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VyTA Santa Margherita Morfosis Mehrabad House Richard Yasmine KETA GUTMANE Blossom Stool Purapietra Lu Kun Interview / Samuele Mazza Duffy London CIME claire rendall-Member of sbid Index Design Series Half Roof House Five reasons to use realistic renderings Pershing 140 ZAC Bassins à Flot Baiba Ladiga interview / Giulio Rossi THE HOTEL SHOW DUBAI 2017
VyTA Santa Margherita www.collidaniela.com
A first class restoration for first class travellers in Florence. What was formerly designed and conceived as the first class waiting room of the Santa Maria Novella train station has recently turned into an elegant bakery shop, Vyta Santa Margherita. Only a great architect and fresh mind could efficenlty and gently intervene into a masterpiece of Italian rationalism such as the train station designed by architect Giovanni Michelucci in the 1930s, and Daniela Colli did it on tiptoes, through a path made of vintage elements and modern hardware. Colli is not new to this kind of projects: with an harmonious and balanced approach on the existing element, the roman based architect has an innate ability in combining her contemporary and modern lines with the historical building. Copper, glass and marble in thin balance with the historical boiserie, that function as backstage wings embracing the new L shaped main character: a pink copper multi-functioning element which contains the lighting system and other plants into a full and empty alternating cadÊnce dematerialized by the tiny plates. Vyta gives vitality and refinement back to one of the masterpieces of Italian rationalism. One fluid, timeless space, cozy and intimate, an oasis from the incessant movement of travellers, an invisible border generated by an emotional and theatrical surrounding able to remain in visitors’ mind, mouth and eyes. - Michelle Oven -
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Morfosis morfosis.it
The name of the brand Morfosis is connected to the root meaning of the word: form as a synthesis and evolution of intuitions. Inspired by her classical studies and by art, above all influenced by her painter grandmother, Anna Grauso, the designer Alessandra Cappiello perceives the garment as a perfect synthesis of wearability and inspiration. Rorschach’s ink blot test, the expression of a natural multiform panorama and the elegant work of icons as Elsa Schiaparelli e Madeleine Vionnet, are a perpetual stimulus for Alessandra. These elements, fusing together, create a stylistic synthesis between a contemporary twist and femminine appeal. The new Morfosis SS18 Collection is based on Vitamine-like colors bind to more neutral nuances. The rigidity of lines is mitigated by more sinuous accents, expressing the concept of opinion with a relative and ever changing perception. From imperfections to contrasts, Morfosis pursues and achieves its own relative, sophisticated, incisive and vigorous essence. The preciousness of fabrics, the softness of tulle plumetille, the strength of lurex, the light metal alternate and come together, creating an effective mix and match of cotton piquet, muslin, silk and organza. The color palette synthesizes the search for balance, where pink and blue lightly touch gold, copper and silver. The collection, entirely made in Italy respecting the sartorial tradition is inevitably a personal expression. Just as the inclination of the moment may be ephemeral and volatile the aesthetic must escape from any fixed and pre-assembled patterns. -Carolina Bruni-
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Mehrabad House Sarsayeh Architectural Office www.sarsayeh.com
Behind the Mehrabad House there’s the creative genius of a rising star in the Iranian architecture scene. The thirty something Behnam Sefidi established the Sarsayeh Architectural Office in 2011. Since then, his signature style has predominantly involved minimalistic building with an urban edge, meeting the needs of different clients and various lifestyles. For this project, completed in 2016 in the city of Isfahan, in Iran, the main request was to split one house, once occupying 1350 squared metres in a single unit, into three independent apartments: one for the father and one each for the two sons. Three separate living spaces, over a ground, first and second floor, still linked by family bonds and sharing communal areas, like the outer entrance and the underground parking space, which can accommodate up to six cars. To achieve that, the Sarsayeh studio broke the saloon’s roof in to two parts with different heights, in order to gain better ventilation and lightening condition, plus a good visual connection. All across the different levels of the building, green addictions with plants control the feeling of apartment living, reinstating a sense of freedom instead. The project also benefits from the distinctive use of bricks, to make sure the new development blended in smoothly with the surroundings while, at the same time, turning locally sourced materials into key features. The whole building comes across as a dovetail of cubes, with terraces nestled in on each floor. Complementing the open character of each side, the large windows frame the interiors, in an uninterrupted dialogue with the outside. - Sam Walsh -
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Richard Yasmine
