BBeyond Exclusive Architecture and Design 2022 by BBeyond Books

BBEYOND EXCLUSIVE

ARCHITECTURE and DESIGN 2022

BBEYOND BOOKS

ROSEWOOD PRIVATE SUITES AT CIDADE MATARAZZO

First published in 2022 by BBEYOND BOOKS © BBeyond 2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book. www.bbeyondbooks.com ISBN 978-1-905904-80-8 Designed by www.squareandcircus.co.uk and AratiDevasher.com 4

Foreword This edition on design and architecture in the BBeyond series features vastly different projects, from residential, to commercial, to the quirky, to the outright arty, with creativity and originality underpinning all of them. Increasingly, homes, commercial spaces and buildings in general are expected to be “smart”, automated, and optimized for incorporating high spec technologies; similarly, retail customers expect their shopping expedition to be an experience, as opposed to a simple errand. We asked participants to comment on how their industry is addressing the above. Some featured projects are heavily focused on the natural environment and sustainability (Cidade Matarazzo; Sean Knibb’s The LINE Hotels) and there, technology takes a backstage. What all selected have in common is ingenuity, innovation and a passionate dedication to enhancing the ultimate users’ every day existence or experience. Each project is unique in their own way, from the simple to the most grandiose and captivating. As ever, projects are not organised in order of significance but logistically: we always start and end on a high note so the last profile is typically one of the editors’ favourite. We trust the reader will be as inspired as we have been in the process of putting together this edition.

Contents Cidade Matarazzo 8 PROjECT. 24 Fernanda Marques 34 Christian Lahoude 44 JVISLES. Architect 56 Eleven Studio 66 AC Atelier 76 Alessio Patalocco 88 Sean Knibb 98 Kendal Schutt 110

Image: CHRISTIAN LAHOUDE Bond Collective

CIDADE MATARAZZO

www.cidadematarazzo.com.br

CORTE TORRE

lexandre Allard does not fit neatly into a convenient description. Entrepreneur, investor, developer, collector, philosopher, humanitarian… all of these would apply to some extent, but the one that probably defines him best is ‘visionary’. Allard belongs to a category of people who dream big, carve out new trails (at times quite literally), and whose dauntlessness can be quite breath-taking. One may or may not share his construct of humanity and common values, or of the creative impetus (he insists that adversity is the main catalyst for creativity), but it is hard not to succumb to the passion of his argument or the strength of his personality. Add to this a certain devil-may-care attitude, forcefully articulated views on just about everything and ensure that it is all liberally laced with wit and you have … Allard. His latest and most ambitious project to date is a sweeping urban restoration and cultural project in Sao Paolo, Brazil that reflect his philosophy of the world, its values and its future. The scale of the project is one of life-legacy proportions. Cidade Matarazzo The project’s narrative is at once both fantastical and a blueprint of a success story: take a rundown 3 hectare portion of historical real estate in a major metropolis (in this case, Sao Paolo), import

ALL IMAGES: Design Architect: Ateliers Jean Nouvel; Client: Groupe Allard. ROSEWOOD PRIVATE SUITES AT CIDADE MATARAZZO Penthouse Living Room. Interiors by Philippe Starck.

ROSEWOOD PRIVATE SUITES AT CIDADE MATARAZZO Bedroom. Furnishings in 100% Brazilian natural materials.

restoration experts and the best architects and designers in the world (Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck respectively), convert the adjacent streets into a giant park and contribute to a new urban vision by taking care of two parks on the main axe of the city – Paulista Avenue . With the remaining area, create a mammoth-sized culture and art centre, theatre, music studio, convention centre and a hotel complex in partnership with the Rosewood Group. Cidade Matarazzo is so named after the former Matarazzo hospital, a historical landmark listed building that lay abandoned until Allard acquired it. Why Brazil, I ask. The way he tells it, Brazil has the “three seeds” that were critical to his project. The first he refers to as “Open-Source Religion” – effectively, taking the best from every religion and constructing your own. Allard, ever the pragmatist, as well as the big dreamer, likes that approach. Much in the same way he advocates an opensource approach to all things IT. Diversity is the second “seed”, or concept, and the one that he is most eloquent and passionate about. His argument is simple enough and almost purely mathematical – except it is also tinged with his particular brand of philosophy. The African population growth far outstrips the European rate, which means the continual push northward will inevitably dilute demographics. At the same time, argues Allard, diversity has created more wealth, cultural and economic, than even the most liberally minded of us ever stop to consider. Lastly, he says (in reference to the third “seed”), we have a great deal to learn from the Amazonian tribes about leaving minimal or no foot imprint on the land and the environment. Brazil is the leading country for the green transformation of the world with 1/3 the natural resources. Brazil is an amazing country, as anyone who has even been would attest. Harness all of the above elements and combine them with national pride and love, and you would have one of the world’s greatest cultural, diversity and booming investment hubs – without even mentioning the sheer natural beauty and richness of this vast expanse of territory. 

