.Wonder Book | Spring 2025

EUR 35.00 | USD 45.00 | wonder.ifdm.design

Spring 2025

Spring 2025

PHOENIX KITCHEN, DESIGN POLIFORM

POLIFORM.IT

FEATURES

Spring 2025

30

01 YEAR X

22

Color stories

Room for fantasy

Spring

Publisher

Interviews PEOPLE Silvia Prandelli

26

Populous: community spaces

PEOPLE Francesco Conserva

76

The method according to Open Project

PEOPLE Martin Goddard & Jo Littlefair

116

“Design is a journey”

Paolo Bleve | bleve@ifdm.it

Editor-in-Chief

Ruben Modigliani | ruben@ifdm.it

Deputy Editor

Alessandra Bergamini alessandra@ifdm.it

Senior Editor

Giulia Guzzini | redazione@ifdm.it

Editor-at-Large

Veronica Orsi | orsi@ifdm.it

Projects review

WONDER

Vertikal Nydalen Oslo

16 Puerto Escondido, Mexico

30

Casa To | Ludwig Godefroy

18 San Blas, Mexico | Cultural Center

Designing at triple zero

Shangri-La Nanshan Shenzhen

Colectivo C733

38

Return to the nest

70 Haikou, China | Gaoxingli Insun Cinema One Plus Partnership

44

Gigi Studios Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain Creative dynamism

72 Paris | Wood Up

50

Contraste Milan Psycho-culinary journey

54

Ilma The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Tailored hospitality at sea

20 Levanto, Italy | Ex Chiesa della Madonna

della Costa | Caarpa

Local Architecture Network (LAN)

74 Everywhere | Cocoon Freelancer | Maruán Attia 110 Aranya, China | Wulingshan Eye Stone

Spring Spa | Vector Architects

Ruinart 4 Rue des Crayères

112 Chengdu, China | Lujiatan Wetland Park

Muda Architects

60

114 Tlacolula De Matamoros, Mexico Rancho Cebú | Rootstudio

Reims, France A historic address to rediscover the richness of champagne

Palazzo Cristo Venice

66

60

Exclusive Venice

Artyzen New Bund 31 & Performing Arts Center Shanghai

80

Contemporary oasis

Bonfiglioli Bologna, Italy

International Contributor New York | Anna Casotti

Web Department redazione@ifdm.it

Brand Relations

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Czech Promotion Prague

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Editors

Alessandro Bignami, Manuela Di Mari, Elena Franzoia, Elena Luraghi, Francesca Oddo, Sabrina Sciama

Fluid spaces for free ideas

Erica design Antonio Citterio

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Milan, London, Paris, Munich, New York, Washington DC, Dallas, Miami, Boston

Let’s keep in touch!

FEATURES

Spring 2025

    ifdmdesign

Hillman’s Penthouse New York

98

Residing in Manhattan

BGM75 Bluegame

102 The ongoing challenge Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Qatar

106 Where the desert meets the sea Janu & Aman Residences Tokyo

120 Zen serenity McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination Sorengo, Switzerland

128 Virtuous dialogues through interference & interaction

120

Apartment E19 Prague

132 Architecture squared Nite Kong Rome

136 Shades of the Roman night Chancery House London

138 At the office like in a hotel Casa Newton Pienza, Italy

142 A timeless retreat Accenture Montréal, Canada

146 Human experience

138

151

Short Stories

A wide view on major international projects

by Sabrina Sciama

Design inspirations

169 A selection of the most innovative products

for the contract sector by international brands

Next

183 A preview of the upcoming global projects NEXT IN THE WORLD

192 New top hotels: a leap forward in the Middle East On cover

Artyzen New Bund 31 & Performing Arts Center

by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office Photo © Branston Partnership

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EDITORIAL

Spring 2025

Doing together...

A

RUBEN MODIGLIANI Editor-in-Chief

mong all the projects we publish in this issue, there is one that particularly caught my eye. It is on one of our ‘Wonder’ pages: we are in San Blas, Mexico, and the project in question is the transformation of an 18th century customs complex, which has been abandoned for years, into a museum and cultural centre. The work that has been done is interesting and courageous, as it puts the ancient and the modern in dialogue with courage and lightness at the same time. But what struck me most is that it is the work of a collective, Colectivo C733.

A group of professionals, each with their own studio, who have decided to work together. This is not something to be taken for granted, especially in an era like ours where we think in terms of ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.

The acronym they have chosen has a meaning: c733 stands for Cósmica (cosmic) 7ógica (logic) 3conómica (economic) 3ficiente (efficient). An architecture manifesto in four words. The collective is known for winning last year’s Obel Prize, an international award that promotes architecture at the service of people and the planet. They have essentially signed off on public projects and are extremely efficient in their execution (36 works completed throughout Mexico in three years: one per month). The key lies in their working process, in which the focus shifts from the ego of an individual to a system, to a group whose decisions are negotiated and discussed; an open group that allows, when necessary, the intervention of other voices (teachers, biologists, artisans). With one goal: not to give space to all voices, but to find the one that can best interpret the needs of the project. Winston Churchill famously remarked that “it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time”. It seems to me that a similar discussion could be made for architecture. This could be the beginning of something truly new.

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CURATOR’S LETTER

Spring 2025

...going beyond

O

ALESSANDRA BERGAMINI Deputy Editor

ne of the numerous research projects at the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, University of Pennsylvania, directed by Anjan Chatterjee, Professor of Neurology, Psychology, and Architecture, is dedicated to Built Environment and Wellness. According to this study, aesthetic reactions seem to stem from three fundamental, interrelated dimensions: Fascination (an environment’s richness or interest), Coherence (analytic judgments about an environment’s organization and construction), and Hominess (feelings of warmth or coziness). This is the necessary sense of belonging also mentioned by Francesco Conserva, Vice President of the architecture firm Open Project, in the interview we are publishing in this Spring Issue of the .Wonder Book, along with those with Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair of the namesake studio, and Silvia Prandelli, Senior Principal and General Manager of Populous Italia. Beyond the physical space, which certainly meets functional requirements and aesthetic characteristics, “the sense of belonging to a place comes from intrinsic history and beauty,” whether they be architectures of various types or urban spaces of different functions.

As Maurizio Cilli, architect and artist, highlights in the White Box page, “a key to understanding the reciprocity that indissolubly unites a community to a place is the result of a process of proximity.” Equally, “the quality of relationships and exchanges is crucial.” This quality becomes essential also as self-gratification and an elixir of longevity.

Beyond the physical space, beyond individuality, it is important to create a sense of community, real human relationships, and shared social bonds to improve the quality of places – of living, working, learning – and of one’s life. Beyond the current

concept of longevity, designing “places” of beauty, relation, and empathy generates wellness and often fleeting moments of surprise and wonder. These are what we have perceived in the various architecture and interior design projects presented here, signed by (in alphabetical order) Anna Covre and Frederic Tubau de Cristo, Bluegame, Cheng Chung Design, Debonademeo Studio, Flaviano Capriotti Architetti, Isern Serra, Jean-Michel Gathy, Julie Hillman, KURZ architects, LaiBE Architettura, Laura Gonzalez, Lemay, Malfinio, Maria Adele Savioli Architettura, Neri&Hu, Norm Architects, Our Habitas, Peter Pichler Architecture, Philippe and Antonie Bertherat-Kioes, Snøhetta, Sou Fujimoto and Gwenaël Nicolas, The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Yabu Pushelberg.

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WHITE BOX

Spring 2025

Beyond the idea of art as decoration Curated by: Alessandra Bergamini

DRAGA & AUREL Draga Obradovic e Aurel K. Basedow, designer

A MAURIZIO CILLI Architect, artist, public art curator

T

he Magic Maker. The primacy of desire over need and the symbolic over space.