www.richardyasmine.com His design is simple, bold and straightforward, yet with a touch of fantasy. Richard Yasmine is a Lebanese designer and interior architect, born and raised in Beirut. He has graduated in 2003 from the Lebanese university. After that, he started to work as a conceptual designer for companies in Beirut, Milan, Dubai, and Doha. Richard combines well a traditional design and trendy details. He uses traditional carving and marquetry on rough materials like wood, metals and stones, combining the original and modern design. His projects and designs have been featured in many local and international blogs and magazines, as well as a permanent attendant to many workshops and fairs in Paris, Milan and New York. As Confucius said: “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves”. “Bleeding Soul” has the philosophical and dramatic perception and this quote inspired the Lebanese designer to create the whole concept of the mirror. It is a rectangular freestanding mirror made of waxed walnut wooden frame with 3 rough metallic nails turned to give the desired shape in this case. Metallic nails are on left side of the mirror used as coat hangers, underneath of each nail a removable drop of blood made of resin on a magnetic metallic sheet emphasizing the main idea. - Kate Locmele -
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KETA GUTMANE KETAGUMANE.COM
More brands have jumped on the bandwagon of merging feminine and masculine silhouettes, signaling a new era of fashion where gender lines have blurred. KETA GUTMANE, a Latvian womenswear label by a young female designer of the same name, has done just that with her concept for Autumn/Winter ‘17. Taking a turn away from the sensual looks of yesteryear, Gutmane delivers an almost protective shape for women this season. Strong dropped shoulders and double breasted details styled in an effaced shade of khaki and fresh blue made its appearance. Pure colors like red are paired with a structured fold over leather finish skirt in Gutmane’s signature charcoal black, a first time for the brand. With a long sleeved velvet tee, the designer succeeded in softening the distinct lipstick tone. Other shades of black and gray have grounded the collection in its style. Oversized jackets and coats makes one reminisce of being enveloped snugly on cold, windy days- when a designer provides function and fashion in a garment, you know they’re getting it right. Details like extra long zippers running along the back yoke enhances the traditional bomber, and a midi dress with long sleeves might have turned out severe if not for gathers at the waist, a breezy slit, and collar sash. The collection is hardly suffocating- it doesn’t wrap around the human body tightly in its protection, but is airy and just slightly too large in a comfortable way. Latvian subculture is reflected in the vision of each collection leading up to the most recent one. Workwear heavily inspires as well as street-wear, a marriage of utilitarian designs and modern visuals that never forgets their traditional craftsmanship and roots. KETA GUTMANE is for the raw, resilient soul with enough rebellion for an interesting character. The Woolmark nominee is adept at the balancing game- surface and texture are married with agile, durable fabrics like wool and wrinkled tech materials, as well as her avant-garde sensibilities translated into wearable garments by bridging classic tailoring with conceptual art. She has mentioned that her childhood witnessing the real punks of Latvia has strengthened her artistic direction and vision after she made it her own. The armor aesthetic of her brand transcends childish ideas of fashion which is a maturity that this young designer has developed on her own. There is no doubt that this season appeals to the quietly confident spirits among KUTA GUTMANE’s clientele. -Article by Jacki See-
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Blossom Stool / Tokujin Yoshioka www.tokujin.com
It is in the late 19th century that Georges Vuitton creates a pattern inspired to some traditional Japanese symbols such as flowers and geometrical forms: Japonisme, one of the most fascinating examples of the interarts and intercultural phenomenon of that period, had a crucial influence in the invention of the world famous fashion monogram. It is no surprise that more than one hundred years later the lines of the iconic Louis Vuitton blossom are designed by a renowned Japan hand and take the form of a beautiful stool. The new artwork of Tokujin Yoshioka keeps the right company to the other works of the designer which are part of the permanent collections of museum worldwide, including New York MoMA and Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, Centre Pompidou in Paris, Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Yoshioka drew for the French maison an object full of historical meaning, with a natural structure that delivers a symbolic strong message, where the silhouette forms the gentle four-petals overlapping seating corolla of the elegant furniture piece available in gold metal and in a combination of leather and wood. The Blossom Stool is the designer homage to the luxury aesthetic and high level of manufacturing and craftmanship cultivated in the brand’s long history. In the travel inspired philosophy of Louis Vuitton, where the relevance of journey has always been emphasized, more than the destination, this graceful and shiny piece of design, perfect combination of high art and fashion legacy, is born to travel beyond time, universal and everlasting. - Kate Dolby -
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Purapietra