ROSEWOOD PRIVATE SUITES AT CIDADE MATARAZZO Bathroom

“We have much to learn from the Amazonian tribes about minimising our footprint on land and environment.” 17

BELA VISTA ROOFTOP & POOL Swimming pool art installation by Sandra Cinto.

RABO DI GALO JAZZ BAR

BELA VISTA POOLBAR FOYER

LE JARDIN SELVA RESTAURANT

PROjECT.

www.projectinteriors.com

SHADES OF PLAY

ROjECT., a Chicago-based interior design firm under the direction of founder Aimee Wertepny and director of design, Lauren Warnock, is committed to making design that MATTERS, design that “touches the heart and feeds the soul.” “We believe in storytelling, radical craftsmanship, rough edges and flipping the script. And, above all, we believe that empowered creatives empower creatives.” At PROjECT., an interior tells a narrative about the client, authentically unfolding through curated objects, colors and textures. “Creating thoughtful, unapologetically distinct environments that feel good is why we exist. We bring the magic and the woo-woo. It might hit like a subtle fragrance or announce itself boldly but either way, the thrill of entering a good interior, a chic interior, is an intoxicating experience—and it’s even better when it’s yours.”

Above: AIMEE WERTEPNY (left) and LAUREN WARNOCK This and following pages: FACTORY BEATS PROjECT. plays up clean lines and modern comforts for a factory conversion in Lakeview, Chicago. From gut rehab to final polish, the firm pulled out all the stops to transform a former Lava Lamp factory into an artful abode for a funloving family of five. A modern industrial sensibility with plenty of personality was the objective, and incorporating an abundance of gallery walls that would allow for the homeowners’ colorful artwork—pieces by hyper-relevant artists like Alex Katz, Richard Serra, Sean Scully, Stanley Whitney and KAWS—to take center stage. For the backyard, PROjECT. collaborated with Scott Byron & Co. to create a multi-use space. Part hardscape and part landscape, it features killer kitchen and bar components, a U-shaped sofa by Gloster to hug the fire pit, and Smart and Green globe-shaped lawn lights from Lightology.

PROjECT. doesn’t “do basic.” Its approach is unconventional yet intentional, reflecting the distinct personalities and artistic sensibilities of the all-female team. “As a collective, we do share common beliefs and creative traits: we believe a home should tell the stories of its inhabitants and reflect their journeys through life through edited moments. Rather than selecting pieces that fit an ‘aesthetic’, we look at design as a way to celebrate and share the mixed bag of cultures that make up all of us—and the art and communities we have connected with along the way.” PROjECT. tends to attract a certain type of client who is hip to the team’s “creative vibrations” and willing to embrace new ideas, break convention and take some creative risks. Clients looking for “conventional” don’t tend to gravitate toward PROjECT. “PROjECT. is all about ‘high drama’, and we always try to push our clients outside of their comfort zones to see the design

possibilities. That said, the art of subtle drama is our love language. Focal points, peekaboo moments, texture play, contracting and expanding spaces… Drama doesn’t have to hit you over the head. It should sashay up next to you and whisper in your ear.” “‘Contemporary’ can mean different things to different people. I find that it’s as much about the feeling of a space as it is about the presentation. Our clients want polish (flawless millwork and custom upholstery, for example), but the modern homeowner also wants reactive design—design that makes them feel comfortable, inspired and at peace within their home. Striking that balance is when the magic happens. It might show up as nuanced cultural/international elements if those elements are a part of the homeowner’s narrative—their travels, their experiences, their fondest family memories… or if they are open to embracing some of the cultural, curated, organic, roughhewn pieces that PROjECT. often gravitates toward and may suggest. Cultural, global, handcrafted goods are definitely a part of the PROjECT. narrative.”