A key to understanding the reciprocity that indissolubly unites a community to a place is the result of a process of proximity. The project should identify the specific energies that lead individuals to wish to inhabit certain places. On a perceptual level, the project’s ability to re-signify the expressiveness of a place through the symbolization of public space as an enabling context plays a decisive role. On the level of cohesive intent within a specific community, the quality of relationships and exchanges is crucial, as these are directly connected to the construction of a stable and inclusive social architecture.

Here, the stability of a community’s vision depends on the project’s ability to express its generative qualities and a continually negotiable degree of openness. Rather than through a structured top-down participatory process, it may be more engaging to experiment with the rooting of a hybrid collective subject focused on bottom-up sharing directed towards specific local actions within a stable vision of the future.

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rt design pieces are not just simple objects; they are living presences in a space.

For us, designing means translating emotions into forms, playing with transparencies and color nuances to create objects that radiate joy, lightness, and carefreeness. The requests from clients vary, but what unites those who choose our creations is the desire for unique pieces that tell stories and remain alive over time, going beyond current trends and becoming an integral part of a place’s narrative. In interior projects, our works are selected for their scenic presence and their ability to establish visual and emotional connections with those who inhabit the space.

Whether it is a private residence, a boutique hotel, or a retail environment, each piece carries a unique language, capable of enhancing the soul of the project without ever overpowering it. It’s all about subtle balances.

I

STEFANO RABOLLI PANSERA Architect, Director of Khao Yai Art

n the khao Yai Art Forest, Thailand, the relationship between art, nature, and landscape design is not about placing artworks in a natural setting, it is about a dynamic, reciprocal exchange where both art and landscape continuously shape one another.

Khao Yai Art embodies this approach, going beyond the idea of art as decoration to create a space where art is lived, experienced, and integrated into the environment. Preservation, as Giorgio Agamben suggests, is just another form of consumption. Instead of merely conserving the forest, we aim to dwell within it, allowing art to become a natural part of its evolving ecosystem. Inspired by Forest Buddhism, our approach does not separate human intervention from nature – it embraces transformation. In Khao Yai Art Forest, artworks arise naturally. Fujiko Nakaya’s “Fog Forest,” for example, reshapes the landscape to slow the dispersal of mist, turning a hill into a fluid, timescape installation. Similarly, Delcy Morelos’ intervention transforms existing excavated rocks into a meditative rock garden, using a 400-meter-long table as a space for gathering, eating and contemplation. At Khao Yai Art, landscape design is defined by perpetual motion rather than fixed plans. Far more than a gallery or exhibition space, Khao Yai Art is a living laboratory where art, architecture, and nature merge to form an immersive, ever-changing experience.

LIVINGDIVANI.IT + 39 031 630954

KASBAH DAVID LOPEZ QUINCOCES

CORSO MONFORTE 20 20122 MILANO ITALY + 39 0287178662 GALLERY@LIVINGDIVANI.IT

Spring 2025

WONDER

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, MEXICO | CASA TO | LUDWIG GODEFROY Located in La Punta Zicatela, a green area overlooking a long beach, Casa TO is a boutique hotel where modernity and tradition blend: the nine suites, with their essential design, are decorated with pieces

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WONDER

© Levi Wells

made by Mexican artisans and design studios. The centerpiece of the architectural design is the swimming pool, which flows dramatically through a series of concrete arches that rhythm the space.

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Spring 2025

WONDER

SAN BLAS, MEXICO | CULTURAL CENTER | COLECTIVO C733

© Rafael Gamo

A museum and cultural center has been created from the surviving customs house of an ancient port. As many of the original elements as possible were retained, with the addition of functional red steel details.

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Spring 2025

WONDER

LEVANTO, ITALY | EX CHIESA DELLA MADONNA DELLA COSTA | CAARPA

© Anna Positano | Studio Campo

After deconsecration, the church’s marble facings were sold and the building fell into disrepair. The Genovese firm Caarpa transformed it into a multi-purpose center, adding a steel “cantoria” as a tie to the past.

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Spring 2025

COLOR STORIES

Room for fantasy Next year’s color trends are an ode to fantasy. An intense and vibrant palette that ColorWorks has interpreted as a return to positivity Author: Veronica Orsi

C

olorWorks™ has already charted the color direction of 2026, identifying trends that will dominate the world of design, fashion and lifestyle across the board. Through analysis of emerging social movements, international experts at ColorWorks™design and technology have developed their annual guide, ColorForward™, which associates future trends with 20 key colors, divided into five color stories. Each palette chronicles an evolution in collective taste, responding to cultural shifts and new consumer desires. From bold tones that evoke a need for expression and innovation, to softer shades that reflect a return to nature and sustainability, Color Works’ research anticipates the colors that will define our daily lives in the coming years. 2026 will be a time of transformation, and the palette proposed by ColorWorks is tangible proof of this. ColorForward 2026 brings together bold and intense hues capable of instilling energy and optimism by inspiring dynamic scenarios and reflecting positive emotions. So too are the graphics that identify them, which draw from cinematography and anime. Wonderland, Bio-funk, Viviendo de noche, Carnival of fuels, are the four stories that will define the new year and with it new global attitudes. Wonderland identifies the growing quest for escapism and comfort, in a multitude of solutions ranging from the fantasy genre to collectible games. Carnival of fuels, on the other hand, tells a more pragmatic story, the search for alternative fuels that will help us meet the growing demand for electricity. So too does Viviendo de noche, which focuses on the problem of rising temperatures and those heat waves that increasingly force us to adjust our daily schedules to different times-a factor that could contribute to the growth of the nighttime economy. Finally, Bio-funk takes us through some of the amazing computer technologies for data processing, such as bio-computing. We discuss the first story here with Roberto Romanin, senior designer at ColorWorks.

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Trend

Spring 2025

DAYDREAM

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COLOR STORIES

TICKET TO HIDE

Trend

YOU TRIED ;)

COLOR STORIES

Spring 2025

Trend

FIRST STORY. WONDERLAND

Escapism is a trend that in different forms has been going on for quite some time. It is a desire for escapism that is a direct consequence of the polycrisis the world is experiencing - made up of insecurities, wars, inflation... But unlike in the past, we face this moment with a different spirit, lighter, more oriented to the search for the “silver lining.” And the world of fantasy offers the ideal ground for cultivating this desire for joy that reality hinders. The entertainment world, and Hollywood first and foremost, has grasped this aspiration perfectly, pandering to this fantastical direction with the release of themed movies and TV series-think of the new series on Harry Potter and the Iron Throne, or the new Wonder Woman movie-but also the creation of new amusement parks-from the Netflix House in the U.S. to the new immersive areas of Disneyland Paris, didicated to Frozen and the Lion King. Although this topic is in fact not related to a specific generation, it mainly concerns the socalled “kidults” (short for kids and adults), adults who do not want - or cannot for economic reasons - leave the young age, or the group of young adults, placed between the ages of 25 and 40, who can no longer respect the traditional milestones of growth in life, once taken for granted and linear, today instead a difficult achievement.

These “milestones” are therefore replaced by “minorstones,” small daily joys and satisfactions that make up for larger shortcomings. A few examples: games from Lego and Hasbro (two brands that have recorded significant economic results in recent years) intended for adults and offered as

CHASING RABBITS

collectibles, or the “blind boxes” offered by some stores with surprise items. The fantasy experience sought in the digital world is being transformed into reality with the advent of everyday cosplay. Dressing up as one’s favorite characters from the fantasy imagination is not new-it happens at many fairs but is also common practice in some cultures. What is new now is creating one’s own personal cosplay, no longer imitating a model or character, but a product of one’s own imagination, as many influencers are demonstrating via social media. This universe of imagination and fantasy is translated into an equally colorful and vibrant palette with a good dose of glitter.

