Casa Foa

From the street, the imposing ex-Alpargata factory looks rustic and in sync with the other old and somewhat tired-looking buildings of Avenida Regimiento de Patricios. However, through the large doorway is an innovative space that is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the streets of La Boca.

This is Molina Ciudad, the home of the 29th annual Casa FOA exhibition. It is here that architects, interior designers and landscapers each year transform a building that is falling into disrepair into a beautiful cultural and artistic space, showcasing the latest interior trends to the general public.

Molina Ciudad was named after artist Florencio Molina Campos, whose work focused on Argentine history and tradition with the pampa and its gauchos. Indeed, the building itself is located in a historically industrial neighbourhood with a rich and diverse multicultural history. The project contains hints of this past, with the lower floor dedicated to displays of modern art and design with an industrial twist. There is a collection of benches made from metal and wood creatively carved and welded into abstract shapes, and a tree trunk divided into lengthways strips.

It is up the brightly coloured stairs, however, where Casa FOA’s real purpose shines through. Red arrows guide you through an exhibition of expertly assembled rooms, from kitchens to bathrooms to children’s bedrooms, all demonstrating cutting-edge interior design.

Styles range from extremely modern and minimalist kitchens and bedrooms to ‘the library’, a cosy and rustic-feeling room with leather sofas, and themed rooms, such as ‘man’s bedroom’ and ‘chef’s kitchen’. While inspirational, the exhibits are also works of modern art, with quirky features including a table covered with eggs and a pile of bags sprouting herbs.

The crowd at Casa FOA is mainly composed of hip thirty-somethings, with a mixture of those looking for inspiration for their own homes and some who are genuinely interested in interior and graphic design. One visitor said, “I come to Casa FOA every year because I run an interior design company and I often meet others here who are doing the same as me. The different rooms and styles give me lots of ideas for new projects.”

In addition to this type of clientele, there are a couple of students scattered around the exhibitions taking photos and making notes. The project has had some collaboration with the Universities of MorĂłn, Palermo and Belgrano, with students of architecture exhibiting their talents in a small display.

Art on display at Casa Foa

For those who are interested in bringing some of the vibe of Casa FOA to their own homes, contact details and representatives of the companies and designers are available in each section. There is also a selection of small shops selling arty bags and books.

The Casa FOA project, however, does not focus only on art and design. Proceeds go towards the FundaciĂłn OftalmolĂłgica Argentina, a charity formed in 1989 that promotes research and teaching in the field of ophthalmology. The foundation also works with the community, funding eye surgery in areas of Argentina where access to medical treatment is restricted. This year, the Casa FOA project focused this campaign on the province of TucumĂĄn, a mountainous region where geographic conditions make reaching medical services particularly difficult for some.

The overall impression that Casa FOA leaves is positive; the transformation of a building which would otherwise have been derelict into a useful and creative space is perfectly-executed, so that even the most inexperienced in interior dĂ©cor could appreciate the beautifully-designed rooms and quirky modern art that the project has to offer. As a person of little to no experience in the field of furnishing a house past sticking up photos and posters, I found the exhibition and the pieces of art fascinating. Leaving Molina Ciudad and stepping back into the hectic, disorganised world outside, you come away with a sense of peace and tranquillity, as well as (if it’s your thing) the obvious multitude of new ideas to help transform your home into a stylish abode.

Ciudad Molina, Av. Regimiento de Patricios 1052, La Boca. Entry costs $60. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Runs from 7th September – 14th October. For more information, see www.casafoa.com.

Upon first glance of Casa FOA, passersby wouldn’t bat an eye at the crumbly exterior or look twice at the aged face of the building — however just one step into the surprisingly lavish interior sheds a new light on an old building. This annual phenomenon is called Casa FOA — the life-sized canvas of up-and-coming architects, designers and landscapers.

Luxurious garden of Casa Foa (Photo: Helen Morgan)

For the last 26 years the FOA foundation has hosted a revolutionary design exhibit in the historic neighborhoods of Argentina. The intent of Casa FOA lends a newer, sharper view of the participants challenge to fuse architectural profiles with the cultural values of the country.

Gaining success and acclaim every year, this year’s restored exhibition, Defensa 2010, is a must for art enthusiasts, design fanatics or anybody looking to see the next and best in interior designs. 40 uniquely designed spaces totaling to 2500 square meters make up the three-floor exhibit. Each with its own taste and temperament — whimsical children’s rooms to posh home theaters, marble-floored bars and a complete spa-bathroom, there is a room for every mood and every age, even a rooftop terrace overlooking Defensa.

Casa FOA premiered in 1985 as a way of raising money for the Argentina Ophthalmology Foundation Jorge Malbran (FOA), and promised a brighter vision of the future for the people of Argentina, and the designers who help this cause. The Casa was initiated by Mercedes Malbran Campos and a group of women and it has been a tradition ever since. The FOA was created by Enrique II Malbran, who is still considered one of the pioneers in his medical specialty — FOA’s dedication to assisting and attending to the visually impaired, as well as the prevention and control of blindness goes as far as to provide free care to the patients and the poor, including highly expensive surgeries and laboratory tests with no to little cost.

On its quest for vision in all its forms, Casa FOA provides a novel place where visitors may meander through luxuriously decorated bedrooms, ogling glowing, orbed lights and plushly designed living rooms. Casa FOA’s 60 some designers, artists and architects literally transform the aging beauty into a whole world. Get carried away by the floating birds or vertical gardens adorning the kitchens, it is possible to be entranced by the enigmatic art that exists in areas as commonplace as the loo or the living room.

The entire three-story space is designed to promote the celebration of Argentine vision down to even the chairs. The “Silla Materas”, pay homage to Argentina’s Bicentennial, as each chair has been designed by a participating artist to express a certain aspect of their country’s heritage, the Gauchos. These particular chairs were made by gauchos of materials that they could find in the country and used to rest, reflect and drink matĂ©. 20 of these diversely decorated little chairs have been outfitted with their own character and vision of Argentine culture — from the simplicity of a rustic wooden chair to their colorfully adorned counterparts.

Despite its roots with tradition, Casa FOA’s ever evolving exhibitions continue to display the best and the brightest designers and architects who were selected for their talent and popularity. That being said, what is a show of artistic talents without a little competition? Defensa 2010 is the host of Casa FOA’s inaugural design competition dolling out first, second and third place medals.

Just one trip into the architectural wonderland that is Casa FOA not only broadens the horizon of Argentine design, but it also brightens the future of the FOA foundation and those they assist. The annual marvel of Casa FOA, “La Defensa” is open for your viewing pleasure from 1st October to 14th of November on Defensa 269 in San Telmo.