www.purapietra.com Nomen omen as ancient Romans would have said, Purapietra - namely ‘pure stone’ - is an Italian company creating design from the pureness and opulence of marble. A philosophy of everlasting beauty sculpted by innovation, quality, professionalism and flexibility: Purapietra delivers since 40 years custom-made products, understanding the time and the space of every location, giving life to unrepeatable projects of unique craftsmanship for floors, inserts, stairs, bathrooms, kitchen counter-tops, sinks, shower slabs and stone-caved bathtubs, and additionally, polishings and restorative stone repairs. Not only marble: its partner Moscato Marmi provides Purapietra with granite, limestone, travertine, and onyx, using handmade old techniques and the most modern machineries such as water-cut and high pressure to create maximum precision and diversity while adding both ancient and modern final touches. These things don’t happen by chance, proudly declares Purapietra, and the reference is to the creative team of Italian designers that in more than 40 countries tell the endless story of a rough material which becomes light and pleasant, as in an handbasin that vseems sculpted by the pouring water itself. Molded stones creating limitless possibilities, with smart shape sorters and multiple surface variations of graphic and colors, for the higher aesthetic impact, and the most demanding client. - Samuel Walsh -
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Lu Kun Lu Kun, considered part of the old-guard of Chinese fashion designers, has returned to storm the scene once again. He was once called the “the young Galliano of China”, a nod to the couture sensibilities to his sensual designs. His well-known vision of 1920s Shanghai chic is translated for the contemporary woman. Ideas of the exotic, provocative era of the prosperous city are channelled in his work that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wong Kar Wei film. Dubbed the Paris of the East, it’s easy to understand why that groundbreaking decade of female fashion has propelled Lu Kun’s rich aesthetic from the very beginning. He was once an oil and watercolour artist, trained from the young age of 4 and waiting to get into an art school which was full. His mother suggested him to study fashion design in the meantime, something she saw as a good balance of art and practicality. That twist of events was the starting point of his career and from then on, Lu Ken never looked back. He is a lauded and accomplished artist, being the recipient of the Best Young Designer in China award from the Shanghai Fashion Federation, the Nokia Fashion Diamond Award both in 2004, and listed as the Top 10 Fashion Design Masters of China by the international Worth Global Style Network in 2015. Whilst running his own studio, Lu Ken is a mentor for students at La Salle International Fashion School. He currently operates a youthful and contemporary womenswear brand called Mikumkum. The ready to wear line from the couturier caters to the new class of young women in China who are capable and driven, yet charming and feminine. It pursues a balance of intellect and elegance for women who can navigate her way through the ups and downs of life and work. The leitmotif of Lu Ken’s aesthetic for strong and quiet women in his previous work is clear in this new endeavour. Reputed for his deliberate and sophisticated cuts that emphasize the curves of the female form and shying away from the usual stick thin muses, the Chinese designer hands his clientele all the power they would ever need by dressing them in decadent jewel tones and luxurious fabrics. He sculpts fabric for the expressive and dynamic spirit, a pathfinder and voyager in her own right. Think of Lu Ken’s work as armour, and him as the man who would thrust a woman wearing his creations into the glamorous spotlight. -Article by Jacki See-
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-INTERVIEWSAMUELE MAZZA
Interior and product designer In each of your projects there are elements that like a Coup de théâtre surprise the audience, how you choose these elements? Recently I’ve produced some furniture for a film, “John Wick”, the last one of Staelscky, the same film director of “Matrix”. Another one with Keanu Reeves. I am very influenced by the idea of the plot twist or by the non-trivial presentation of a house. That is part of my vision of the whole. The predictability bores me. What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one? It is frustrating when a customer wants to teach you how to do your job, he takes reservations, he is afraid that you will do crazy things in his house. Even Mr. Kaufmann thought it was crazy when Wright wanted to build a house on the waterfall. The same happened in the past between Brunelleschi and the Florentines. The discussion about a project is constructive but only to a certain point. The crazy creativity of a designer can transform a work into a masterpiece. Which kind of project you would like to realize if you had no budget limits? In the past, I’ve already done works with unlimited budgets. Usually the results are only opulent and arrogant. The best ideas come sometimes just when you have a small budget. For “Antolini Marmi” and “Visionnaire” I did great things, that became fashionable and was copied all over the planet. Instead there are small things, or personal things, that I have done, which remain just unique and gracious works. But the chance of no budget restrictions allows you to amaze the world and earn a lot, and be authoritative. What is the main requirement for a project to bring your signature? “Freedom to create” is the requirement of projects that can bring my signature. This freedom is granted to you by the success, not by working to make ends meet ... and you can choose what, when, where and for whom invest your time.
