Imagined Designed Crafted
Having received such great response from our first issue of Texture, we will continue bringing out the publication every four months. We have really enjoyed putting together issue number two and hope that you enjoy exploring the pages. We are obsessed with texture, and feel that it is one of the most important elements across all forms of design. The content for this issue is rather diverse and slightly softer in aesthetic compared to that which we brought you in our first issue. The magazine kicks off by focusing on concrete and featuring a space created by architects Smartvoll, the winner of the 2018 AZ awards. We never got tired of gazing at this architectural marvel and the way in which the architects were able to bring this simplistic looking material to life. China is the focus in our architecture section with two totally contrasting projects. The first of these is the futuristic sports campus by MAD architects and the second is the Wuyuan Skywells Hotel by Beijing based architects Anyscale. This authentic luxury retreat in rural China, Wuyuan Skywells captures the essence of a bygone era in the millennium-old Yan village. The colour palette along with the incredible textures of the new Ducati XDiavel impressed us so much that we had to include this incredible speed machine. The work of Edoardo Tresoldi took our breath away and also finds his way onto this issue’s pages with his incredible wire constructions. Texture magazine is available online as an interactive digital publication as well as a physical print version which is available to read in our Johannesburg showroom as well as our new Cape Town showroom, which will be opening later this year. The blu_line team.
COMMENT
index
Design with the end in mind
108 - 99 TEXTURE - CONCRETE Architects of smartvoll came out as winners at the internationally advertised contest for the loft in the Panzerhalle.
D I R ECTIO N
88 - 81 OBJECTEX TILE FOR JIL SANDER Collaboration project where a textile pattern is created by taking a photograph of an object mounted inside a square frame.
80 - 70 G A G G E N A U R E S TA U R A N T 1 6 8 3 Gaggenau presents an unforgettable series of exclusive epicurean experiences to stir and delight the senses.
A R CH ITECTU R E 70 - 63 QUZHOU SPORTS CAMPUS The “Quzhou Sports Campus” designed by MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong.
62 - 55 W U Y UA N S K Y W ELLS H OT EL An authentic luxury retreat in rural China, Wuyuan Skywells captures the essence of a bygone era in the millennium-old.
I N N OVAT I O N 52 - 47 BA N G & O LU FS EN LIMIT ED ED. Taking inspiration from the architectural and interior trends of using warm colours and contrasting materials.
46 - 41 EDOARDO TRESOLDI Edoardo Tresoldi plays with the transparency of mesh and with industrial materials to transcend the time-space dimension.
40 - 33 SHEIL A- MADGE BAKKER Elements of the forest plantations in the Natal Midlands and the ocean, manifests strongly in the colours and textures of many of her designs.
D E TA I L S
30 - 25 D U C AT I X D I AV E L Ducati is ready to reveal, at Intermot and EICMA, all the new models for 2019.
24 - 19 MIELE WINE UNITS Look out wine connoisseurs, now there is no longer any need to go without a wine unit from Miele.
18 - 11 KITCH EN STO RIES A residence in Houghton Estate by blu_line.
I N F_ L U E N C E Nashira Arno / YM ER&MALTA / blu_line / Catellani & Smith
108
exture C O N C R E T E
Photo credit: Tobias Colz
S m a r t v o l l w i n s t h e 2 0 1 8 A Z A w a rd
105
Architects of Smartvoll came out as winners at the internationally advertised contest for the loft in the Panzerhalle. Their design captivates through specific, spatial dramatization. On 350 square metres and two storeys, the classic idea of a “loft” is noticeable, yet is being reinterpreted in many regards. “I never play with the façade, I do not live there“, said Adolf Loos. As Loos has concerned himself with definitions of space, Smartvoll does the same, more than 100 years later. A special focus lies on the exhaustion of materials and of what is technologically possible. Architecture unfolds on the inside. The room- and material-concept develops the encountered and retains the established. Smoothed and waxed concrete is one of the decisive materials for shaping the interior. The space is not only being preserved, but it is being enriched by completely new qualities. In order to ensure consistent brightness everywhere, Smartvoll decided to forgo typical galleries and to basically leave the upper ribbon window free. Bedroom, bathroom and guestroom are distributed throughout the space, as separate bodies. The epicenter of the room is the kitchen – a seven-meter-long block. The whole composition is rounded off by a concrete sculpture, or stair sculpture, which not only opens up all rooms, but also appears to be carrying them.
