Whether exploring new learning spaces for the remodeling of a children’s nursery or transforming a prestigious gallery through site-specific installations, Benni Allan's practice enjoys working with materials, surface and light to shape space in innovative and uplifting ways. Born and brought up in Spain, Benni takes a socially engaged, open-ended approach to architecture, creating elegant, thought-provoking spaces that stimulate emotional responses and enhance the experience of those within them. His forward-thinking, experimental practice has attracted international attention since he graduated from UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture, earning him a ‘One to Watch’ listing from the British Design Council in 2015 and a shortlist nomination for RIBA’s Rising Stars Award 2017. Benni worked on projects spanning the cultural, arts, education and residential sectors with architectural practices in London and China before setting up his own studio in 2016.
Expanding to encompass design practices ranging from buildings and interiors to set design and furniture, estudio b has worked on fashion showspaces for the likes of Topman Design, Erdem, D&G and Ports 1961; retail environments for brands including Penhaligons, Adidas, ASOS and Black Milk; as well as arts, renovation, extension and speculative projects across the UK, Europe and China. Benni shares his collaborative and process-driven approach as both a lecturer at the University of Greenwich, and as a RIBA ambassador working with schools in Hackney to broaden awareness of architecture as a practice and profession.
Zetteler is delighted to have started working with Benni Allan at a time when estudio b is about to unveil some very exciting new projects in London and Spain. Always delighted to champion ambitious practices and ideas that seek to make the world better, we’re helping Benni spread the word about some amazing new spaces – watch this one.
Architect Benni Allan on turning the renovation of his former school in southern Spain into an educational experience for all.
Architect Benni Allan helped artist João Vasco Paiva build a maze of mud bricks atop a Peckham multi-storey car park.
The nicest man in architecture tells us his forthcoming Peckham Levels project, the influence of his Spanish heritage, and how it feels to be to redesigning his own primary school…