Increasingly, buildings in general and high spec homes in particular are expected to be “smart”, automated and roboticsoptimized. The rise of the home office/remote work postpandemic is gathering traction. How does PROjECT. address this and are requirements different between residential and commercial clients? “Smart lighting, smart thermostats, smart sound systems, smart doorbells and security cameras… Our clients want the latest and greatest in full-home automation. For us, sophistication, integration and ease of use are most important—and having a range of compatibility, should you want to expand your smart home in the future. We also get niche requests such as circadian lighting for setting myriad entertaining moods or being able to control your whole home from an app from anywhere in the world. The latter is an important feature for our clients who travel a lot and have multiple homes. I personally love an old school light switch. Making your guests, especially older family members, try to figure out how to turn on the bathroom light in the middle of the night via an app can be too much.”

“Regarding the ‘rise of the home office’, what I find most interesting is how remote working is influencing floor plans. Two years ago, everyone wanted open-concept floor plans. But now, as we emerge from the pandemic, our clients want certain spaces sectioned off—and that includes the WFH office. Families with children want whole-office soundproofing and locks on the doors. The stress of the pandemic is also impacting the interest in wellness spaces within the home (meditation spaces, yoga rooms, and saunas, for example), as well as an increased desire for antibacterial materials, i.e. hardware in bacteria-repelling metals like copper and brass.” “For our commercial projects, integrated lighting, thermostats, sound systems and security systems are the top requests. We recently completed a Pediatric Dentistry in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The special nature of this project dictated the tech. We incorporated a sophisticated TV/gaming wall to keep the owner’s pint-size clientele occupied. We also hid a sophisticated essential oil diffusing system within the HVAC to give her brand a signature scent.” 

“Automation in the home must be sophisticated, fully integrated, easy to use — and future proofed.” 31

SHADES OF PLAY This Lakeview, Chicago, home was designed by dSPACE Studio for a couple and their three children. They wanted a home with a strong connection to the outdoors that preserved privacy in their dense urban neighborhood. A singlefamily home spread across two city lots, the homeowners’ top requirements included open-plan living with space for art, a master suite with deck, a gym, a sport court, a live-work space, and a kid’s hangout room with bunks for sleepovers. For the interior design, PROjECT. progressed an urbane agenda with concrete floors, sleek marble surfaces, linear furnishings to amplify that serious art collection, and custom upholstery to repel grape soda (or tequila).

FERNANDA MARQUES ARQUITETOS ASSOCIADOS

www.fernandamarques.com.br

ernanda Marques is the founder of the eponymous São Paulo architecture and design firm that has been established for close to three decades and now has offices on three continents. Her projects are prolific and range from product design to residential to commercial. They reflect her “contemporary mindset, combined with the sophistication of a permeable, integrative and artistic outlook.” The conceptualising process is based on extensive research and cumulative life experience. Her very distinctive product range has international appeal and a certain “Fernanda Marques” look that clients can not only identify but also identify with in terms of aesthetic sensibilities. “When clients look for me to carry out a project, whether residential or interior design, they look for lightness, comfort, contemporaneity and sophistication – aspects that I always emphasize in my projects, through the sectorisation of rooms, configuration of layouts, choice of colors and textures of furniture and finishing materials.”

“Much is made of the advent of automation: certainly it has added a great deal of value to the sector.” 41

Today, clients’ expectations in terms of contemporary aesthetics incorporate a strong international look, yet combined with more nuanced cultural elements that are unique to each particular location. “My clients expect me to be attuned to the trends in design and art of Brazil and throughout the world. Our objective is to produce customised projects for each client, without compromising our brand’s identity. We love to work with pieces from Brazil and other countries as well. We work with cultural elements from wherever the project is located; these elements can be either furniture pieces, a work of art or covering material, but they are not the only starting point for the development of the project; everything is taken into consideration, i.e. the implementation, natural light that enters in the space, etc. Whether residential or retail, there is not much difference between clients in terms of what they expect; the main difference is the budget, however even with a lower budget, we strive to foster the project’s inherent sophistication.”

Increasingly, buildings in general, private residences and high-end spaces are expected to be “smart”, automated and optimized for incorporating high spec technologies; similarly, retail customers expect their shopping expedition to be an experience, as opposed to a simple errand. Says Fernanda Marques: “Much is made of the advent of technology and its benefits. Certainly, it has added a great deal of value to the architectural sector, both in terms of project execution and user experience through automation. Most of our clients love, for example, the automation of turning equipment on and off and saving energy. This option is gaining traction in both residential and retail projects. The good thing about this technology is that it is completely customized and can adapt to any type of user routine. In our projects, we implement it in lighting, air conditioning, sound and other equipment.” 