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DUFFY LONDON
www.duffylondon.com The London-based design company Duffy Design offers a range of highly imaginative and strong conceptual furniture designs. The company is headed by its founder Christopher Duffy, who has surrounded himself with s small team of specialists. Christopher Duffy graduated with a BA in Product Design from the University of Brighton in 2002. He then started to create products in his kitchen but has since established his own design company in a large studio in east London. All of Duffy’s designs are characterised by the combination of art and function, challenging concepts of gravity, geometry and illusion. His designs are also eco-focused and handmade to order by skilled craftspeople in the UK. Each design is made in limited editions, typically 20 to 25 units. Tables and chairs dominate Duffy’s designs, so far. Some noteworthy examples are the Abyss series of tables, the Surf-Ace Table and the Megalith Table. The Surf-Ace table is, as the name indicates, inspired by surfing. It is made of laminated and form-shaped wood in a number of finishes and can be accompanied by the Surf-Ace bench. The Surf-Ace table and bench are elegantly curvaceous and pleasant to touch. The Abyss table gives you a dreamy illusion of looking into the depths of the sea. Its blue-green gradients look like a stratigraphic visualisation of infinite mystery. It is made of wood from managed forests and glass. Its surface is 150 by 75 cm and 40 cm high. Other tables in the Abyss series are Console, Kraken and Horizon. The Megalith table is inspired by the space odyssey series, by the writer Arthur C. Clarke (and Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 movie). The toughened top glass surface is balancing on a number of toppling monolith shapes made of powder-coated polished steel. It is held together what appears to be some mysterious out-of-this-world force. The Megalith tables are available in the colours black, white or red. - Mikael Fernstrom -
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CIME CIME is an emerging Chinese brand founded by designer Cindy Meng and Sophia Zhao in 2016. A portmanteau of Cindy Meng who designs for millennials and caters to their ideal aesthetic of high fashion, the young brand focuses on carrying a spirit of effortlessness, intrigue, and confidence. Driving newness with innovative textile development and three-dimensional cutting and draping techniques, each garment produced by the brand remain culturally astute and playfully subversive. The persona channeled by CIME’s clientele is one with a keen eye and taste for clean designs, ignoring the overly decorated mainstream fashion that is flooding the current market. The label makes sure to remove themselves from the commonly overstyled visuals in their new campaign, and keeps their models from overshadowing their clothes with quirky poses. Shot by the rocky seaside and filtered with a nostalgic, dusky glow, CIME presents a collection of easy silhouettes and interesting paneling. Ruching and ruffles are featured in some of the show stopping pieces, and the mix of resort and cosmopolitan fashion is unique offering. Classic shapes take on new dimensions with unconventional pairing of textiles. A subtle brushed metallic finishing is showcased on chevron panels, drawing attention to feminine waists and bodices. It’s a contemporary take on the vintage print when paired with ruched textures on sleeves and skirts. The unexpected volume is controlled and easy to manage. Hardly overwhelming for petite figures, gathered statement sleeves add femininity while keeping in line with the current global importance of retro trends. A deep velvet blue ruffled dress stands out in this collection; romantic yet rich. CIME showcases their expertise with cutting for this bandeau maxi gown. Feather light and airy fabrics are used with movement in mind, giving thought to the youth of their following. Also featuring a fresh shade of resort white, tailored sets and oversized shirts with exaggerated shoulders give representation to modern, liberated women. Thick lapels and boxier fits with 1980s references create a fashion forward feel while staying minimalistic and functional in silhouette. CIME channels a languid, relaxed, and easygoing spirit in this campaign, reminding us that fashion is not all about rush and fuss. Leisurely appreciating designs and developments for what they are could be the new direction that millennials are going towards, and what better time to do it than now? It’s never too early to head off into a path less beaten. -Article by Jacki See-
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claire rendall
www.clairerendall.com member of Society of British and International Interior Design | SBID As a designer I don’t create just one style. My aim is to realise my client’s dreams. One of the most important parts of the design process is about me understanding what my clients want and how they live their lives. I always ask them if there’s one word that sums up what they’re looking for. This client, presenting me with an ugly 1970’s concrete shell, said simply “sumptuous.” There were structural issues to deal with and it was perfect to be able to deal with a clean sheet. We dealt with damp and crumbling concrete and set to work installing some architectural integrity. As a background for my design I installed solid walnut skirting boards and door frames. All doors were individually designed and I used rich veneers and handmade bronze door handles. The ground floor was fitted with 200-year-old oak from a tobacco factory in the Loire. This is complemented with beautiful Indian and Persian rugs. I sourced accessories and objects from all over the world to give a luxurious eclectic feel. It was important to layer textures and colours for the overall effect. I used polished plaster on the walls in a rich mocha colour to complement the collection of artwork. Lighting is a real passion for me and for this project is was a joy to pinpoint individual pieces or areas using discreet ceiling fittings and feature lights. At the front of the property, the aluminum doors were replaced with frameless bi-fold doors so that the whole front of the building can be opened onto the terrace. I designed each piece of furniture and they’re created using a variety of rich veneers and finishes. Some