Beginning with the color named as Daydream, a very delicate pink shade that evokes a sweet, ethereal, dreamlike dimension in which one takes refuge and seeks solace. Conquer the castle raises the tone toward a more pronounced vibrancy, a cherry red that symbolizes access to new experiences, whether physical or digital, to the conquest of happiness (also evocative is the name of the story, which recalls the Japanese TV show “Takeshi’s Castle” from the 1980s). Fairy tale par excellence, “Alice in Wonderland,” is celebrated in Chasing Rabbits, a light blue with extremely positive notes, simple, light. Then there is Ticket to hide (a pun on “ticket to ride”), which takes up the theme of escapism, escape from reality but through dark fantasies, that is, worlds of mystery and fantasy represented by darker shades of petrol green. Finally, You tried, a yellow-gold that rewards “minorstones,” the small everyday achievements, a traditional and familiar color.

CONQUER THE CASTLE

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PEOPLE

Silvia Prandelli

PEOPLE

Spring 2025

POPULOUS: COMMUNITY SPACES A method that goes beyond traditional architecture, embracing a philosophy that values both the human and environmental aspects of sports projects. Through participatory design and a strong focus on sustainability, each structure becomes a vibrant element of the urban fabric, able to adapt to present needs and anticipate future ones

S

ilvia Prandelli, Senior Principal and General Manager of Populous Italia, guides us through the philosophy that has taken the firm to the forefront of global sports architecture.

Founded on the idea that architecture should unite communities, Populous embodies the belief “Drawing People Together” – a method that transcends physical design to focus on the vibrant experiences spaces can facilitate. Under Prandelli’s leadership, Populous Italia continues to innovate, integrating local cultures into their iconic stadiums and arenas worldwide. Projects like the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London showcase how design can regenerate urban areas and promote community cohesion. In Italy, Populous faces unique challenges, adapting to diverse landscapes and complex regulations, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and accessibility. With projects like the new AS Roma Stadium and the redevelopment of the Como 1907 stadium, Populous is set to redefine live event experiences, blending digital innovation and cultural richness. With Prandelli’s vision, the firm ensures their architecture continues to integrate into urban life.

author: Giulia Guzzini projects photo: Edward Hill

Silvia Prandelli

Which projects have been fundamental to Populous’ evolution and growth?

In my view, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wembley Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are excellent examples of evolution in sports design. The Principality Stadium is a custom, multifunctional structure with a retractable roof for various events, including concerts. Wembley Stadium is a great example of the regenerative power of stadiums, leading to the creation of a whole new district in London with leisure facilities, workspaces, and retail outlets. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the pinnacle of cutting-edge facilities: not only multifunctional with a retractable field for NFL games and other events, but also perfectly integrated into the urban fabric, with year-round accessible local services and attractions.

In arenas, projects like the O2 Arena or the Sphere in Las Vegas are benchmarks, marking the evolution of today’s structures. The innovative integration of digital technologies in Sphere, enhancing the audience experience, represents what many consider the next frontier in event space design.

How does your “Drawing People Together” method work?

Bringing people together is more than a slogan: it embodies the essence of our practice. We are committed to building experiences that offer something special. This commitment guides and precedes building design and never allows us to think of people as a generic audience – a philosophy inspiring all our teams and characterizing every project we undertake.

How do you integrate local culture into your global projects?

Local culture and geographic context are crucial elements. We are a global firm with offices and teams in all major markets. Here in Italy, our headquarters is in Milan. The people working on each project have a deep knowledge of the area, some come from there or have lived and worked there for many years.

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What specific challenges have you faced in Italian projects compared to other countries?

As mentioned, the vocation of stadiums and sports venues is to be integral parts of cities and their context, elements connected to the urban fabric and its evolutions. When imagining such projects, it is essential to broaden the view, integrating architectural design with political and strategic planning. In Italy, where the territory is extremely varied, each project requires a new and innovative approach. The Oval, built for the skating events during the 2006 Winter Olympics, was designed in harmony with surrounding buildings and conceived as a key element of a vast redevelopment project in the Lingotto district. Looking from a more practical perspective, in Italy there is a particularly complex aspect that designers must face: heterogeneous regulatory frameworks at a regional and local level, procedural complexities, and fragmented decision-making processes.

How do you see the evolution of live events in Italy, considering sustainability and digital innovation?

Sustainability and digital innovation are universal trends shaping the world of sports and entertainment and are key drivers of our global projects. In

PEOPLE

Silvia Prandelli

Italy, both clubs and fans demand high-quality experiences in stadiums. This means – for the public – experiencing a more engaging atmosphere during matches, while also creating greater revenue opportunities. We are currently working on several major projects here, including the new AS Roma stadium and the redevelopment of the Como 1907 stadium.

Digital innovation will play a central role in this evolution, enhancing the fan experience during live events. There are several revolutionary projects redefining the boundaries of live entertainment, such as the previously mentioned Sphere in Las Vegas and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, both designed by Populous.

What steps are you taking to ensure your projects are accessible and sustainable?

Sustainability and inclusive design are integrated elements from the early stages of a project: they cannot simply be added later as they influence every decision. We have a dedicated team with sustainability experts working on all our projects to ensure we meet and exceed the highest international standards. Similarly, accessibility is a central aspect. Our stadiums are designed to accommodate a wide audience with diverse needs.

From the top, clockwise: Wembley Stadium London; potential concept designs for the redevelopment of the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, home of Como1907; Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the masterplan for the AS Roma Stadium 28 | IFDM

Spring 2025

PEOPLE

Silvia Prandelli

How could your approach contribute to the urban development of Italian neighborhoods, like the new stadium in Como?

Urban integration, as mentioned, is crucial. These are large buildings integrated within communities. Our approach starts with a holistic and strategic vision, considering the project from a master planning perspective. We ensure that development integrates with pedestrian paths and transport infrastructure. Stadiums are not only homes to clubs and their fans, but they can also foster the creation of new attractions for people who live in and frequent these city areas. Our goal is to keep them alive beyond match days, ensuring the venue and surrounding area remain active and dynamic for as many days as possible throughout the year.

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MIXED USE

Oslo

MIXED USE

Spring 2025

Oslo

Designing at triple zero In Oslo, with the Vertikal Nydalen mixed-use complex, Snøhetta redefines the concept of sustainable innovation by surpassing current regulations through an extraordinary collaboration between designers, clients, and the construction company

I

n the historic industrial area of Nydalen along the Akerselva River, redeveloped into a commercial and residential zone in recent decades, Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta has created the Vertikal Nydalen mixed-use complex. It also transforms the former parking lot at Gullhaug Torg into a new car-free plaza, featuring two tower buildings. The taller volume comprises 18 levels, hosting restaurants on the ground floor, offices on floors 3 to 7, and residences above. The roof is distinguished by a terrace. A key focus was on sustainability. Classified as a “triple zero solution” building, the complex cuts CO2 emissions by over 50% compared to similar projects. The climate control is achieved through geothermal energy and photovoltaic panels on the roof, which power the heat pump that regulates heating and cooling systems. The concrete structures absorb heat during the day and release it at night, contributing to a stable indoor temperature. “We are fortunate to have worked with such a brave client as Avantor, who has been willing to take many risks with us,” IFDM | 31

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MIXED USE

says Snøhetta founding partner Kjetil Trædal Thorsen. “I encourage all to challenge the framework and existing regulations, and explore opportunities to solve things in new and unconventional ways. As architects and members of the construction industry, we have a great shared responsibility to find viable solutions to the immense environmental challenges we face today.”

