa (AD100), Etienne’s work has also been featured in various other international publications, including Elle Deco, Ideat, The New York Times, Financial Times, among others. He has also been featured in a number of exhibitions and has been nominated for and won notable awards for his engaged, multi-disciplinary practice.