“ We w a n t e d to re v i t a l i z e t h e s p a c e ’ s o ri g i n a l c h a r m . M a g n a n i m i t y a n d a s p a t i a l e x p eri e n c e o f b o t h s to re y s w ere p ri o ri t i e s . I n a l l d i m e n si o n s . ”
104
103
102
101
100
99
Incidentally, the sculpture divides the room, creates a roof over the kitchen, recesses and elevations and therefore allows you to stay in motion – and to see everything from everywhere. The same applies to the glass shower, which protrudes from the fully glazed bathing block at a height of five meters. James-Bond décor like this can be found all over. The absolute highlight, albeit being a bit hidden, is the wellness area - fireplace included. The stairs are an architecture within the architecture. Concreted in-house, the engineering is being exhausted in all respects. A tender object with minimal dimensions, but tremendous spatial impact. Something that does not allow for competition: Besides the concrete, only subtle, semi-transparent materials are being used, such as Profilit, to separate the guest area, curtains for the bedroom or integrated furniture, like a hanging steel shelf. Every other piece of furniture seems to be integrated into the construction. An unalterable picture, which celebrates only free space. “Connections of space and view are being held intact marvelously and the room is not being cut into different bodies, but can be experienced perfectly with its impressive height of eight meters.” At the lower level, the room is connected to two balconies. However, even this façade aligns itself with the carriers of the concrete sculpture in the slant. The balconies look like additional alcoves of the overall concept as they feature a contemplative zen-garden, including a grassy knoll, a tree jasmine and a classic relax-terrace.
blu_line textures 2020
kitchen
architecture
kitchen
architecture
blu_line textures 2020
kitchen
architecture
kitchen
architecture
blu_line textures 2020
DIRECTION
OBJECTEXTILE FOR JIL SANDER
88 - 81
GAGGENAU RESTAURANT 1683
80 - 70
88
O b j e c te x t i l e f o r J i l S a n d er b y N e n d o
87
86
85
A collaboration project where a textile pattern is created by taking a photograph of an object mounted inside a square frame, followed by a fashion item being created by Jil Sander’s creative team. Since all the objects are pure white, the shadows and the appearance can change drastically with a slight alteration in the setting of lighting or depth of field. Hence the fixing work of the object and the shooting menu were carried out interchangeably, such as distorting the object in proportion to the distortion of the outer periphery of the lens or, instead, changing the shooting method according to the object.
83
82
Subsequently, textile patterns were narrowed down to 5 types, which are check patterns made with tightly woven thread, dot patterns expressed by the depth of 82 pieces of floating cones, grid patterns made up of the shadows of an aggregation of cubes, camouflage patterns created by the differences in the frost and clear finishes of transparent acrylic sheeting as well as stripe patterns originated by a group of flat shaped pillars. A design that was formed by converting 3 dimensional into 2 dimensional and then converting back into 3 dimensional again.
80
G a g g e n a u R e s t a u ra n t 1 6 8 3 A sensorial journey of epicurean passion
78
77
Three Michelin star chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara of Eleven Madison Park welcomed guests into an immersive sensory experience. Their acclaimed team created cuisine inspired by Gaggenau’s spiritual home, the Black Forest in Germany. Chef Bryce Shuman and General Manager Eamon Rockey of Betony joined Humm’s team for two nights. Guests of the invite-only experiences were treated to the most sought after reservations of the season.
Munich/New York, Gaggenau presents an unforgettable series of exclusive epicurean experiences to stir and delight the senses. With Restaurant 1683, Gaggenau brings together innovative technology, inspiring design and the world’s top chefs, in an artful setting. Marking the year the brand was founded, Restaurant 1683 debuted with a four night event in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Satellite pop-ups are planned in other U. S. cities over the next three years.