The façade angles are designed to create pressure differences that allow air to flow through the building. In the offices, one entire floor of which is occupied by Avantor, air enters through valve openings in the façade, which open and close as needed. When two windows on opposite sides of the building open, the pressure difference 32 | IFDM

Oslo

Spring 2025

MIXED USE

Oslo

forces air circulation through the rooms. Since traditional ventilation systems in offices often require lowered ceilings up to one meter, natural ventilation allows significant space savings and makes the buildings less maintenance-intensive due to fewer systems. Facades are composed of irregular wooden slats clad in thermally treated pine, featuring 43 angular balconies with a steel finish. Vertikal Nydalen is a result of two research projects supported by The Research Council of Norway. The LowEx project focuses on heating and cooling and aims to develop new concepts for energy supply in zero-energy and positiveenergy buildings, achieving performance 2 to 2.5 times better. The interdisciplinary collaboration through the Naturally project, with 13 representatives from the Norwegian construction sector, focuses on developing new strategies for natural ventilation. The building is a FutureBuilt pilot project certified according to BREEAM NOR

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(Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) as Excellent for office areas and Very Good for residences. Given the nontraditional volumes of the complex, the 40 apartments, ranging from 44 to 143 square meters, are all unique but share features like exposed concrete ceilings, heights over 3 meters, and large windows offering abundant light – a rarity in new urban constructions – providing spectacular panoramic views from the city to the fjord. “As interior architects, we usually discuss what can be added to realize our vision,” says Heidi Pettersvold Nygaard, senior interior architect at Snøhetta. “In this project, the first of its kind in Norway, we were challenged to think about adding only what needs to be added, eliminating everything unnecessary.” To add warmth and absorb sound, oak ceiling panels and carpets are installed in all hallways leading to the apartments. The basement doesn’t host garages but instead features facilities for “eco-commuters” dedicated entirely to bicycles.

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MIXED USE

Oslo

Spring 2025

MIXED USE

Oslo

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MIXED USE

Client: Avantor Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture (roof terraces): Snøhetta Main Contractor: Skanska Landscape Architect (street level): LALA Tøyen Consulting Building Engineer: Skanska Teknikk Consulting Engineer, HVAC: Multiconsult Consulting Engineer, Electrical: Heiberg og Tveter Consulting Engineer, Acoustics: Brekke & Strand Consulting Engineer, Fire: Fokus rådgiving Consulting Engineer, Water: COWI Certifications: BREEAM-NOR Excellent (Offices), BREEAM-NOR Very Good (Apartments) Author: Elena Franzoia Photo credits: Lars Petter Pettersen / Snøhetta

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Oslo

Time has never been so precious.

Two blown glass pieces where sand flows, taking on its colour and becoming part of it. A new series of Clessidre enriches the collection designed by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini, time will not pass unnoticed.

CLESSIDRA SOMMERSA / Designer: Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini / Finishing: Transparent, Glossy in Apple Green / Transparent, Glossy in Grey / Transparent, Sandblasted in Amber and Grey. venini.com

Spring 2025

Return to the nest The project by architects CCD for the public area of the luxurious Shangri-La Nanshan in Shenzhen beautifully blends poetry and nature, bridging ancient Chinese mythology with the aesthetic elements of the Lingnan region

U

pon entering the 5-star Shangri-La Nanshan in Shenzhen, visitors are greeted by a simultaneously reassuring and breathtaking beauty. Spanning the top 13 floors of the Shenwan Huiyun Center skyscraper (from the 66th to the 78th floor), the hotel offers a serene vantage point overlooking the bay and neighboring Hong Kong, creating a welcoming haven amidst the concrete jungle. Influenced by the ancient Chinese phoenix mythology, which suggests the bird perches only on parasol trees, and the city’s historical memories of southern migration of various species, CCD/Cheng Chung Design has crafted a tranquil and cocoonlike environment for guests to pause and indulge.

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HOTEL

Shenzhen

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Shenzhen

Client: Shenzhen Metro Group Interior design & Lighting design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design Art consulting: CCD·WOWU Art Consultancy Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Qiu Xin, Wang Ting, ACF

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HOTEL

Shenzhen

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Shenzhen

the garden prevails throughout the hotel’s public spaces, inviting exploration of its vertical, horizontal, and suspended forms. The area embraces nature and sunlight, delivering a gradual sense of depth and order. At the entrance, guests are welcomed by the ‘Egg Bird’ artwork, symbolizing Shenzhen’s transformation and its nickname “The City of Peng,” referring to a large and mysterious bird. This motif appears again in a three-dimensional paper carving installation adorning the reception’s backdrop wall, reminiscent of birds’ soaring wings in flight. The grand hall, however, is the true marvel: an open space towering 63 meters high and extending over 12 floors. The narrative structure is shaped by circular, soft, and sinuous lines forming the generous staircase. This feat demonstrates CCD architects’ ability to manage the interplay between humans and space in an open, barrier-free area.

“We referenced the structural relationships of the dense-eave pagoda,” they explain, “a type

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of traditional Chinese architecture that creates dynamic parabolas, ensuring the elevated space doesn’t feel empty or awkward.” Indeed, the influence of Lingnan regional architecture is evident in various elements throughout the hotel’s areas. From sequential corridors, culturally associated with leisure and recreation, to partition walls. The layout of gardens, featuring pavilions, bridges, courtyards, and towers, creates a scenic backdrop of curves and bends, mountain rocks, aquatic landscapes, and intertwined flowers and trees. Botanical motifs are echoed in the tile decorations and the light beige and green color palette, extending to the Wellness Club and SPA on the 78th floor.

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HOTEL

Shenzhen

HEADQUARTERS

Spring 2025

Creative dynamism Light, openness, and circularity are the key elements that define the new Catalonian headquarters of Gigi Studios, a global eyewear brand known for its unique style.

The project was designed by Isern Serra

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Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain

G

igi Studios, a visionary and innovative brand specializing in handmade eyewear, seamlessly integrates its artistic exploration process within the new headquarters located near Barcelona. Interior designer Isern Serra chose not to confine the space within traditional boundaries but instead allowed it to breathe freely in barrier-free environments. This approach showcases the full scope of the company’s innovation and creativity, enabling it to scale international heights after starting as a family-run business. The headquarters, occupying approximately 1,000 square meters on a single floor in a building

Owner: Gigi Studios Interior design: Isern Serra Furnishings: custom design by the architects; Detjer, Driade, Friends and Founders, Hem, Interstuhl, Knoll, Mobles 114 Lighting: Artemide, Flos, Lluria, Mirabobo, Santa & Cole Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Salva López

Spring 2025

HEADQUARTERS

Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain

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in Sant Cugat del Vallès, features an open and fluid layout designed to foster interactions and encourage synergies. In this workspace, circularity plays a crucial role, as does the use of natural light, unobstructed and suggesting the organization of spaces. “We liked the morning sun for the kitchen,” recalls Serra, “and the afternoon light, with its reflections and shadows, for the showroom.

It’s a light that makes the experience even more special.” Hence, the long sides of the floor plan are left open, while the closed areas are grouped on the shorter sides. Here you’ll find the offices and the main meeting room, the only enclosed spaces with views of greenery, accessible through a curved tunnel. In this expansive spatial system, the furniture defines formal and informal zones, custom-made and often circular in shape. These spaces are imbued with soft tones, blending seamlessly with the overall design. Like the stainless steel niches serving as shelves or the large sofa that doubles as seating and a table along its perimeter.

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HEADQUARTERS

Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain

Spring 2025

HEADQUARTERS

Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain

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Spring 2025

A series of central areas, featuring multifunctional sculptural pieces, add rhythm to the dynamic atmosphere and impart a sense of homeliness. In the design area, some elements are even made of cast concrete. The large C-shaped bench, constructed in situ and situated next to a series of privacy curtains, echoes the brand’s inherent craftsmanship. However, the most distinctive part of the project is the showroom, divided into exhibition and meeting areas, where a minimalist ambiance highlights the eyewear. Two massive sculptural display tables feature a concrete top supported by travertine rock, expertly carved by artists from the Barbany quarry. These spaces are strategically connected to the kitchen, designed in a homely style, with a central island and two large communal tables for events and dinners.