CHRISTIAN LAHOUDE

www.christianlahoude.com

JIMMY CHOO, ROME

hristian Lahoude is the founder and principal designer of the eponymous New York City Studio which crafts custom, dynamic experiences for the world’s most elite brands by transforming retail and hospitality spaces into immersive, memorable moments. Since 2012, he has worked with blue chip brands including Jimmy Choo, Alexander Wang and Sulwhasoo, and designed one-off, full-sensory experiences in retail locations all over the world. Building on his past experience of working at Gucci’s, Tiffany’s and Chanel, where he fell in love with the entire process of “capturing and expressing elite retail brand identities through dynamic customer experiences”, Christian has become the go-to designer of choice for elite retail brands. The Studio has evolved over the last decade to include high-end hospitality, spa and wellness spaces, and Christian’s team now works with design of all scales – from boutique interiors, to facades and shopping complexes. The Studio brings a tailored approach to every project and encapsulates each brand’s unique DNA to provide architectural and design solutions with a global outlook and scale. At the same time, Christian and his team highlight the local identity of each space in project locations as varied as Tokyo, London, Beirut and Beijing. This customisation is applied even within the same city, with Jimmy Choo’s Madison Avenue and Soho stores, for example, each getting a locationappropriate look: Madison Avenue representing upper-east-side elegance and sophistication, and Soho offering down-town cool for young fashionistas. Increasingly, buildings in general and high-end spaces are expected to be “smart”, automated and optimised for incorporating high spec technologies; similarly, retail customers expect their shopping expedition to be an experience, as opposed to a simple errand.

JIMMY CHOO, HONG KONG HARBOUR CITY

Christian acknowledges the ever-growing need for technology to be incorporated into new design projects across the industry in order to remain current. His in-house background, with its varied marketing and merchandising requirements, involved a full-service approach to technology which he has brought into his current portfolio. While the Studio does not deal in the detailed implementation of smart technologies per se, the team does work with brands to recommend technological solutions that fulfil their unique

needs. The Studio is well versed in technological solutions which support the customer experience, including easily updated video and visual content, and mobile payment systems that replace cumbersome point-of-service technology with streamlined phones and tablets. Most recently, we have been working with a client on interactive touch screens that enable customers to request items and ask for assistance from the comfort of their fitting room. 

JIMMY CHOO, BUDAPEST (facing page) and ROME (above)

JIMMY CHOO, ROME

“Our one-of-a-kind spaces highlight Christian’s acute awareness of, and ongoing experimentation with materials.” 53

BOND COLLECTIVE

JVISLES. ARCHITECT

www.jvislesarchitect.com

VENEGAS RESIDENCE, QUEZON CITY

erry Isles is the founder of the JVISLES.ARCHITECT architectural studio based in the Philippines, developing mid to high-end residential and commercial projects nationally. The practice was established in 2006 out of Pasig and has grown to handling complex commercial buildings, as well as condominium and resort projects across the entire country. “We provide personalised architectural design services in all aspects of project development, characterised by innovative design and efficient project implementation.” While expectations generally are for design to conform to an international contemporary aesthetic, every client has their own unique preferences, with many projects incorporating more nuanced cultural elements that are unique to the Philippines. Increasingly, buildings in general and high spec homes in particular are expected to be “smart”, automated and robotics-optimised. The rise of the home office/remote work space post-pandemic is gathering traction. Architects globally are addressing this in different ways. “Long before the pandemic started, it has been our practice to incorporate the latest technologies in building solutions. This is especially relevant at the moment. All our projects are optimized for high-speed internet, providing smart home solutions and dedicated spaces to work from or to implement an online education setup. Our design also incorporates effective cross air ventilation and natural lighting for energy conservation by designing large doors and windows.” 

REDDEN RESIDENCE, Cavite, Philippines. This three storey home, located in a hilly upscale subdivision, is an example of modern rustic architecture. The property has a magnificent view of the province, and this was our primary direction in the process of conceptualization and design. We strategically located the bedrooms and communal areas with large windows and open decks/balconies. As the property is located in a hilly, rural area, cross ventilation is incorporated throughout to accommodate the yearround, windy climate (whether inside our immediately outside).

REDDEN RESIDENCE

“Our primary goal is to create a design that will not only look good in a certain season but will last for years.” 63

BEKAERT RESIDENCE This is a modern, neo-classic house owned by a young couple who are in film production. Since the pandemic hit the Philippines, renting studio space has been a challenge; we incorporated a studio and editing room where they can continue to work. A distinctive feature of the house is the combination of Japanese garden, at the main entrance, and an interior highlighted by the Balinese style swimming pool and trellis.

