Andreas Martin-Löf

How would you describe Swedish architecture?

Swedish architecture has always been very influenced by architecture from other parts of the world. This influence grew in strength with the arrival of the internet and globalisation. Travel around the world and you’ll realise the inherent differences in expressions, and this is true of architecture as well. I leave analysing how things we design here are perceived to others, but architecture today is both tribal and holistic. There are both similarities and differences.

And what about the creative culture and its creatives?

I’d say Sweden has a very vibrant young creative sphere. That sphere includes both architecture and design, but also art and music, for which Sweden is quite famous. I think Sweden’s open and relaxed culture stimulates the creative culture.

Your projects range from housing to exhibition installation. How would you describe your approach and work?

It’s not about what we do – it’s how we do it.

Please tell me about your private summer house in Aspvik.

The Aspvik house is a project I designed for myself without thinking too much about how it would be perceived. I designed it because I wanted a house out in the Stockholm archipelago and I wanted to connect it to an existing building on the site. It is a building from 1912, with an addition from the ‘60s. It was a process all about sampling and refinement. Afterwards, I’ve realised that it’s quite characteristic of my way of working.