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HEADQUARTERS

Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain

CONTRACT & HOSPITALITY

HEADQUARTERS: VIA A. MANZONI, 45

HERITAGE FOREVER: VIA A. MANZONI, 38 MILANO

SAHRAI.COM

NOOR COLLECTION - Design: FAIRY, finely handknotted in New Zealand wool and natural silk relief - 400x300 cm

Spring 2025

RESTAURANT

Milan

Psycho-culinary journey In Milan, a bold renovation has reopened the doors of the Michelin-starred restaurant Contraste, where the refined gastronomic offering blends with the ever-changing sensory perception of the interiors. A project by Debonademeo Studio

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hen making a reservation, guests are invited to choose between two tasting menus, whose details are not explicitly outlined, except for their general lines of inspiration. The surprise continues at the table, in splendid rooms with historical elements, where dishes arrive unannounced, in a long succession, with ingredients mimicking other ingredients, creating a playful and surprising cuisine for those who want to break free from the ordinary.” This is how

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the Michelin guide describes the starred Contraste, a Milanese restaurant that offers its guests unique experiences each time, both for the palate and the eyes. This is thanks to the three friends and partners Matias Perdomo, an Uruguayan chef, Simon Press, an Argentine sous-chef, and Thomas Piras, an Italian maître, who founded it almost nine years ago, and now also thanks to the design team at Debonademeo Studio, who have overseen the complete renovation, transforming the spaces into a versatile

Conservative restoration: Allestimenta Interior design and lighting design: Debonademeo Studio Furnishings: custom made by Debonademeo Studio; Pedrali Lighting: custom made by Debonademeo Studio; Karman Flooring: Tarkett Walls: Wall&Decò Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Serena Eller Vainicher

Spring 2025

RESTAURANT

Milan

and engaging environment. An attentive restoration of the historical soul of the location, situated on the mezzanine floor of an early 19th-century building, has brought to light surfaces, stuccoes, decorative apparatus, and frescoes of the era, thanks also to skilled restoration craftsmen. The designers have associated this with a modern style with a strong impact. The layout designed for the interiors eliminates existing intermediate walls, leaving a volume divided seamlessly into five different areas: four dining rooms and a relaxation area. Interconnecting rooms, each characterized by a dominant nuance inspired by the four elements air, earth, water, and fire. Only a system of full-height velvet curtains opens and closes each uniquely characterized area as needed, promoting a

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RESTAURANT

pleasant fluidity. The aesthetic research is meticulous in favor of an immersive journey through contrasting sensations, ranging from the flavors of the dishes to the shifting colors, from cold to warm tones, from rough to soft surfaces, from elements of the past to contemporary furniture pieces. The Tarkett vinyl flooring in strips of pink, blue, light gray, and anthracite seminato matches the wallpaper customdesigned by Debonademeo Studio for Wall&Decò.

The metal arc lamps, crafted by Karman based on the designers’ specifications, delicately hover over the Inox tables and Ester armchairs by Pedrali. ‘Silent tables’, thanks to the study of acoustics and the use of sound-absorbing elements, are served by fluorescent yellow carts with maxi wheels also designed by Debonademeo Studio.

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Milan

CASTAGNA | MERINGA ORIENTE ITALIANO COLLECTION

Spring 2025

CRUISE SHIP

Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Tailored hospitality at sea Second in the ultra-luxury fleet of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the new cruise ship Ilma offers the romance of private yachting combined with personalized service and exclusive ports of call

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Spring 2025

CRUISE SHIP

Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Owner: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Exterior design: Aivan Interior design: AD Associates Lighting design: DPA Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Marriott International

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o two itineraries are alike in the experiential journeys of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the ultra-luxury superyacht fleet resulting from the collaboration between Marriott International’s Ritz-Carlton brand, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., and longtime maritime entrepreneur Douglas Prothero. The itineraries of the new Ilma cruise ship, launched in September 2024, include coveted destinations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, with culturally enriching stops. Additionally, it will venture into the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, a first for the summer season of 2025. This offers guests an exclusive lifestyle that

combines The Ritz-Carlton®’s personalized service found on land with the carefree freedom of a sailing vacation. Maintaining a deep connection with the sea throughout the design phase was crucial, encouraging guests to intimately and directly engage with the surrounding landscape. This inspiration is sealed in the boat’s very name: ‘water’ in Maltese. This collective vision was pursued by all involved designers: the London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates, the award-winning lighting designer DPA, and the Helsinki-based studio Aivan for the exteriors. The fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces defines the over 240-meter-long ship, starting with IFDM | 55

Spring 2025

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CRUISE SHIP

Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Spring 2025

the 224 suites, each featuring expansive windows and a private ocean-view terrace, including two superior suites with over 1,000 square meters of living space. A new dining area, The Beach Club, designed in collaboration with Toronto’s Chapi Chapo Design studio, envelops guests in a vibrant 180° sea view, creating an exciting day and night experience. Natural light takes center stage at The Marina and Marina Terrace, where a hydraulic platform enables a direct connec-

CRUISE SHIP

Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

tion with the sea, and on Deck 10, a dynamic openair space for live entertainment and poolside sunbathing. The Spa is no exception, spanning 11 rooms, five of which are equipped for outdoor treatments. A harmonious flow of geometries and textures creates a tranquil atmosphere throughout, characterized by artisanal quality and neutral tones paired with light and dark finishes reminiscent of the elegant design of private yachts.

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CRUISE SHIP

Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Spring 2025

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HEADQUARTERS

Reims, France

HEADQUARTERS

Spring 2025

Reims, France

A historic address to rediscover the richness of champagne In the heart of the Champagne region, Ruinart’s address at 4 Rue des Crayères has reopened, unveiling a comprehensive renovation that melds architecture and landscape design to perpetuate its centuries-old legacy

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uinart invites you on a journey through the natural and cultural heritage of the oldest Champagne House at its historic location in Reims, France. Following three years of extensive renovation, the site now juxtaposes its early 18th-century linear buildings with a new, curvilinear contemporary pavilion – named after founder Nicolas Ruinart – crafted from limestone and glass. Designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, the structure is a modern marvel, inspired by the delicate effervescence of bubbles captured in light. It adheres to the rigorous French HQE (High Environmental Quality) standards thanks IFDM | 61

Spring 2025

HEADQUARTERS

Reims, France

Owner: LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE Architecture: Sou Fujimoto Interior design: Gwenaël Nicolas Landscape design: Christophe Gautraud Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Mathieu Bonnevie, Chloé Le Reste, Grégoire Machavoine

to its natural materials, eco-friendly roof, rainwater collection system, enhanced insulation, UVprotective glazing, and its capability to generate 80% of its energy through geothermal systems and solar panels. Inside, a fluid, open, and luminous space conceived by Gwenaël Nicolas welcomes visitors with a bar and boutique bathed in Champagne’s golden hues. Eye-catching features 62 | IFDM

abound, including high flax fiber stems dusted with marble (Cogitech) that serve as partition elements to form islands, glass bubbles crafted

by Atelier Barrois that float above a beige-pink stone counter, and oak and beech furniture designs that evoke corollas and petals. Yet, the most striking installation is perhaps a ‘glass carousel’ of illuminated LED walls showcasing bottles of

Spring 2025

HEADQUARTERS

Reims, France

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HEADQUARTERS

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. For connoisseurs and collectors, a private cellar hidden in the basement safeguards vintage and rare cuvées available only in Reims, offering a unique experience by reservation. Equally noteworthy is the exterior landscape, crafted by Christophe Gautraud. The Chemin des Crayères, a path that pays tribute to the 13th-century chalk quarries, a UNESCO World Heritage site, leads to the sprawling 7,000-square-meter Artist’s Garden. This park, designed to foster biodiversity, is home to 110 works by 36 artists. As one of the first projects in France to achieve the BiodiverCity® Life label, the garden allows visitors to freely roam and enjoy curated tasting experiences.