VALERIO RESIDENCE, Manila This 420 sq m, two-storey house is an example of modern, tropical design. The open-plan interior, with its high ceilings and large windows, flows seamlessly into the exterior. The landscaping complements the geometric patterns and natural finishing of the building’s exterior. The main features of the house are its clean architectural lines, and the holistic combination of materials (natural stone, wood, metal and glass) to harmonic effect.

ELEVEN STUDIO

www.eleven-studio.it

ounded in 2013, ELEVEN STUDIO is an Italian boutique architecture and design firm based in Liguria and working primarily on the Italy/France/Monaco border with high net worth, high mobility, high expectation international clients. The firm’s CEO, Luca Possamai, looks at every project as a “unique opportunity to create design concepts that express beauty and elegance at their simplest.” “The principles that guide our work are the space and light that are particular to each individual setting and the premise that architecture should be shaped by the people who live in it. We believe in working closely with clients: listening, anticipating, experimenting, optimizing, analysing and refining the concept along with teams of experts from various disciplines of architecture, design and construction sciences. We combine creativity with pragmatism to deliver highly individual projects that are functionally efficient as well as visually compelling, and offer a fresh perspective, along with knowledge of what can be achieved under the local laws.” ELEVEN STUDIO’s clients have different expectations in terms of contemporary aesthetics, based on personal taste and requirements, with some preferring very linear and clean design, contemporary shapes and materials that integrate in the environment and have optimal sustainability, while others opt for a feel of authenticity and retaining elements of the traditional Italian house. “What all clients have in common is the wish to create something truly unique that represents their own personality, their definition of beauty, and that allows them to enjoy as much of the stunning surroundings and views.” In this context, luxury is perceived more as an experience; in using quality materials and connecting the indoor with the spectacular surrounding nature. Simplicity and uniqueness trump generic opulence.

Beauty is all about details, says Luca Possamai. In this context Italian craftsmanship comes truly into its own: from using locally sourced materials to appointing the most talented craftsmen with generations of experience, this is one of the strengths of designing houses in Italy.

“There is no shortcut to perfection. Every project is treated differently based on location and the specific features of the landscape.”

Increasingly, buildings in general and high spec homes in particular are expected to be “smart”, automated and robotics-optimized.

“There is no answer that’s universally applicable. While sea proximity is certainly a plus for some of our clients, views is certainly what counts the most.

ELEVEN Studio designs every project with the most efficient, environmentally friendly but also best performing solutions in mind, be it in terms of systems, materials, production method, transportation, etc.

Is sea view more important that sea proximity?

This is why we try to design houses where interiors and exteriors blend in a seamless way. We want our clients to be able to enjoy the spectacular outdoors.” 

“There is no shortcut to perfection. Every project is treated differently based on location and the specific features of the landscape.” 73

TINY WOODEN HOUSE

AC ATELIER

www.amycassellatelier.com

THE VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE GALLERY

he AC Atelier is a Chicago based multi-disciplinary firm founded by Amy Cassell and developing projects across the United States and internationally. For Cassell, starting a practice that specialises in both architecture and design came naturally. “I was educated as an architect but fell in love with interiors early in my career, so the practice has always been multi-disciplinary. For us, the architecture is the foundation; once that is right, the interiors come easily. From a client’s perspective, there is a simplicity with one point of contact throughout the project.” The studio is very versatile, handling a variety of projects, from residential to commercial to institutional and even repurposing a car collection space, The Vintage Automobile Gallery. “This was a unique brief: an office suitable for entertaining, having overnight guests, and storing/displaying a significant vintage motorcar collection. Additionally, we were repurposing a space that was once a printing warehouse, which made this even more of a remarkably interesting project. The finished product is ultimately a gallery of vintage automobiles, viewed behind a wall of glass and steel panels. These cars capture the essence of their time and are still celebrated today for their elegant design and incredible machinery. We wanted to take a similar approach to the interior. The interior needed to support business meetings for eight, as well as convert to an entertaining space. At the center is a sunken bar, allowing one to sit there with an unobstructed view of the collection. In addition, there is a media space that can turn into a bedroom for overnight guests, as well as a hidden shower and storage for luggage. We wanted to keep the industrial loft feel of the original warehouse space. Brick walls, wood ceilings and beams were all recreated to appear as the original (local codes prevented us from exposing the actual original materials). The industrial feel was further carried through with pale oak floors, steel mesh “drapery”, rough-hewn cabinetry and stone, accented with stainless steel. The enduring stylish lines of the vintage automobiles served as inspiration for the furnishings, carbon grey textured paper with “rivets”, black tire tread-like leather for the bar stools, and metal tables and consoles.