have bronzed feet and one console table has silver strips embedded in walnut. I wanted to create an intimate seating area but also enjoy the magnificent view so two chairs were fitted with bronze bases that enable one to turn the chairs completely around. The kitchen is burr walnut with ebony detailing and handsome deep book-matched Carrara marble worktops. I created a light fitting using crystal champagne flutes and wine glasses. It’s a bit of fun and the crystal glitters in the light. The breakfast table features marble from the same quarry as supplied the Taj Mahal and was made by decedents of the craftsmen. I used Phillipe Starck Ghost chairs to allow one to enjoy the rich Indian rug and table base. Lavish silk blinds and curtains feature throughout the property with special UV filters fitted to the windows to avoid light damage. The main bedroom features a bespoke bed with a 19th century two-man shadow puppet. The walls are richly textured and hung with 17th century embossed leather panels and a Burmese gilded kamavacha. The clients tell me that the velvet damask bedspread is one of their favorite things. The flooring throughout this floor is a beautifully rich carpet made from bamboo and silk. The bedroom leads through a bespoke dressing room and into the bathroom. The veneer used in the dressing room was inspired by the deserts of central Australia with rich waves of red veneer. The peaked ebony insets were inspired by the curves of the Opera House. In the bathroom I used massive panels of book-matched Carrara marble. It is so well matched that the veining lines up in the mirror with the wall behind. I love this sort of detail. Other bedrooms feature a stunning carved Afghan merchants house doorway as the bedhead. Aubergine polished plaster walls and fretted lighting completes a middle eastern theme. Another bedroom is more Art Deco with a contemporary bronze sculpture that’s poised to jump from the bedhead. The outside is as important as the interior. It sets the scene. I wanted the richness to continue, to compliment and also contrast with the sumptuous interior. There is no threshold between inside and out, just a seamless transition between the 200 year old oak and creamy limestone. We took up the plain white floor tiles and black tiles from the swimming pool. We also tore down the shabby black trellis on the walls. I rebuilt the walls and clad the floor in a beautiful creamy Egyptian limestone and lined the swimming pool with handmade Italian glass mosaics. I created planters with discreet lighting and lush planting and used antique architectural pieces to conceal security points. I installed a large water wall to give extra privacy with a new seating area and the sound of trickling water at night is just lovely. I remodeled the entrance using antique carved posts from the Swat Valley with Welsh slate tiles and lead detailing. I replaced the water feature with a bronze statue with limestone water wall behind. I created focal points using marble fountain bases and antique stone windows fashioned into discreet seating. The steps from street level are clad in limestone with contrasting cordon steel risers. Lines of lights are set underneath the edge of the steps and a handsome bespoke bronze handrail contrasts with the limestone wall. I’m thrilled to say the clients love the result calling it truly international luxury.
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- Claire Rendall -
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Index Design Series
-After the Successful INDEX 2017, Designers Look Forward to 2018INDEX Design Series is the Middle East’s most important and biggest interior design exhibitions. Even on the global scene, INDEX is a trend-setting event that identifies the newest annual interior design trends. Industry figures from 108 different countries gathered in Dubai’s World Trade Center for INDEX 2017. Visitors get to network and discuss potential business opportunities with over 1,000 exhibitors. Amongst this year’s lavish green setting, INDEX Design Series 2017 was held in tandem with Workspace and Middle East Covering. Workspace is the region’s largest gathering for office furniture designers and manufacturers in the region. Middle East Covering, on the other hand, is a key event for companies in the surface design industry. Having so many specialized companies of global reach and impact in one place definitely adds to the overall value of the event. An Opportunity to Network, Learn and Do Business In addition to knowing the latest and hottest trends in the interior design industries, visitors also have a great opportunity to attend some very informative talks. Like every year, INDEX Design Series had an impressive pool of influential Design Talk speakers. Leaders from key companies in the interior design industry were present to give talks and discuss the industry’s future as well as what is trending. The pool of speakers included former British Designer of the Year Bethan Gray, Dubai Design & Fashion Council’s CEO Jazia Aldanhani as well as Lindsay Miller, Managing Director at Dubai Design District. With such an impressive array of design talent, those talks are a valuable opportunity for interior design professionals to stay up to date on the ever-changing industry. As the design director with Drawlink Group, Paul Murphy attends INDEX. To justify attending INDEX, Paul explained: “We attend INDEX for a few reasons. We’re always looking for new sources for materials, ways to improve what we’re doing and to keep ourselves knowledgeable. People come to our offices regularly to show us products but to be here where they can express themselves in their own way is important and allows us to diversify our opinions and diversify our thought process. It’s an interesting show that allows people to express themselves and allows us to manage ourselves and find the right products.” As the largest and longest-running interior design exhibition in the Middle East, this dmg event is a priceless annual opportunity for interior design professionals to update their knowledge and skills and stay relevant with what is happening in the industry. – Words by Omar Al-Masry –
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Half Roof House / AD+ studio www.adplus-studio.com