75
74
“We are so excited to be working with Gaggenau to create this unique restaurant space and event. To partner with a brand that is both timeless and forward moving is a special opportunity, and it’s those values we hold dear at Eleven Madison Park. We’re taking guests through a one-of-a-kind experience, unlike anything we’ve ever done in the past”, shares Daniel Humm, Chef/Co-owner, Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad. The restaurant’s environment, designed in collaboration with the Munich-based architecture firm einszu33, headed by Hendrik Müller, transported guests back 333 years to Gaggenau’s origins and brought the Black Forest to Manhattan. “Commemorating Gaggenau which has been 333 years in the making, being founded in 1683. Ever since then, both timeless quality and inventiveness have formed the foundation of our brand. That’s why we are using this anniversary to celebrate exclusive culinary culture and the enjoyment of sophisticated lifestyle. With the introduction of Restaurant 1683, we are working with internationally acclaimed chefs and sommeliers to create a truly unprecedented epicurean experience”, says Sven Schnee, Head of Global Brand, Gaggenau. Over the next three years, Gaggenau Restaurant 1683 will come to life through exclusive invite-only events and a virtual experience on www.gaggenaurestaurant1683.com. The microsite will enable culinary and design enthusiasts to indulge in each unique pop-up event.
ARCHITECTURE
QUZHOU SPORTS CAMPUS
70 - 63
WUYUAN SKYWELLS HOTEL
62 - 55
Construction Breaks Ground on MAD’s “ Quzhou Sports Campus”
68
67
The “Quzhou Sports Campus” designed by MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has just broken ground in the historic city of Quzhou, in China’s eastern coastal province of Zhejiang. Spanning almost 700,000 square meters, the first and second phase have a total construction area of approximately 340,000 square meters, and include a stadium (30,000 seats), gymnasium (10,000 seats), natatorium (2,000 seats), national sports complex, outdoor sports venue, science & technology museum, hotel accommodations, youth centre and retail programs. MAD’s design embeds the functions of the sports park within natural forms, creating an earth-art landscape in the centre of the city – a poetic landscape that falls somewhere between that of Earth and Mars. “We dream not only of creating an urban space about sports and ecology, but also turning it into a unique land art park for the world, establishing a relationship between the city’s heritage and history of Shanshui culture,” says Ma Yansong. Quzhou is a city with thousands of years of history, containing deep traditional culture and philosophical ideas; complemented by beautiful scenery, with lush forestland covering more than 70% of the land. It is the region’s profound historical culture and natural landscapes that are its most precious resources. With this in mind, MAD envisions a surreal, ethereal and tranquil artistic landscape in this modern city, like a mirage which has the potential to become a place of spiritual belonging for the future of the city. The perimeter of the site is surrounded by a dense forest of high-standing trees that secludes the uninhabited land from the city. As one enters, the view suddenly opens up towards broad horizons and the bright sky, while simultaneously appearing as a martian landscape, mysterious and illusory. The overall environment stretches in large expanses and undulates; and the terrain of the mountains exists in a way that is sometimes open, sometimes huddled, and sometimes overlapping. As people move through the park, they drift, climb, and traverse the terrain. In the middle of park, there is a lake that has also been conceived as a sunken garden. Here, one’s line of sight looks straight out across the stillness of the water, offering the experience of an untouchable spiritual atmosphere as it reflects the mountains and the sky. Resembling a crater, the stadium sits in the ground, forming a deep space. It is crowned by a translucent “halo” that gently hovers above the ground like a floating cloud. Its proximity to the earth makes it seem within reach – close but untouchable – inviting people to engage in a dialogue between the earth and the sky, and discover spiritual truth. The adjacent rolling “hills” on the northeast side form the gymnasium, natatorium, and training centre. Above are public spaces and natural scenery that attract people to look up and pause in a moment of contemplation. The buildings in the park breakaway from traditional stadiums and athletic complexes which typically highlight structural power, transformed by a more intrinsic and subtle beauty. The interiors and exteriors of the buildings are connected to nature, providing an openness towards the landscape for people from anywhere, so that they always feel as if they are immersed in nature. Pathways between the mountains and the lake meander over and through the architecture. They encourage people to walk slowly around the park, run along the trails, or just enjoy a seat on the lawn to take in the scenery. The “peaks” and “mountainsides” of several of the “hills” are designed with platforms or skylights that allow natural light to flood onto the interior, and provide natural ventilation through the buildings. The exteriors are covered in greenery, which, while being energy-saving, are also humanly-scalable and accessible. They invite people to climb the “mountain”, walk along the “mountain” trails, and form a closer physical and emotional connection with heaven and earth.
