Architecture competition "European Velo Stops" honorable mention - NIBU

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of one of our Honorable mentions for the “European Velo Stops” competition - Nick Butterfield, Tom Butterfield, Will Butterfield and Angela Butterfield from United Kingdom!

Team NIBU from United Kingdom

We are a studio of brand experience designers based in London, UK – we were formed in 1995 under the name of Butterfield Design and have recently rebranded as NIBU, and we are currently a team of five. Our work has focused on creating innovative and intelligent consumer environments that engage the human senses at an emotional level to help brands sell their products and services. We have worked all over the world with all types of clients, from private individuals to multinational corporations. Our combined passion for architecture, design, travel, cycling and outdoor sports has motivated us to become experts in the context of lifestyle designers.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where company/ individuals have been involved?

In recent years, the majority of our projects have been centred around lifestyle brands – essentially creating retail experiences. Our clients have ranged from small independent retailers and new brand start-ups to the largest brands in category such as Specialized, Sigma Sports, Harley-Davidson, Audi-Volkswagen and Vodafone. Our work within the cycling industry has created new benchmarks in cycling retail and has redefined the way modern bike shops need to react to the internet market. Moreover, we recently completed West London’s Audi flagship showroom where our client engaged our services to create a completely new customer experience immersing them in a brand world of Audi-ology.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

NIBU has been formed to distinguish itself as an expert and author of modern, relevant built environments that communicate a specific usage. Our attitude towards architecture is to maximise the interior spatial benefits to the end user, both in terms of optimising functionality and providing engaging social spaces. In general, we [architects and designers] need to keep reinventing built structures that accommodate the needs of a very fast changing world and integrated society, with places that provide a sensorial purpose underpinned by performing a commercial transaction to sustain their requirement. 

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Competition briefs that challenge new thinking are a compelling way to reconsider many age old social issues that need fresh eyes. A simple question posed to a room of creatives will bring an abundance of different responses, all correct in their own interpretation.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

The notion of a competition organiser brings a real life opportunity to realising the true potential of visionary blue sky thinking – often this seed of something very tangible can become something commercially rewarding.