How to build a compromise between past and present, linking the memories of an old, traditional house with the future purpose of a home to be shared with new generations? The question was raised last year in Vietnam, when the AD+ Studio was commissioned by a retired couple to reimagine their 150 squared metres private house. The team, led by Nguyễn Đặng Anh Dũng and Lê Thị Hồ Vi, looked at one main element and opted for making it the key to read the newly developed building: the roof and gutter were kept, but in half, in this keeping the feeling of a traditional southern house while injecting the whole site with more modern open-space feel. The external stairs with clay tiles and the wood strips-panelled sliding doors define the perimeters of the living/ dining area, linking flawlessly the internal and external areas, as well as the ground floor with the upper level. Materials also play a pivotal role, as most of them are old house’s recyclable parts reused or local, in order to meet a limited budget by avoiding shipping costs. A steel structure was also added to create a 5-meter span, which to the feel of openness and contemporaneity. All in all, the Half Roof House stands out as an architectural project in being a contemporary shell for a core filled with tradition: a brilliant metaphor of Vietnam rural areas’ gentrification process, and a successful living solution for its inhabitants. - Sam Walsh -
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5 REASONS WHY IT’S REALLY CONVENIENT TO HAVE PHOTOREALISTIC RENDERINGS FOR YOUR PROJECTS
As the global housing industry is growing by leaps and bounds, real property developers and builders are trying innovative marketing and promotional strategies to rise above competition. If you are really big into real estate development and marketing, you might have already tried the old-school marketing tools such as brochures and TV commercials. Did you know that photorealistic rendering has already emerged as a key marketing tool for real estate developers and promoters? Professional and photorealistic 3D rendering has taken the centre stage in real estate promotions and marketing. Here are five reasons to choose photorealistic rendering for your projects. This could be additional in first point- Easy to convince your client- It will save much time rather than describing your incredible ideas/drawings to the client (without knowing that if they would understanding what you are talking about). Photorealistic renders will give them an exact idea of what are your ideas. 1-Photographic impressions speak a few thousand words more By using photorealistic imagery, you can utilize the power of visual persuasion as people get easily attracted to life-like images and photographs. When somebody goes through the rendered 3D impressions, they perceive it as a digital catalogue of your brand. 3D architectural and interior design rendering can depict and present the geometric and aesthetic aspects of your project down to the last detail. 3D rendered images speak volumes about the key aspects of your project and that can give you the edge in this fiercely competitive market. A picture may speak a thousand words, but photorealistic images speak a thousand words more. 2-Promote Your Real Estate Project Globally Marketing and promotions have come a long way, especially in the field of real estate. The world has now become a global village with rapid evolution and spread of internet and internet-based digital products.
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Therefore, local markets are now open for major international players and vice versa. 3D photorealistic rendering makes it possible for you to take your renders far and wide, even to the hitherto untapped markets and consumer groups. Also, you can mix your renders with your press releases, magazine advertisements and other interactive media. 3-Quick and Easy on the Pockets If you have made a rather modest beginning and haven’t yet been able to set aside a humongous amount for marketing and promotions, try 3D photorealistic architectural rendering. 3D rendered models of your architectural project are a cheaper alternative to the traditional scale models. Not only it’s economical, 3D rendering takes much less time than scale modelling too. You can easily send 3D walkthroughs to your clients. 4-Quick edit is possible With 3D photorealistic model, your rendering artist can go back to the 3D impression for testing and necessary adjustments. If your client request adjustments or edits, it can be done very easily without deferring the project deadline. You can fix the little errors much ahead of the start date for construction and this can save you from last minute cold sweat. 5-Easy to Get Construction Permits 3D photorealistic rendering has been a fantastic solution for getting fast approval from concerned departments and authorities. You can present panoramic and aerial view of your property to the convcerned people and getting permits becomes only a matter of time since the authorities are provided with a 360-degree view of your upcoming project. Have you used 3D architectural rendering before? Let us know how 3D photorealistic rendering helped you in promoting your project. - Article and images by Render Atelier -
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PERSHING 140 / FERRETTI www.ferrettigroup.com
Stealing all eyes and creating a significant buzz at the Monaco Yacht Show 2016 was the sale of Pershing 140: after a year from the project’s announcement, the new flagship of the Ferretti Group fleet has been acquired by a yacht owner in continental Europe, with an actual launch scheduled for next year. Pershing 140 is the first one of its kind made entirely of light alloy, which results in an outstanding performances while at speed. A power that is echoed by a sleek yet imposing design. “This new model shows that Pershing has entered a new era of design and construction” commented Mr. Alberto Galassi, Chief Operating Officer of the Ferretti Group. And it sounds like the new era of Pershing merges the thrive for innovation with a 30 years long know-how, of which the 140 is the unquestioned resulting product. Fulvio De Simoni is the Italian architect behind its design. He wanted to express the brand’s sporty spirit referencing the exteriors of coupe cars, whilst slowly unraveling racing design elements that made the brand so popular among its admirers. The spacious interiors are laid over three floors, and get complemented by convertible and disappearing areas, making the most of each square metre for enhanced versatility. The first release of the new cabin cruiser will be fitted with four MTU M94 engines, reaching 2600 HP each for a top speed of 38 knots. Optimal performances are also to be expected at cruising speeds thanks to the hydro jet drive. - Paula Dean -
