There's a story to tell about how Big, a creative group, has really come into its own over the past twenty years or so. This organization, you see, has grown in a rather natural way, moving from a single person's idea to a collective, almost like a large family, and then, quite frankly, into a significant presence with seven hundred people contributing their skills. This progression, you know, shows a steady kind of building up, a natural unfolding of talent and purpose over a considerable stretch of time.
The most recent change for this group, it seems, is something they call the "big leap." This particular transformation marks a very important moment for them, showing a fresh direction or a significant step forward in what they do. It's a sign, really, of their ongoing development, always moving ahead and finding new ways to express their ideas and create things for people.
This group, known as Bjarke Ingels Group, brings together many different kinds of design work. They handle things like shaping outdoor spaces, figuring out how things are built, designing structures, making plans for areas, and even creating specific items. Their wide range of skills means they can take on many different kinds of creative tasks, and that, in a way, helps them approach projects from many points of view, creating something quite complete.
Table of Contents
- The Story of Big - From Idea to Impact
- How Did Big Curtis Start?
- What Makes Big's Creations Special?
- Crafting Spaces with Big Curtis
- Where Does Big Curtis Call Home?
- The Big Curtis Office Experience
- What's Next for Big Curtis?
- Collaborations That Shape Big Curtis's Future
The Story of Big - From Idea to Impact
Big, as a group, has a rather interesting story of how it came to be what it is today. Over a couple of decades, you see, it didn't just appear out of nowhere. It grew, quite naturally, from one person's initial thought, expanding step by step. That single individual, who started it all, brought others in, and it slowly became a collective of people working closely together, almost like a family unit. This kind of growth, where things just sort of happen naturally, is pretty special.
And then, over time, that smaller, family-like group kept getting bigger, growing into a rather substantial collection of seven hundred individuals. That's a lot of people, when you think about it, all contributing to a common purpose. This change from a few people to a much larger collective, a true force of many minds and hands, shows a real sense of purpose and a continuous expansion of their abilities. It’s almost like watching a small seed grow into a very big tree, which is quite a sight.
Their most recent big move, the one they call the "big leap," shows their willingness to keep changing and improving. It’s a moment that really defines their current path, a fresh step forward in their creative journey. This kind of continuous evolution means they are always looking for new ways to make things happen, to bring their ideas into being, and to leave their mark on the world around them.
How Did Big Curtis Start?
So, how did this whole "Big Curtis" story actually begin? Well, it started with a single individual, the founder, who had an idea. This person, in a way, set the initial direction for everything that came after. It wasn't a sudden explosion of activity, but rather a gradual unfolding, a slow building of something meaningful from a single point of origin.
From that single person, the group expanded, bringing in more people who shared a similar vision. It became, quite literally, a group that felt like a close family, working side by side. This early stage of growth, you know, was very much about collaboration and shared purpose among a smaller number of people, laying the groundwork for what was to come for Big Curtis.
Then, over a period of twenty years, this "family" continued to grow, becoming a much larger collective, a force of seven hundred individuals. This expansion, you see, wasn't forced; it happened organically, meaning it grew in a natural, unhurried way. This progression from a single founder to a large, influential group is, in some respects, a testament to the strength of their initial ideas and their ability to bring people together.
What Makes Big's Creations Special?
When you look at the things Big creates, you might wonder what gives them their particular character. One project, for example, involved a careful look at a specific place. After really studying the area, Big suggested putting up a building that was both simple and had a sculptural quality, stretching across the Randselva River. This idea, you know, was meant to bring the whole area together and create a clear path for people to see art as they moved around.
This building was planned to be quite plain, yet also a piece of art in itself, shaped in a way that stood out. It was designed to connect different parts of the landscape, making them feel like one unified space. The aim, too, was to make it easy for people to move from one point to another, enjoying a continuous display of art along the way. This focus on both function and visual appeal is, in a way, a hallmark of their approach.
Another project, for instance, involves Bhutan's second international airport. This particular airport project is a collaborative effort with an aviation engineering company called Naco. It's also a very important part of a larger design plan known as the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan. This kind of work shows how Big takes on significant projects that are part of much bigger community visions.
Crafting Spaces with Big Curtis
When it comes to making spaces, Big Curtis has a very thoughtful way of doing things. For one particular project, they really spent time looking at the place, getting a good sense of its character. This careful observation, you know, is a very important first step in their creative process, making sure they truly understand the setting before they even start to draw.