Photo credit: Marc Goodwin, Xia Zhi
W u y u a n S k y w e l l s H o te l
62
An authentic luxury retreat in rural China, Wuyuan Skywells captures the essence of a bygone era in the millennium-old Yan village. The Skywells project focused on the preservation rather than the modernization of a 300-year-old Huizhou-style property, deep in East China’s Jiangxi Province. This is something which has not gone unnoticed as the project continues its winning streak in this year’s design awards circuit. The hotel is named after the English translation of “Tian Jing”—a regional architectural feature comprising narrow courtyards that let daylight into surrounding rooms. Honours won so far include an ICONIC award, a RED DOT award, and an ABB LEAF award. The project has also been shortlisted by the INSIDE Awards being held in late November in Amsterdam.
59
55
I N N OVAT I O N
BANG & OLUFSEN LIMITED ED. EDOARDO TRESOLDI
52 - 47 46 - 41
SHEILA-MADGE BAKKER
40 - 33
I n t ro d u c i n g t h e B a n g & O l u f s e n L i m i te d E d i t i o n B ro n z e C o l l e c t i o n
51
Taking inspiration from the architectural and interior trends of using warm colours and contrasting materials, Bang & Olufsen is announcing a limited-edition collection of the company’s most popular multiroom speakers. The Bronze Collection is tastefully adding alluring dark, naturally warm hues, character and even more vivid sound to the modern home. “People are drawn to spaces and objects, where contrasts and details enhance each other. For the Bronze Collection speakers, we combined the earthy aluminium bronze tone, the epitome of warmth and timeless elegance, with bespoke multi-coloured wool yarn from Kvadrat and premium walnut wood. The bronze tone stays neutral from day to night, season to season and year to year – maintaining its elegance and splendour regardless of trends and changing fashions”, say Bang & Olufsen architects and designers Anne Mee Dybbroe Andersen and Anna-Sophia Brune. The Bronze Collection brings together the iconic and powerful Beoplay A9 floor speaker, the Beoplay M5, Beosound 1 and Beosound 2 with 360-degree sound as well as the all-new Beosound Edge speaker, designed by Michael Anastassiades for Bang & Olufsen. The overall unique monochromatic look of the collection compliments the sculptural presence of the speakers and gilds the senses of the viewer by merging aesthetics, playfulness and proficient acoustics. All the speakers in the Bronze Collection are wireless multiroom speakers, allowing you to connect the speakers to a home sound system and have Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound flow seamlessly throughout your home.
A b o u t t h e B ro n z e R e f l e c t i o n s c a m p a i g n
50
For the Bronze Collection campaign, London-based visual artist 30,000 fps (Thirty Thousand Frames Per Second), aka. Josh Labouve, has taken inspiration in the austere geometric forms of the five products: circles, cones, cylinders, spirals and arched lines. “The unique forms of the speakers acted as a basis for creating the animations, which themselves were founded on the minimalist geometry evident in the collection,� says Josh Labouve. The result is a series of animations visualising not only an abstract interpretation of the sculptural forms, but also a movement of sound. The glowing, graphic contours are moving in an almost hypnotising manner to a creative soundscape composed by Brighton-based Ithaca Studio.
E D O A RD O T R E S O L D I
Since 2013, he has been performing public space interventions, focusing his research on genius loci and the study of landscape elements. His works have been featured in public spaces, archaeological contexts, contemporary art festivals, music festivals and group shows.
Born in 1987, he grew up in Milan where, at the age of 9, he experimented with different languages and techniques under the guidance of painter Mario Straforini. In 2009 he moved to Rome and started to work in various creative areas. Cinema, music, scenography and sculpture gave him a heterogeneous vision of arts and became a platform for experimentation.
