What is your relationship with architecture? What drew you to architecture as a photographer?

My relationship with architecture is constructive. Any construction, if observed with the right concentration, can tell you something. Sometimes I can go beyond the physical structure and enter the real space of architecture: the metaphysical space. My training as an architect, as a photographer, is important but only from a practical point of view. My humanistic training gives me the opportunity to gain a wider audience. For me, the technique is only the means to transform these experiences into photographs.

Describe how your work process.

I always start with an analysis that includes the study of the project, possibly inspections with the architect, reading written texts on the building and more. This information concerns that rational and organizational aspects.

When I am on the spot, the right concentration helps me to experience everything that is not defined and measurable. Therefore, every piece of architecture has something to tell me. It could be the building, the surroundings, the history, the people or something else. For example, when I was in Norway, to photograph Peter Zumthor's Mine Zinc Museum, I chose to go in winter and spend four days there in the woods, to really feel the history and the extreme geographical conditions of this remote mine. The technical choices of light, color and frame were just the means to express what I had found.

Do you mostly work in a specific region? What is your travel schedule like?

My work is mainly done throughout Europe, although I have done some reportage in other countries around the world. I usually travel multiple days to explore the experience with architecture in an enhanced way.

What is your goal when capturing buildings in photographs?

I am happy when my pictures push a person to make their own experience, to deepen their knowledge, maybe even by going to see the architecture in person by themselves.

What are your thoughts about including people in your photos? Is it better to photograph a building in use or by itself?

I like to report on buildings during construction and on buildings that are already finished and being used. Perceptions are very different. Time changes everything.

What are your favorite pieces of equipment?

I do not have specific preferences. As I said the technique is just a medium so I choose the most suitable depending on the project.

Do you work alone?

Yes, in order to concentrate to the maximum, I need to work alone. I have an assistant for the practical and organizational part and for a critical comparison.

How do you feel about seeing your photographs on blogs and websites?

The web is an important source of information, a sort of external memory. However, it is not to be confused with our own memory. I am delighted when the images on the web or in the blogs arouse interest in starting a more direct and personal experience.

Aldo Amoretti:

Amoretti graduated from the school of Architecture at Politecnico di Milano in 1992. He worked as an architect until 2005 and won numerous prizes with Marco Calvi in both national and international competitions for the Santo Stefano Cemetary Extension. The architectural work of Amoretti has been nominated and awarded in many international awards, among them are the AR+D Emerging Architecture Award in 2003 adn 2006, the Prix PAI in 2006, the Archdaily Building of the year in2006, and the Prix L. Cosenza in 1996, 2002, and 2004.

In 2005, Amoretti started his free-lance photography work. His architectural photographs have been published in major architecture magazines such as the Architectural Review, Detail, Abitare, AD and others. His work has been exhibited in international expositions such as Biennale Venice, La Gelerie d'Architecture in Paris, Bund Deutscher Architekten BDA in Stuttgart amongst others.

Presently, Amoretti has been collaborating with various international architects such as Peter Zumthor, Auer Weber, among others.

You can view more of his work here.