After this close look, they came up with a suggestion for a building that was, in a way, both straightforward and artistic. It was meant to be a simple, sculpted structure that would go right across the Randselva River. The idea behind this was to connect the different parts of the area, making them feel like one complete whole, and also to create a smooth path for people to experience a steady display of art. This kind of thoughtful connection is what makes Big Curtis's work stand out.
Their work on Bhutan's second international airport is another example of their skill in crafting important spaces. This project, which is a joint effort with Naco, an aviation engineering group, is a very important piece of the larger Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan. It shows how Big Curtis contributes to significant community plans, making sure their designs fit into a bigger picture for people.
Where Does Big Curtis Call Home?
So, where does this creative group, Bjarke Ingels Group, actually set up shop? For quite some time now, since 2018, their New York City operations have been based in a neighborhood known as Dumbo. This area, you know, has become their established base of operations in the city, a place where their creative work comes to life. It’s been their spot for a few years, which means they’ve had time to settle in and make it their own.
Their office space in Dumbo is quite extensive, covering fifty-five thousand square feet. That's a lot of room, when you think about it, all on one floor. This large space is arranged around a central courtyard inside the building. This kind of layout, with a courtyard in the middle, can bring in natural light and create a more open feeling for the people working there.
Within these walls, the office houses nearly two hundred individuals, often referred to as "bigsters." These are the people who make up the working force of Big, the ones who bring the projects to life. Having so many people in one place, you see, helps with collaboration and the sharing of ideas, creating a lively environment for their creative pursuits.
The Big Curtis Office Experience
Stepping into the Big Curtis office, you might notice its particular setup. Since 2018, their New York City location has been in Dumbo, a well-known area. This choice of location, you know, says something about their presence in a creative hub, placing them right where a lot of innovative things happen. It's been their home base for a while, allowing them to really establish roots in the city.
The office itself is quite spacious, taking up a full floor of fifty-five thousand square feet. This generous amount of room provides plenty of space for all their activities. What’s more, the entire office wraps around an open area in the middle, an interior courtyard. This design choice, in a way, probably helps bring light into the different work zones and offers a pleasant central spot.
Within this large space, there are close to two hundred people, often called "bigsters," working together. These are the individuals who contribute their skills and ideas to Big Curtis's many projects. Having this many people in one location, you know, creates a collaborative atmosphere, where different talents can come together to create something new and interesting.
What's Next for Big Curtis?
Considering the growth Big has experienced, from a single founder to a large group of seven hundred, one might wonder what's on the horizon for Big Curtis. Their recent "big leap" suggests a continuous drive for change and improvement. This commitment to moving forward, you see, means they are likely always looking for new challenges and new ways to apply their broad skills in design and planning.
Their involvement in large-scale projects, such as the sculptural building across the Randselva River and the Bhutan airport as part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan, shows their capacity for impactful work. These kinds of projects, in a way, hint at a future where they continue to take on significant roles in shaping built environments and public spaces. They seem to gravitate towards work that has a wide reach.
With their New York City office in Dumbo housing nearly two hundred people, the collective energy and diverse skills within Big Curtis are considerable. This concentration of talent, you know, provides a strong foundation for future endeavors, allowing them to tackle complex design problems and come up with creative solutions. It's a group that, quite clearly, has a lot of potential for what comes next.
Collaborations That Shape Big Curtis's Future?
How do partnerships influence what Big Curtis does moving forward? The project for Bhutan's second international airport, for instance, is a very clear example of their collaborative approach. This particular effort is a joint venture with Naco, a company that specializes in aviation engineering. This kind of partnership, you know, brings together different kinds of specialized knowledge, which can lead to more complete and well-rounded outcomes.
This airport project isn't just a standalone effort; it's also a very important piece of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) masterplan. Being an integral part of such a large, overarching plan means that Big Curtis's work fits into a much bigger vision for a whole community. This shows their willingness to work within larger frameworks and contribute to comprehensive urban development.
Working with other firms and being part of larger city plans suggests a future where Big Curtis continues to form strategic alliances. These collaborations, you see, allow them to take on projects that might be too extensive for one group alone, broadening their reach and impact. It seems, in a way, that working with others is a key part of how they shape what they do next.
The article has presented information about Big's growth over two decades, starting from a founder and expanding to a large group of 700. It touched upon their "big leap" and their identity as Bjarke Ingels Group, involved in landscape, engineering, architecture, planning, and products. Details were shared about a proposed sculptural building across the Randselva River, intended to connect the area and create an art circulation path. The article also mentioned their collaboration with Naco on Bhutan's second international airport, which is part of the Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan. Lastly, it described Big's New York City office in Dumbo, established since 2018, a 55,000 sq ft space with an interior courtyard, housing nearly 200 "bigsters."
