In a world dominated by mass production, Beautiful City by Sofía Alvarado of Studio Fi stands as a tribute to the lost art of craftsmanship. This collection of 17 meticulously handcrafted pieces is a love letter to architectural detail and an ode to the artisans of yesteryear who brought character and soul to our built environment. Alvarado’s vision channels the beauty of artisanal work into something tangible, emphasizing process over utility. Each piece captures the essence of architectural history, reinterpreted through a modern lens to create something entirely new and unexpected. The collection is as much an architectural exploration as it is a design masterpiece.
Like a miniature, imaginary city, these one-of-a-kind creations draw inspiration from architectural elements that have been smoothed over in modern times. The collection is an eclectic mix of eras and forms, blending modern geometry with symbolic remnants of historical architectural styles. With each passing decade, the subtlety and complexity of these details have slowly disappeared, but this collection brings them back into the spotlight.
Handcrafted from metal and wood, each piece is painstakingly shaped using artisanal patterns, custom molds, and even homemade tools that achieve the intricate details that define them. This tailor-made process embraces slow design, where quality reigns over quantity. Because the identity of feeling has been known and proven to be linked to color, each edition is also characterized by specific tones.
In Beautiful City, Alvarado and Studio Fi invite us to pause, look closely, and appreciate the beauty in architectural details we often overlook. These pieces challenge us to rethink what we consider luxury, reminding us that true value also lies in artistry, not just function. It’s a reminder that the fading art of artisanal craftsmanship can be revived, one handcrafted piece at a time.
To learn more about Beautiful City by Sofía Alvarado of Studio Fi, visit sofialvarado.com.
Photos by Alfredo J. Martiz J.