THE VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE GALLERY

The gallery space itself is clad with insulated panels used for large scale food refrigeration facilities, providing the needed insulation but also cleanability (to ease oil clean ups and the like.) We replaced the original wood columns with steel in the gallery to allow more space between the columns to manoeuvre the collection. The artwork was also inspired by the vintage collection: there are photographs by Michael Furman, renowned vintage car photographer, of French made cars including Delahaye, Dubonnet and Bugatti, celebrating the client’s French heritage and love of vintage racing cars.” Creating a more nuanced, individual, or even traditional look in the context of today’s overarching aesthetic for streamlined contemporary buildings and interiors is both a challenge and an opportunity for architects and designers. “We are not predisposed to one style or the other, rather we wish to create spaces that embody the inspirations and

passions of our clients. Our residential clients want their homes to be individual, warm, and inviting, whether they prefer a contemporary or a more traditional style. Many have had experience with commercial design in their offices and want a different feel and process. Our presentation process for a residence is distinctly different, focusing on fully rendered elevations of each space, complete with accessories, flowers, and art to convey a fully finished interior, along with well fitted out material palettes focused on luxurious fabrics that can meet demanding (dare I say commercial) standards, but are beautiful first and foremost. While the connection to the outdoors is important, it is more often about light and view than actual spaces which tend to be high maintenance. Many of our clients subscribing to a contemporary aesthetic start with a blank canvas: everything in the home is new, from the furnishings to the art and accessories. Our more traditional leaning clients are often bringing a collection,

furniture, art, or other, which they want us to update so that it feels fresh again. Whether that is designing a dedicated space, or reworking the collection into a more celebrated contemporary look, the goal is to refresh and give it new life. Our corporate clients look for a design that supports the brand, attracts potential employees, and creates a stimulating working environment. Outdoor space is an important benefit, especially in urban settings. We spend a lot of time with corporate clients working through the integration of outdoor amenities. We think of the process as an opportunity to create a space that is unique to clients and supports their aspirations.” On “smart”, automated and robotics-optimized spaces “The pandemic has only confirmed that flexibility within our spaces is a priority. The ability to dedicate a room for a particular function is critical to the new privacy requirements

of remote working and learning. We have utilized large sliding panels concealed within walls; rotating bookshelves; hidden doors, and even acoustic drapery panels to create flexible spaces. The integration of new technology has greatly expanded this flexibility: our smallest dressing rooms now incorporate workout equipment concealed behind mirrors; media rooms become conference rooms with transforming tables that extend from coffee tables to conference tables; dining tables are integrated with table lamps and channels for plugging in. The smart home today starts at the most fundamental level: energy efficiency is primary in every project, from lighting to mechanical systems, plumbing and appliances, to windows and doors. Then the focus is on controls, the rise of apps controlling everything in our home has created a simplicity and eliminated duplicative inefficient proprietary systems. From our modest residential renovations to the most complex projects, creating homes that provide flexible spaces and efficient use of technology is integral to the success of the project.” 

THE VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE GALLERY

“Creating a more nuanced look in today’s overarching aesthetic ... is both a challenge and an opportunity for architects and designers.” 85

PIED-A-TERRE FOR COLLECTORS

ALESSIO PATALOCCO

www.alessiopatalocco.eu

lessio Patalocco is an Italian architect and self-described urban artist in equal measure.

His studio is a flexible structure that allows him to “breathe”, all the while working with a number of collaborators on everything from small residential to large public projects. There is a great emphasis on street art in his designs and he uses the same method whether to conceptualise a mural drawing or a urban project. “The most important thing is that creativity’s final product takes us to a different place. To this end, I mix stories and languages from start to finish of each project. Pushing Lipovetsky’s philosophical stance on the hyper-modern individual to its natural conclusion, I instinctively link multiple strands and dimensions in my work.” There is a great versatility in Patalocco’s output, both in terms of geographical locations and type: from Asia to Europe; from bridges and urban/ public spaces to houses, farms, airports and experimental spaces. “As is the case with many architects, some of the concepts remain on paper, but they start as an artistic exercise based on direct inspiration by clients, contexts, historical meanings, even our own sense of humour. In built projects too there is a special

PIAZZA DELL’OLMO IN TERNI (BUILT 2014): A urban redevelopment of an ancient square in the centre of Terni putting a unique pink color made by pavement lights disposed as a starry sky. Two different shelters, made of steel and black fabrics, offer a shelter for the young people of this square. People call this place “Batman’s square”: the design project bring their imagination in another “fantastic” place. (Photo credit: Angelo Papa, Gianni Aniballi)

THE PAINTED PUB (COMPLETED 2012): This is an interior conceptualised as a street art intervention: the perception of the space changes only with the addition of “freestyle” mural paintings. (Photo credit: Ilaria Lupi)

bond between architect and client – not only do we appreciate our clients as clients but also as individuals who want to make a change in the world and want to accomplish this with us as the creative force behind the change. I use my personal interpretation of them and more often than not, they inspire me subconsciously more than their original brief.” All architects today apply the principles of sustainable design but Patalocco takes this to a whole new level.