Edoardo Tresoldi plays with the transparency of mesh and with industrial materials to transcend the time-space dimension and narrate a dialogue between Art and World - a visual summary which reveals itself in the fade-out of physical limitations. Mixing classical and modern language, he generates a third one which is strongly contemporary.
44
43
42
In 2016 he carried out, together with the Italian Ministry of Culture, the restoration of the Basilica paleocristiana of Siponto, a unique convergence between contemporary art and archaeology. The Basilica has been awarded the Gold Medal for Italian Architecture 2018 – Special Prize to Commission, the most prestigious Italian architecture award established by the Triennale di Milano.
41
In January 2017 he was included by Forbes among the 30 most influential European artists under 30. In April 2018 he realized “Etherea” for Coachella Musics and Arts Festival, one of the world’s most anticipated and important music events. It is his biggest artwork to date and also the largest of the California festival.
40
SHEILA-MADGE BAKKER “ Elements of the forest plantations in the Natal Midlands and the ocean, specifically Bakoven beach in Cape Town, manifests strongly in the colours and textures of many of her designs.
“
SHEILA-MADGE BAKKER
Sheila-Madge Bakker is a Pretoria-based designer who reconciles concept and the Avant-garde with wearability, assimilating the fashionable masses to thought-out clothing and deliberate living. She takes inspiration from the natural environment in which she was raised as well as designers such as Maison Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Yiqing Yin. Elements of the forest plantations in the Natal Midlands and the ocean, specifically Bakoven beach in Cape Town, manifest strongly in the colours and textures of many of her designs.
Still a young label, she is gaining momentum on both the local and international stage, including having been featured in various Magazines and winning the Foschini Design Awards in 2013. The stage outfits worn by Inge Beckmann in “Lark’s Gong has Struck� tour in 2012 were custom made by the designer, and incorporated monkey skulls and an eerie aesthetic. In her spare time she has also styled for photographers such as Phil Engelhardt and Katinka Bester. Looking to the future, Sheila-Madge Bakker hopes to move within the international space of competitive design, delivering high-quality garments which are equally comfortable in the street as well as being high art.
When did you first fall in love with fashion design? I have been surrounded by powerful, stylish women all my life. My mother, grandmother and my best friend’s family set a good standard of living life fashionably. My real great passion for fashion however, sprouted when I bought my first Vogue magazine in 1999. I started my first business when I was 13 - I sold cupcakes and secretly bought the magazines with some of the profit. At first my mother did not want me to read them because of the explicit nature of some of the pictures. As we all know, anything forbidden sparks fire into any young, curious mind. It was an instant obsession. The pages of Vogue magazine were ripped, torn, collaged, painted, treasured and admired. Some images will stay with me for the rest of my life. They shaped who I am, what I like and what I like to see. Tell us a bit about your journey. I have learned a lot and I am still learning more every day. Every client and garment brings something new to the mix. Tell us a bit about your style? I like buying secondhand or vintage clothing. I prefer wearing dresses, and I always put form above function. I would rather look better and be a bit uncomfortable - but having the best of both is first prize!
36
35
From where do you draw your inspiration? I use my senses to influence my general direction of living, and inspiration comes to me every day. If you use your senses you will find magical things around you - anything from a sweets wrapper on the ground to the innermost secret part of a flower. Inspiration is a lifestyle. You are currently not in South Africa. Tell us about this journey. New moves are all about perspective - looking back, looking forward and planning the future. I miss South Africa every day and I know that no matter where I am, my heart will always be with the Rainbow nation. Who are your favourite designers across all disciplines? Many South African artists inspire me, and I love collaborations. We work together and support each other. Some of these are fine artists like Andel Olivier and Banele Khosa, illustrator Bianca Brand and jeweler Lorean Jewellery, and also many talented photographers. I feel I find more inspiration in things which aren’t fashion. It broadens one’s perspective and stretches the furthest parts of the mind, giving a new angle to fashion. Everything within reason. It is all about balance. Have you ever considered designing items which are not fashion related? I have and I am always doing so. It is important to seek inspiration outside fashion. Writing is sculpting with words, pottery helps with 3d visualization and food is an art form on its own. I love kitch jello molds of all kinds.