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Reims, France

Spring 2025

RESIDENCES

Venice

Exclusive Venice In the heart of the Serenissima. Palazzo Cristo, a 15th-century palace, has been transformed into a luxurious and intimate residence by Anna Covre and Frederic Tubau de Cristo

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o preserve the privacy of the location and the anonymity of its guests, the address of the new Palazzo Cristo-San Marco remains confidential until final booking confirmation. Care and meticulous attention are the essential values Anna Covre and Frederic Tubau de Cristo embraced in the renovation and restoration of this ancient Venetian palace, rumored to have housed Gioachino Rossini. The couple, both designers and the building’s owners, have turned it into a hospitality jewel after seven years of construction. This architectural masterpiece now offers a genuinely elegant living experience in the lagoon. The six suite apartments, which can be combined for more space, two garden-level rooms, and a duplex with a loggia and panoramic terrace on the top floor, celebrate refined luxury without extravagance. Supported by the Venice Academy of Fine Arts, the duo blends historical heritage with modernity, harmoniously merging Venetian influences with contemporary trends.

Great attention has been paid to light filtering, soundproofing, privacy, and the high quality of details, including even the bedding. Local artisans played a crucial role in crafting custom furnishings, combined with art editions and natural materials such as wood, stone, marble, and metal. Local weavers, alongside exceptional editors like Rubelli, provided fabrics with a color palette inspired by the Serenissima, featuring tones of stone and white marble, shades of oxidized 66 | IFDM

Spring 2025

RESIDENCES

Venice

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copper green, antique blush pink, and terracotta. Tables, stools, canopies, bed ends – every element is a designer creation. Items like the Macaron poufs scattered throughout the palace or the Pyramide lamps in brushed pine and natural linen on the tables stand out. Anna and Frédéric designed each lighting fixture, utilizing Murano’s ancient glass craftsmanship, such as the wall sconces made by the last artisan ‘guardian’ of a specific technique. This personalized attention is best exemplified in the incredible duplex overlooking Venice’s rooftops. An impressive 250-square-meter suite with a loggia and rooftop terrace, it spans multiple levels and includes a private entrance and elevator, two comfortable double bedrooms, one featuring a master suite with an XXL dressing room and a bathroom with a freestanding tub and large shower. Additionally, there is a bright living area with a coffered ceiling and an avant-garde 50-square-meter kitchen crafted from the attic, featuring exposed beams, fully equipped with a custom hood and a professional pink copper cooking station by Officine Gullo, specialists in luxury artisanal kitchens.

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RESIDENCES

Venice

Spring 2025

RESIDENCES

Venice

Interior design: Anna Covre and Frederic Tubau de Cristo Furnishings and lighting: custom made on design

by Anna Covre and Frederic Tubau de Cristo Kitchens: Officine Gullo Fabrics: Rubelli Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Frederic Tubau de Cristo

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WONDER

HAIKOU, CHINA | GAOXINGLI INSUN CINEMA | ONE PLUS PARTNERSHIP Designed by the Chinese studio One Plus Partnership, the lobby of this movie theater is entirely clad in bricks that create waves resembling those of the sea (Haikou is the coastal capital of Hainan Island). This

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WONDER

© Jonathan Leijonhufvud

decorative idea also serves a number of functions: some of the volumes created by the bricks are used as reception desks, tables and counters, or as seating. And they create a very evocative environment.

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WONDER

PARIS | WOOD UP | LOCAL ARCHITECTURE NETWORK (LAN)

© Charly Broyez

A 16-story building with an exposed structure made entirely of wood that becomes a distinctive element. All the wood was locally sourced and transported by barge on the Seine: a manifesto of sustainability.

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Ogado. collection designed by Brent De Meulenaere

Get inspired at manutti.com

outdoor luxury

Spring 2025

WONDER

EVERYWHERE | COCOON FREELANCER | MARUÁN ATTIA © Maruan Attia

A wooden hut inspired by alpine cabins and Japanese temples that can be mounted on a flatbed truck and used as a mobile home. Attia has used wood free from glues, plastics and chemical treatments.

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PEOPLE

Spring 2025

THE METHOD ACCORDING TO OPEN PROJECT A layering of stories (and history), plurality of functions, social mix, beauty, and collective participation in design. For a contemporaneity generated through stratification

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aurizio Piolanti and Francesco Conserva, respectively President and Vice President, currently lead Open Project, a design firm founded in Bologna in 1984 by Silvio Antonio Manfredini and Romano Piolanti, who were partners until 2022. In 2024, the studio celebrated its 40 years of activity with a series of events on the theme of urban space, the monographic volume “Immaginare, progettare, costruire” (published by Danilo Montanari Editore), and a new headquarters inaugurated a few months ago following the restoration and repurposing of a historic building located on the city’s walls. Here, the President and Vice President work side by side in the same office to ensure a continuous exchange of ideas and energy. As Francesco Conserva explains in this interview, the idea and the project arise from a well-established method based on a collective approach. “Listening is the first thing, listening to everyone means incorporating a piece of others’ visions into our projects. We like to act as a glue between different parts, starting without preconceived ideas, listening, suggesting, and then building our idea.”

author: Alessandra Bergamini portrait photo: Vincenzo Ruocco projects photo: Vincenzo Ruocco, Juergen Eheim

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Francesco Conserva

Your new headquarters in Bologna is essentially a ‘total project,’ from architectural restoration to furniture design.

Exactly. It is also a synthesis of the path we have taken and are taking in terms of being and appearing, substance and aesthetic result. It fully represents us because it is a non-rhetorical layering of history, contemporaneity, and innovation. You can strongly sense here the value of history and the many lived stories, [from church to dance hall to carpentry, editor’s note] even if not significant, they are part of a tapestry in which we are now also included. The site is emblematic, leaning against the city’s walls, a nonmonumental building on the border between the center and the outskirts, a place with the energy of border spaces, energy that I wish to bring into our offices, designed not only as a place to design but to share meetings and new topics with the city.

You design spaces, but how do you create a ‘place to belong’?

The sense of belonging comes from beauty and history, which we must not erase. But also through different facets and diverse users. We are currently witnessing the decline of monofunctional and allencompassing buildings derived from a Taylorist city layout, the city of work, living, the historic center, shopping centers, a model that has entered into crisis to give way to contaminated places. There is also a need for reflection from a regulatory and legislative standpoint to encourage the creation of multifunctional, hybrid, and transformable places, without usage obligations and bureaucratic constraints. An architectural project must also be able to adapt to the speed of changes.

So the real difficulty in designing is anticipating.

Exactly. Anticipate just enough so that the project is contemporary the moment it is completed. For me, the idea of contemporary is not the present, squeezed between past and future, but it simultaneously encompasses the past and what is yet to come, it is the sum of everything. Being able to insert this idea of community and contemporaneity within a square, in border places, closed or open spaces, is perhaps the real opportunity we have to create a

Spring 2025

PEOPLE

Francesco Conserva

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place. It’s always a matter of the relationship between spectator/user and the place. In architecture, the role of those who live the spaces is fundamental.

We try to be creative but collective, serving something bigger, not just individual.

By collectivity, do you mean that the design method arises from dialogue and confrontation?

The first thing we do is listen to the client’s needs.

The extra step is to identify the needs the client doesn’t know they have to anticipate them, suggesting what remains unexpressed. We also strive to understand market evolution and adopt a collective approach. There is a need for different collaborators and partners, each with their own vision, such as the Academy of Fine Arts, sociologists, economists, artists. We like to act as a glue between all these parts, a task that is not easy, starting without preconceived ideas, listening, and then building our idea.

The process becomes long but works precisely because you manage to bring together many voices.

It works also because we have a structure suitable for this process, made up of professionals who work with us regularly, we don’t have high turnover, we’ve already refined a method and there’s empathy. We are somewhat like a diesel engine, but we focus on the medium and long term.

Along with collectivity, the method must be paired with the idea of creativity.

What we do is reconcile the unruliness of creativity with the order of the method, which only seemingly stifles ideas. My mission is to offer the various creativities working in the studio the opportunity to express themselves and be ‘reassured’ by the method, which serves to bring creativity into a calm channel.

Creativity not only in the concept phase but also on building sites, where direction often requires an innovative and creative method.

Innovation relates to creativity. I seem to have seen much innovation in the workplace sector.