“I believe that sustainability should be at the core of all concepts, not simply a means to an end. I focus on “social sustainability” and the human aspect – as an artist I must come up with solutions that make places aesthetically strong. I don’t use the term “sustainability” with my clients, rather, I prefer to let them understand the point of sustainability in all our projects.” Increasingly, buildings in general and high spec homes in particular are expected to be “smart”, automated and roboticsoptimised. The rise of the home office/remote work post-

“As an architect and as an individual I am equally comfortable with smart technologies and with more traditional systems.” 95

pandemic is gathering traction. Architecture is at the forefront of this new revolution. “Paul Valery said “The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be”. I approach this argument by establishing an effortless relationship between “life” and “time” and optimising my clients’ comfort to the maximum. Often architects/designers use a mix of technologically advanced and “old” solutions for purely artistic/visual effect, without any regard for the ultimate purpose of implementing new technologies. In our last residential project, which began in 2020, we focused more on establishing areas with acoustic insulation, so that each inhabitant can carve out their own personal space, rather than on creating home office spaces. As an architect and as an individual I am equally comfortable with smart technologies and with more traditional systems.”

RESTORATION OF A MODERN CHURCH (2013 CONCEPT; UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WITH MARCO IAPADRE): An intervention in modern architecture designed by an important Italian firm (Giuseppe Nicolosi, 1901-1981). We preserved the exterior but transformed the interior into a gallery for contemporary art. (Photo credit: Marco Iapadre)

SEAN KNIBB

www.knibbdesign.com

ean Knibb is one of the most exciting designers on the global hospitality scene today. A visionary with a bold and, some might say, radically experimental approach to conceptualizing spaces, he brings the great green outdoors in, creating “urban meadows” of exceptional originality. Knibb started as a “flower boy” in his native Jamaica – that is, he would spend time with his grandmother, a florist, who was instrumental in shaping both his sense of aesthetics and his guiding design principle: “creative, human, experience”. Knibb went on to become a landscape designer in Los Angeles but his fiercely contemporary and non-conformist style attracted commissions for furniture and eventually interior, restaurant and hotel projects. “We want to feel natural, we want to feel purposeful, we want to feel comfortable and we want to feel that we’re not destroying the environment – that we’re mindful as much as we possibly can be… we want to remember that the earth is our home, and reach for the innovative, the remarkable, and the astonishing at the same time. Elevate the unexpected – imagine the new. The beauty of the garden or space is not in the cost of any one material, but in the use and relationship of one to another. We’re always trying to find the balance between things that feel fresh yet have a sense of history. We design with stories in mind, and intention behind each choice. We create and give vision to the discarded and sometimes forgotten urban structures and spaces.”

THE LINE HOTEL AUSTIN “How many designers envision torn canvas as a ceiling covering? It starts in the lobby, with its blush plaster walls and trio of fireplaces paying homage to Carlo Scarpa, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Rudolph Schindler, and extends to the bar of the signature restaurant Arlo Grey. Though its finish resembles the charred Japanese treatment shou sugi ban, the bar by local artist Michael Wilson is actually stained ash. No matter, its inky black is a mysterious draw. The restaurant proper lightens up with pale pink walls and booth seating overlooked by cerulean glass pendants.”

100

101

THE LINE HOTELS The Line hotels, in Los Angeles and Austin, TX, are design destinations in their own right where themed rooms and greenhouse dining spaces have become Knibb’s signature. The Line Los Angeles “Since its opening in 2013, the LINE LA has been at the forefront of a renaissance as this 3 sq mile section of LA has become a destination for urban explorers and creatives. A striking wall sculpture in the intimate reception area complements what looks like an assemblage of carved wooden tribal masks but is actually composed of forms cut from plastic water jugs and rendered ebony with layers of paint. In the foreground is the reception desk itself, fronted with aluminium panels anodized a deep burgundy. By tucking the reception away to the side, Knibb has left the immense lobby free.