34
SHEILA-MADGE BAKKER
What is your dream project? A fantastically all-design conceptual exhibition with fashion, installation, smells, sounds, interaction - just an all in one experience instead of a fashion show. Who would you most like to collaborate with? Anyone who is willing to work hard and who would bring something unexpectedly good to the project. What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future? Unfortunately it will still be a while before I re-enter the ready-to-wear market. I am currently busy with some wedding dresses with intricate details and handmade glass beads sourced from local crafters in Asia. What advice do you have for young South African designers? If you cannot put something extraordinary into the world, rather don’t. There are enough landfills with piles of textiles. Create something with meaning; something that you feel could help people in some way. Do enough market research by focusing on marketing and social media. Don’t be a business man/ women, be an anthropologist.
D E TA I L S
DUCATI XDIAVEL MIELE WINE UNITS
30 - 25 24 - 19
D u c a t i p re s e n t s a n e w c o l o u r s c h e m e f o r t h e X D i a v e l
-
30
Ducati is ready to reveal, at Intermot and EICMA, all the new models for 2019 and is previewing an all-new colour scheme for the XDiavel. The latest colour to bedeck the Ducati cruiser will be Matt Liquid Concrete Grey, a grey that goes perfectly with the “total black” of the chassis and engine. The new dark brown seat completes the sophisticated yet sporty styling, sharpening the Ducati XDiavel’s already distinctive character. The S version features a headlight with DRL (Daytime Running Light), DLC-coated fork tubes, Brembo M50 front brake calipers, dedicated machined rims and machine-finished engine belt covers. Moreover, it will continue to be available in Thrilling Black and Iceberg White, both with the red-trimmed stripe that makes the tank so eye-catching. The XDiavel in its new colour scheme will be available in Ducati Stores starting from November onwards (country specific). The complete XDiavel press kit is available at DucatiMediaHouse, more detailed bike info at xdiavel.ducati.com.
28
27
Miele Wine Uni ts Full programme for wine connoisseurs Look out wine connoisseurs, now there is no longer any need to go without a wine unit from Miele! With two new models for 88 and 178 centimetre high furniture niches, the company now covers practically all current sizes – from the small 45 cm high built-in appliance to the flagship freestanding model that stands almost 2 metres high. The advantage of the 88 and 178 models is that they offer a variety of combination options which fit in well alongside other Miele built- in appliances. While the smaller model has room for 33 bottles, the larger is able to accommodate up to 83 bottles. These are stored on adjustable beech wood shelves.
21
19
The larger of the two units comes complete with a SommelierSet, not only assisting decanting but also allowing glasses to be cooled or bottles already opened to be kept at the correct temperature. Not to mention of course the following technical features: two independently selectable temperature zones each, low-vibration and quiet storage, Active AirClean filter and a glass door to protect against UV-radiation. Alternatively, integrated versions of both models, which discreetly disappear behind furniture fronts are coming into the range.
A residence in Houghton Estate by blu_line
KITCHEN STORIES
16
This well-designed home was created around the needs of an energetic family. The architecture flows freely from area to area, with a combination of both subtle and dramatic points of interest throughout the space. The monoline collection by blu_line was the perfect choice for the home, allowing for seamless integration with the kitchen’s subtle details and sleek lines, whilst still adding a sense of drama.
15
A delicate balance of contrasts is instantly evident on entering the kitchen. Trademark characteristics such as the flat units, sleek cabinetry and exquisite attention to detail immediately identify the iconic blu_line brand. Another unique aesthetic in this kitchen is the thinner profiling, which pairs beautifully with the combination of materials and textures that have become synonymous with this specialist brand.
13
12
With materials being one of blu_line’s critical elements in their design ethos, a low key, yet luxurious aesthetic was achieved by using etched aluminium contrasted with truview glass to finish the walls. The soft colour palette combined with subtle reflection gives this space an ever-changing dynamic which exudes a sense of sophistication and unique authenticity.