We have created various workplaces, with very different connotations. From entities that provide only consultancy, like the headquarters of PWC, where the office is used as an internal plaza, an element of sharing and relationship with colleagues and clients, to companies like Bonfiglioli Riduttori with offices and factory, a place where material production still occurs, thus with completely different settings. Or even the offices for Culligan, recently inaugurated.

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PEOPLE

Francesco Conserva

Spring 2025

PEOPLE

Francesco Conserva

Previous page, above, Culligan Workspace, Bologna, below, Civica Pinacoteca Il Guercino, Cento.

This page, above, Open Project Headquarters, below, PWC Workspace, Bologna However, they all have something in common: understanding the organization of work and dialogue with human resources to understand how they experience the space, to identify what the attractive features for human resources are. It is the relationships and interactions with other people that attract, in addition to a space designed functionally for the different usage modes of the workplace, with occasional private spaces and truly common spaces for everyone.

Between restoration and sustainability, the theme of recovery is very important for you.

We give our best when we have constraints rather than a blank sheet, we are very good at adding another piece of history to the history of a building.

This approach has led us to research and experiment on the convenience of demolition and construction with concrete data. Sustainability is not only about energy saving. In the recovery of buildings, for example, one must ask if the designated use of a listed property is suitable for the new use and what the property could withstand. We are now also working on a structure from the early thirties, a former colony in Rimini. In listed properties, it is difficult to find an economic-financial balance, and for this reason, it is better to use a mix of functions. When talking about sustainability, one must have a broader vision, including the social value of sustainability.

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MIXED USE

Contemporary oasis In the heart of Pudong district, Shanghai, the Neri&Hu Design and Research Office has created the interiors for the Artyzen New Bund 31 hotel and the adjacent Performing Arts Center, establishing a rejuvenating retreat from the city’s frenetic energy

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ophisticated aesthetics, art, tradition, and modernity define the design by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office for the interiors of the Artyzen New Bund 31 Hotel and its directly connected Performing Arts Center.

The complex is situated in the New Bund area of Pudong-Qiantan, showcasing the vibrancy of this metropolis. In contrast, the designers envi-

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sioned contemporary oases of tranquility, achieving a perfect state of suspension with a balance of austerity and softness. This sanctuary invites calmness and serenity, particularly evident in the public areas, using materials like hand-molded scalloped concrete, structured terracotta bricks, stone, and custom-designed wooden furnishings.

Starting with the lobby, carved from a monolithic

Shanghai

Spring 2025

MIXED USE

Shanghai

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MIXED USE

block, the intimate atrium features a strategically positioned opening on the southern facade to allow natural light to penetrate the seemingly enclosed space. Nature plays a decisive role in creating revitalizing atmospheres. Drawing inspiration from classical Chinese gardens, the designers have accentuated the abundant outdoor spaces for the hotel and invoked nature in the rooms through blue, pink, and green wall colors that echo foli82 | IFDM

Shanghai

age, flowers, and the sky. All 202 private rooms boast high ceilings, ample natural light, specially designed furnishings by Neri&Hu, and decorative copper details, along with a range of comfortenhancing features. This includes the luxurious Artyzen Suite on the 19th and 20th floors: 136 square meters conceived as a residence with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, a wardrobe, and a guest bathroom. The 182-square-meter

Spring 2025

MIXED USE

Shanghai

Client: Shun Tak Holdings and Lujiazui Group Main Contractor: Shanghai Construction No.4 Group Hotel operator: Artyzen Hospitality Group Interior design, Product design, Graphic design: Neri&Hu Design and Research Office Landscape consultant: East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Interior lighting: Branston Partnership Acoustic consultant: SMW Business Consulting Interior LDI: Shanghai Modern Architectural Decoration Environmental Design Research Institute Kitchen consultant: CKP Kitchen Design Consultant Signage consultant: Shanghai Saichi Logo Design Engineering Curtain wall: Wuxi Hengshang Decoration Engineering, Shanghai Zhulian Construction Engineering Public area interior: Shanghai Construction Decoration Group Guest room interior: Shanghai Haihua Construction & Decoration Engineering Furnishings: custom designed by Neri&Hu, Camira, De La Espada, Gabriel, Magis, Stellar Works, Vitra Custom lighting supplier: Melodycity Environment Solution Theater planning & design: Theatre Projects Theater PM: Le Group Structural consultant: Arup Art consultant: Art Front Consultant Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Pedro Pegenaute; Branston Partnership

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Penthouse Suite on the 21st floor offers panoramic views, a fully equipped open kitchen, a fitness space, and 24-hour personalized butler service.

A contemporary interpretation of the classic archetype extends to the Performing Arts Center, which is also accessible via a direct link from the hotel. The entire interior project, including a 2,500-seat theater and a multipurpose exhibition space, plays with the box concept. The large theater, where warm oak envelops the entire hall, is structured as an arena, with the repetitive arch motif serving both aesthetic and acoustic purposes. In the exhibition space, dark materials like blackened stainless steel alternate with reflective glass blocks that fully clad the escalators, giving the impression of ‘traveling’ through a transparent tunnel. This spectacular design extends to the bronze-clad restrooms, the curved copper elevator cabins, and the perforated brick VIP room, endowing each space with distinct personality.

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MIXED USE

Shanghai

Spring 2025

MIXED USE

Shanghai

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HEADQUARTERS

Bologna, Italy

Spring 2025

HEADQUARTERS

Bologna, Italy

Expressing sustainability Near Bologna, Peter Pichler Architecture has created a building with a strong character for the headquarters of Bonfiglioli, a leader in automation and renewable energies, capable of visually representing the company’s goals and values while closely linking them to function

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ounded in 2015 in Milan by Peter Pichler and Silvana Ordinas, Peter Pichler Architecture recently completed the headquarters of the company Bonfiglioli in Calderara di Reno, near Bologna. Since 1956, Bonfiglioli has been a producer and supplier of gearmotors, drive systems, planetary gearboxes, and inverters. Today, it is a global leader in industrial automation, mobile machinery, and renewable energy sectors. The company headquarters are the latest addition to EVO, Bonfiglioli Group’s largest industrial site in Italy, designed to meet the latest energy efficiency standards with a 3 MW peak power photovoltaic system. The new headquarters is conceived as a NZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) and features geothermal heat pumps and radiant ceilings to enhance energy savings and indoor comfort. From a design perspective, as required by the masterplan, the building is arranged around a central rectangular courtyard with a green garden that improves natural ventilation through a chimney effect, distributing IFDM | 87

Spring 2025

internal functions across 7 floors. The ground floor naturally houses reception and common areas, as well as two sculptural helical staircases, while offices occupy floors one to five. The sixth floor is reserved for the company’s president and CEO, and the top floor accommodates a meeting room. Each floor includes small kitchens for staff use. Paying tribute to OMA architecture, the imposing mass of the building is lightened by the steep inclination of the roof plane, which irregularly and increasingly “cuts” the volume starting from the third floor, creating outdoor terraces overlooking the sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca.

Another impactful design solution is the south-facing facades and roof sections, rendered more ethereal by the use of a custom-designed pleated aluminum mesh “skin” by Pichler Projects, intended to screen intense sunlight and make the interiors more comfortable. The pleated geometry is inspired by gears, while the aluminum mesh echoes the metal shavings produced daily as a byproduct of the company’s supply chain. Designed with future flexibility in mind, the building offers open column-free spaces through an exoskeleton façade. On the third floor, a bridge crosses the internal courtyard, facilitating workflow and communication among users.

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HEADQUARTERS

Bologna, Italy

Spring 2025

HEADQUARTERS

Bologna, Italy

Client: Bonfiglioli Architecture and Interior design: Peter Pichler Architecture Structure & MEP: ARUP Electrical Engineering: ARUP Façade planning: Pichler Projects Fire consultant: ICS Ingegneria Acoustics: Solarraum Site supervision: Studio Taddia Main Contractor: Ing Ferrari, Pichler Projects Author: Elena Franzoia Photo credits: Gustav Willeit

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HOTEL

Paris

Meeting of two worlds The Parisian charm and Zen culture come together harmoniously at the five-star Hana, a new boutique hotel in France’s capital, part of the Adresses Hotels Collection.