102

Clearly, it needed breaking down and re-finishing. New concretefilled travertine chimes in with the building’s brutalist vibe. Camouflaging what would otherwise have been a plain drywall soffit, meanwhile, is a highly unusual treatment derived from his landscape design. “I had been making stools by compressing T-shirts in a baling machine,” he explains. Here, they’re dyed cobalt, indigo, or pale blue-grey and arranged in overlapping layers. Below the soffit, azure-stained plywood banquettes zigzag between structural columns. The angles create nooks that are great for groups – and equally fine for semi-privacy if a guest working alone craves an alternative to a lonely room. Single seats are iterations of the classic wing chair, covered in burlap with orange piping.”

THE LINE HOTEL

106

“How do I express my point of view at this point in time in my designs? What’s the fabric of today? What can I pick up on?” 107

THE CASA NOVA The Casa Nova tables break a new frontier and transcend the space between design and art. The series of white Carrara marble tables, with their incredibly precise details of crumpled t-shirts and jean shorts, are concepted in Knibb’s studio in Venice Beach and carefully etched and sculpted into the marble surface by Italian artisans. The entire process takes 700 hours. At first glance, you believe you are looking at white cotton t-shirts and jean shorts, until you notice the veins of the marble and feel the cold, hard surface. Down to the ribbing of the collar and the fringe on the jean shorts – all the minute details are there. Knibb challenges traditional design notions all the while unlocking the natural beauty of Carrera marble.

“I’ve been looking at and studying—whether it’s Bernini or Canova—the canon of art history of Europe. Great artists’ works are a representation/interpretation of the things and people around them – at the time. How do I express my point of view at this point in time in my designs? What’s the fabric of today? What can I pick up on? For me, the whole idea of, “What do jeans mean?”—torn, cut-off jeans, girls in jeans, and guys in jeans. Then t-shirts and how we’ve morphed into $150 t-shirts or $200 t-shirts. We still have $5 t-shirts. What is this particular object? How do you go from 5 bucks all the way to 200 bucks when it’s still just a t-shirt? There’s the idea to play with the symbolism of it and to carve it into marble. That, for me, really personifies the ability to take a simple thing and turn it into an extravagant thing, to take these shapes that we really take for granted and to apply those in the marble or in the space.” 

109

KENDAL SCHUTT

www.schuttdesigns.com

endal Schutt is a Los Angeles, CA-based designer and founder of“SCHUTT”, the eponymous interior and product design studio. Schutt Designs was established in Spring of 2018. “Spring is a very important season for me creatively. It represents growth and I am constantly growing and refining my skills. Spring also being synonymous with flowers and these are incorporated in most of my products.” Kendal’s multicultural background, knowledge, and sensibility infuse every interior and every product with history, love and passion. “As a designer, I bring together different elements and apply creativity in order to craft beautifully balanced spaces that give you great energy. I carry each project through with dedication from start to finish, mixing some old and some new is exactly how I give every space long-lasting rhythm and harmony. It keeps things interesting. I believe beauty should be everlasting and emanate from within, which is why I fell in love with interior design and have such a deep appreciation for everything that goes into creating that “perfect” interior.” Kendal Schutt’s interiors are characterised by detail, style, and grace. “I am not a fan of excess...I find it clutters the mind. My product line epitomises this approach as well – I view the products as pieces of art as well as furniture.” “In between projects I started designing a variety of pieces, but mainly chairs at the moment as I find them interesting. A chair can evoke a certain emotion, and play with your imagination. I like observing where people choose to sit or when with clients going over a furniture layout. I love a dining room, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and dining area. My teapot in particular is probably my favourite product. As a little girl I have always loved teapots, teacups, and beautiful plates.” Kendal is a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, Southern California Chapter and The Royal Oak Foundation.

112

113

115

116

“I am not a fan of excess...I find it clutters the mind. My product line epitomises this...I view the products as pieces of art as well as furniture.” 117

118

BBEYOND EXCLUSIVE

ARCHITECTURE and DESIGN 2022 First published in 2022 by BBEYOND BOOKS © BBeyond 2022 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book. www.bbeyondbooks.com ISBN 978-1-905904-80-8 Designed by www.squareandcircus.co.uk and AratiDevasher.com ISBN 978-1-905904-80-8

BBeyond Exclusive Architecture and Design 2022

Articles inside

Kendal Schutt

Sean Knibb

Alessio Patalocco

Fernanda Marques

Christian Lahoude

Cidade Matarazzo

JVISLES. Architect

PROjECT

Eleven Studio

AC Atelier