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ZAC Bassins à Flot
Hamonic + Masson & Associés www.hamonic-masson.com The Bassins à Flots are a niche site in Bordeaux, spreading over 162 hectares and comprising of a high-quality port and manufacturing district for which the local Council had development plans. Here’s where the Harmonic + Masson & Associés architects came into place, with a project aimed at linking the site and the horizon, reworking in one building the metaphors of the factory, warehouses and the navy. The resulting building, started in 2015, by admission of its own designers is very “industrial”, intended as a synthesis of solid, compact and metal-clad. It features three different hight levels - nine stories for the main tower, five and three storeys for the other two sections - and occupies a total surface of 4065 squared meters, facing the harbour on the south and east sides while the rear overlooks a private courtyard with communal garden. Built for residential purposes, the L shaped construction hosts a number of one and two bedrooms flats, all with balconies, some of which take the shape of metallic boxes extruding erratically from the main structure. This, together with other distinctive features such as the iridescent metallic exteriors, gives the feeling of containers piled up and waiting to be shipped (which might explain the name of “Urban Dock”). Playing with the strong industrial heritage of the area and contemporary residential needs, the Urban Dock enriches the local skyline bringing together the warmth of community life and maritime functionality. - Michelangelo Belloni -
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Baiba Ladiga www.ladiga.com
If you haven’t heard of Baiba Ladiga, it’s now the time to pay attention. The conceptual designer is of Latvian birth and grooming, having studied her Master at the Art Academy of Latvia. She spread her wings after graduating and taught seven years at Raffles Design Institute in Shanghai, one of China’s largest cities and a hub of both international and Asian fashion. Also sidelining as a freelance stylist, designer, and illustrator, one might think that she had found a comfortable niche to rest in but Baiba constavntly strives for more, even with these many achievements tucked under her belt. In 2014 and 2015, the Latvian designer presented her first womenswear collection by her namesake label at the fashion weeks and events in Riga, Poland, Maastricht, Paris, and London, to name a few. From there, her avantegarde clothing and shoe label has taken off into the closets of style icons like Lily Gatins. They are also stocked in Europe and Japan, a notoriously difficult country to sell in due to their refined tastes in quality and concept. For a foreign designer to be sold there is an accomplishment on its own. Of course, it could be because of Baiba’s unique brand philosophy. She designs around human needs. Her cloting is draped and minimalistic in their surfaces but hardly simple. With innovative construction methods with natural materials like wool and linen, Baiba breathes life into her silhouettes that are inspired by architectural forms. The label also focuses on sustainability and zero waste- something we all can appreciate in this day and age of living with consideration. Her newest collection is straightforwardly titled ‘Deconstruction’. For those unfamiliar with the term, it was coined by French philosopher Jacques Derrida who named the process of breaking down already established forms. Here, Baiba Laidiga drapes, cuts, and folds her materials expertly without any waste using ancient Japnese origami techniques. From there, she refrains from decorating the garments- there are no visible openings or pockets, even. All the shoes are also created by herself, a signature to finish off her statement. One can only appreciate the calm, monochromatic take in a world that’s noisy with screaming colours and overwhelming textures. -Article by Jacki See-
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Giulio Rossi interview
Technical skills may be the must, but only passion makes the difference. The Italian graphic designer Giulio Rossi, working on his studio in L’Aquila, is no doubt a flow of passion, and his works have gained international momentum, reaching out Madonna, who picked up one of this artworks in February 2014 for her Art For Freedom project. After his initial experiments with acrylic paint, ink and charcoal, this autodidact soon jumped onto digital art as his new mean of creativity profusion. His works are pop and iconic, a modernist story telling of a kind of feminine weird beauty and sensuality.
Your work is pervaded by female heroines, do you see women as the protagonists of modern era? I think women have always been the greatest source of inspiration since the dawn of time! Mostly because of their undeniable power of embodying beauty, sensuality, maternity, sweetness…could they also be symbols for strength, fierce and all sorts of values usually related to men not just because of their physical appearance? Of course they can! So what I’m saying is that they always are protagonists of the art field and I hope their presence will be more relevant and powerful also in other branches of human societies. By the way, my actual boss is a woman…and I love to work with/for her!
Do you think people are highly receptive when it comes to vehicle messages and promote values through visual design? Absolutely yes! The really first moment I decided to undertake my career as an illustrator was right after my participation to a poster design competition, organised to raise money for helping the Japanese population affected by the 2011’s earthquake. I designed a typographic poster which says “Never Give Up” written in red bloody strokes coming out from a huge dark sea wave. It made me feel so proud to take participation in a valuable cause like that! We all live in the “screen era” surrounding by visual messages everywhere; in my opinion good visuals should always go with valuable communications.