Inf luence INSPIRED DESIGN
Nashira Arno is a NYC based jewellery designer from the Dominican Republic. For this (season-less) jewellery collection, SOL, she draws inspiration from the nostalgia of the endless sunny days in her native island. Fascinated with the universe and inspired by the Sun’s forms, interpretations and its planetary alignments, this collection becomes an abstract study of the solar system. All the pieces are handcrafted by independent local artisans from the island. Photography: Luis Guillen Art direction: Raylin Diaz Design: Nashira Arno Model: Giannina Oteto
L i g h t - Fra g m e n t s f o r T h e N o g u c h i M u s e u m + Y M E R & M A LT A Founded by one of the 20th century’s most renowned sculptors, Isamu Noguchi, the Noguchi Museum is located in Queens, New York, displaying representative examples of his work. The “Akari Unfolded” exhibition featured works of 6 modern designers which were gathered in homage to the Akari collection. Fabricated from handmade washi paper and bamboo, Akari is one of the most renowned works of Isamu Noguchi. Many of the sculptures by Noguchi were carved directly from stone, thus he regarded Akari more as luminescent sculptures, rather than lighting equipment. Inspired by these facts, we were able to imagine how Akari would have looked if it had been carved directly from a massive form of light. It made us realise that the fragments from the carved stone should be beautifully luminous.
7
The first step of the creation process was to carefully hand-carve white acrylic boards gradationally, from opaque to translucent, until the result was extremely thin and transparent. Then, the fragments were enveloped as if they were floating inside a transparent acrylic cube, and by lighting these pieces externally, “light-fragments� were represented. The concept of the Akari was to bring natural light into living spaces, and the corresponding Japanese character of (akari, light) is made up of two kanji elements, (hi, sun) and (tsuki, moon). This lamp replicates the relationship between the sun and the moon, the sun is the source of light, with fragments receiving the light. Since the sun cannot be seen when the moon is shining, it is designed so that the source of light is not exposed. Leaning across the transparent acrylic is an 8mm aluminum pipe, LED lights are aligned inside and diffused to minimize their unevenness. This narrow channel of light is intended to concentrate the light into the acrylic, thereby illuminating only the cube. Lastly, black was selected for the lamp legs, and a round black cap was put at the end to evoke the iconic Akari wire legs.
mono_cabinets by blu_line
5 The mono_cabinets, with their strong form, are the epitome of blu_line kitchen architecture which is uniquely customized, based on the clients’ needs and requirements. As such, they complete the sophisticated approach to this designer space. Great design is in the detail, and the mono_cabinets combine this with the functionality which the kitchen of today and tomorrow demands. The cabinets boast a slimline, foldaway system which allows for practical cooking, while storage elements are completely hidden until required. The shelves which are finished with black stratus aluminium and backed with an etched marble, are themselves a visual experience. The final touch is in the unique handle detail which is finished in Cartier Brass - Authentic luxury at its best.
4
C a te l l a n i & S m i t h p re s e n t s t h e n e w C i c l o I t a l i a To introduce the new CicloItalia, it is necessary to take a step back of almost thirty years, to the origins of the extraordinary story of Catellani & Smith. In 1989 Enzo Catellani used the exclusive bicycle lights he had found in the East to create Ciclocina, which became one of the iconic pieces within his first collection ‘Oggetti senza tempo’. Today those bicycle lights are no longer available, but they can be reproduced. Like a time machine travelling from the late eighties to the present day, Catellani & Smith has decided to pay homage to Ciclocina by translating its iconic design and the excellence of Italian craftsmanship into the newest CicloItalia. The manufacturing process needed to produce the new CicloItalia is exceedingly complex. Its peculiar light requires a particular manufacturing process, which was common in the 50’s, but is today almost abandoned due to its complexity. Such a structured manufacturing process enables each light to become a unique piece, thanks to the excellence of the typically Italian craftsmanship.
Design with the end in mind.
TEXTURE - CONCRETE
MONOLINE COLLECTION
BLU_LINE
YMER&MALTA
GAGGENAU
BANG & OLUFSEN
CATELLANI & SMITH
NENDO WUYUAN
DUCATI
JIL SANDER
NASHIRA ARNO EDOARDO TRESOLDI
SHEILA-MADGE BAKKER
QUZHOU
MIELE