Given that passion, quality and care for details lead the way, what do you think is the future of graphic design, and how it will integrate in the ever-evolving social medias? I think the role that social medias played to my career was crucial, and I’m not talking about the visibility and worldwide exposure, it’s not all about that! The most important thing, above all, was the possibility to enter in contacts with new realities, get introduced into new working collaborations and experiences, meeting and exchanging thoughts with professionals as well as pure design lovers… Compare your works with others, cooperate in projects with different creative minds from all around the world, expand your visions and test your abilities, all good ways to enrich yourself as a designer. I actually don’t know what to expect from the future of social medias, what I know is that I will keep trying to enrich myself as I said before.
What are you currently working on? Right now I’m involved in some collaborations with Adobe, one of which is connected to Cannes Lions – Festival of Creativity 2017. On a more personal level, I’m working with an International team of creatives for an exciting upcoming project, can’t say much but it’s going to be fashion oriented!
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THE HOTEL SHOW DUBAI 2017 SHOWCASES THE FUTURE OF INTERIORS FOR THE HOSPITALITY MARKET In recent years, the hospitality sector has experienced a boom in the GCC. By the end of this year, the industry is expected to be worth $US 9.513 million, an exponential increase on 2016 according to a report produced by Ventures Onsite MENA Projects. The hotel construction pipeline has been labeled a long term one with rising expectations due to tourist figures, events and governmental efforts. As such – interiors and fit out spend for hotels and restaurants is growing. A huge increase in mid-market hotels is offering different opportunities for fit out contractors in the region. The refurbishment of existing properties has also been given great value in the lead up to Expo 2020, and with competition from various new properties opening every month in the Middle East. At The Hotel Show Dubai – the leading hospitality tradeshow in the Middle East and Africa – the 18th edition of which is scheduled for September, the interiors, design and lighting sector has consistently been one of the events’ most popular and active on the show floor. In the lead up to the event, we look at what will be showcased in this sector for 2017. Firstly, why is interior design so important to the hospitality industry? With every hotel that opens, they bring hundreds of new rooms to the table and with this changing landscape – so must the interiors. For 2017, the interior and fit out market is set to increase up to 20%. This is due to hotel construction, along with constant change in a guest’s personal preference - making the sector one of the fastest growing industries in the GCC. Interior Design is a hotels USP, so it’s essential for a hotel to focus on the interior and fit out as it is something that a guest will remember and the reason to return to a property. Furthermore, due to market conditions, refurbishments are a key area of growth for fit out and interior companies. Hotel developers are looking to renovate rather that look for new properties and investment projects to get involved with. This in turn gives hotels the opportunity to spend less, but to achieve high quality interiors and an overall finish.
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What will The Hotel Show’s interiors, design and lighting sector be showcasing in 2017? The Hotel Show provides a platform to showcase everything that makes up the interior design of a hotel – from the impressive features that a guest first witnesses when they enter a lobby, to the in-room features and technologies they can explore, to the décor of the restaurants they choose to dine in, and everything in-between. With the increasingly dominant millennial generation looking for features ‘Instagram-worthy’ features – the importance of good design is reaching new heights. The interiors, lighting and design sector at The Hotel Show Dubai 2017 will cover two and a half halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the fastest growing sector at the show. Exhibitors for 2017 include some of the biggest names in the international interiors market from countries as far as the UK, France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal to those as close as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Turkey. The Hotel Show provides a platform for companies to launch or showcase new products for the first time. A number of global interiors suppliers have announced that they will be launching new products at the event this year. Leading manufactures from Europe such as Ekornes ASA will be bringing brands such as Stressless® - one of the world’s most well-known furniture brands, along with ‘youbed’ - the first hotel bed that provides adjustable firmness at the touch of a button, suitable for all sizes or sleeping position allowing for a hotel to cater to every individual that stays at their property. Fertini Casa, a Portuguese manufacturer of luxury furniture, is showcasing a new range with a futuristic style combining exquisite materials and avant-garde design, whilst MBN Group (also from Portugal) will be bringing their made to measure pieces, manufactured specifically to meet the need and demand from architects and decorators. Other interiors, design and lighting companies exhibiting this year include: Dacryl, Sandalyeci, Durabella, Banta, Vann Furniture & Interior Design DMCC, Messara Trading Flooring Solutions, Hotec GT LLC, Baal Artisans, Intermetal Ltd, Ingrid Lesage Creations, Procurio General Trading LLC, Island View Distributors LLC, Burgess Furniture, Bormioli Luigi SPA, Guidlight Architecture, Art Plus Gallery, Homejewels, Unidecor, Prodital Leathers SRL, Art Line - The Interior Contractors, BMS Individual - 3D Leather Wall Panels, Miroir Brot, Ekornes Contract AS, and many more. The Hotel Show Dubai is taking place 18-20th September 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. To find out more and register to attend for free, access: www.thehotelshow.com
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