Crafted by the creative minds of Laura Gonzalez and Olivier Leone

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blend of energy and calm, romance and simplicity. Hotel Hana in Paris serves as a true style showcase, where the city’s refined late 19th-century lifestyle meets pure Japanese minimalism. This fusion of contrasting yet complementary aesthetics mirrors the personalities of the project’s creators: Laura Gonzalez, a talented architect and interior designer, and Olivier Leone, a fashion art director on his first hotel venture. As the newest addition to the Adresses Hotels Collection, Hotel Hana – which translates to ‘flower’ in Japanese – embodies the brand’s philosophy of telling the local neighborhood’s story through unique decor and ambiance.

It is located at 17 Rue du 4 septembre, between the majestic Opéra Garnier and Place de la Bourse, in what became known as ‘little Tokyo’ during the Belle Époque when the Japanese diaspora found a home here. Inside the hotel, housed in a historic building, guests encounter a serene and vibrant experience crafted with an interplay of rich brocade fabrics, floral and striped patterns, ikebana arrangements, and wall decor reminiscent of Japanese Fusuma panels. The atmosphere throughout is elegant and welcoming, 90 | IFDM

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Paris

Owner: Chapitre Six Interior design: Laura Gonzalez and Olivier Leone Furnishings and lighting: custom made exclusively for Hotel Hana Fabrics: on design by the architect, Marguerite Lemaire, Pierre Frey Frescoes and decorative painting: Sonja de Monchy, Signature Mural, Ateliers Roma Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Stephan Julliard, Nathaniel Goldberg, Romain Ricard, Robin Le Febvre

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enhanced by spatial fluidity that allows natural light to grace every corner. Opulence meets the simplicity of the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in imperfection and invites a slower pace of life. This harmonious blend is realized through the expert craftsmanship of skilled artisans, seen in bespoke furnishings like the restaurant’s counter that invites diners to watch the culinary action, or the intricate bar decor. The 26 rooms, including a suite, exude calmness with an aesthetic that embraces the richness of simplicity by eliminating excess. Guests are encouraged to relax amid materials such as iroko wood furnishings, straw wall coverings, two-toned marble bathrooms, and custom rugs designed by Laura Gonzalez and crafted by Marguerite Lemaire and Pierre Frey. The pursuit of a tranquil refuge also takes a physical form in the hotel’s spa with a pool, offering a sanctuary for self-care through Japaneseinspired treatments like Reiki, Kobido, reflexology drainage, or Chi Nei Tsang, far away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

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HOTEL

Paris

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Paris

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Spring 2025

Client: Czech Promotion Interior design: KURZ architects (Zuzana Kurz, Jan Kurz) con Jakub Fišera, Johanna Nováková Collaborators and suppliers: 4interior&tiles Author: Francesca Oddo Photo credits: Lucie Fenclová

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OFFICE

Prague

OFFICE

Spring 2025

Fluid spaces for free ideas Purity, reuse, and dynamism are the key elements of the project crafted by KURZ architects for the offices of the marketing and communication agency Czech Promotion in Prague

Prague

A

half-hour walk from the iconic Charles Bridge, in the heart of the Czech capital, lies the vibrant headquarters of Czech Promotion, a marketing and communication agency with a creative and lively vision.

KURZ architects aimed to reflect this vision in their office design. A few years after creating the initial spaces, the architects managed an expansion that emphasized fluidity and reuse. The layout is conceived as an open space that unfolds along a fluid path, with workstations arranged on either side. The space flows physically and visually without interruption, capturing the essence

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Spring 2025

of communication, which aligns with the agency’s mission. The architecture embodies and interprets the mission of the people who inhabit it. To keep costs down and to embrace a commitment to sustainability, the offices feature furnishings and objects that create a lively dialogue between past and present. This demonstrates how a life path, seemingly concluded, can continue with renewed vigor.

This ethos is expressed through elements like a window made from wine bottle glass, secondhand doors, walls clad with wood panels from old beams, and cushions that enhance the acoustics

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OFFICE

Prague

Spring 2025

OFFICE

Prague

of the small, curved meeting rooms. Restored antique furniture coexists with modern pieces, reinforcing this narrative. “From the beginning and from the very first meeting with the client, we had a clear goal,” the architects explain, “to use what has had value in history and can persist for decades with a little help.” Adding to the fluid environment is a generous coat of white, extending from the floor to the ceiling, with touches of green from the plants hinting at the agency’s growth.

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Spring 2025

PENTHOUSE

Residing in Manhattan An exclusive penthouse on New York’s Upper West Side transforms into a versatile and “dynamic” home under the creative vision of interior designer Julie Hillman. The space boasts fluid layouts, bespoke furniture, and unique collectible pieces, featuring works by art and design icons like Nacho Carbonell, Joe Colombo, Verner Panton, and Misha Kahn 98 | IFDM

New York

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utside, the subtle flow of the Hudson River provides a captivating backdrop for one of the Upper West Side’s most prestigious real estate projects. Nestled among fountain displays and fine dining spots like Harry’s Table by Cipriani, Waterline Square, inaugurated in 2022, has revitalized the neighborhood, becoming a focal point of Riverside Park. Within this vibrant setting, interior designer Julie Hillman reimagined the penthouse of Emmy-winning journalist Campbell Brown and her family, crafting a harmonious fusion of diverse spaces.

The main challenge was designing an open layout

Spring 2025

PENTHOUSE

New York

that took advantage of the five-meter-high ceilings and the breathtaking Hudson River views, resulting in fluid, flexible, and versatile spaces. The complete renovation of the 38th-floor penthouse, consisting of four bedrooms, five bathrooms (including a new guest bathroom), a bar, and two small offices, accommodates both exclusive events and intimate family life. Starting with the irregular room layout, the design team crafted custom, bespoke pieces to create visually linear spaces. To enhance the home’s flow, they positioned wardrobes, created corridors, and reorganized entrances. Designed as fluid and transformable spaces, the living and family rooms feature full-height steel bookshelves that establish a sense of continuity between functional areas, serving as conceptual

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Spring 2025

dividers between the two zones. The dining area and entrance hall include distinctive elements that seamlessly connect the spaces, like wooden wall panels and two custom rugs designed by Julie Hillman herself, differing in style and shape but sharing identical color accents. Conceptualized as a totemic element, the modular table designed by Hillman comprises three separate pedestal bases with uniquely shaped stone tops, mobile and wheeled, easily fixable or detachable, conceived as a multifunctional piece for displaying books and sculptures. In Hillman’s vision, “dynamism” becomes a defining factor, evident in the sofa design that transforms the guest room into a multimedia and entertainment space. Among the collectible pieces are a Rick Owens alabaster daybed, Pierre Paulin seating, Ico Parisi lamps, Gaetano Pesce creations, a petrified wood coffee table by Hugo Franca, Rogan Gregory chairs, a striking chandelier by Nacho Carbonell, and a side table born from Misha Kahn’s overwhelming creativity – underlining the theme of collectible design.

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PENTHOUSE

New York

Spring 2025

PENTHOUSE

New York

Owner: Campbell Brown Interior design: Julie Hillman Design Architecture: Ingrid Hustvedt/Hustvedt Cutler Architects Main contractor: Myriad Construction Services Furnishings: selected pieces by Pierre Charpin, Joe Colombo, Jojo Corvaja, Coryne de Mallortie, Trish De Masi, Hugo Franca, Julie Hillman Design, Jørgen Høvelskov, Holly Hunt, Misha Kahn, Max Lamb, Peter Lane, Maison Gerard, Raphael Navot, Studio Nucleo, R & Company, Rick Owens, Studio Twenty Seven, Verner Panton, Pierre Paulin, Charlotte Perriand, Eric Schmitt, Thomas Serruys Lighting: Andrea Branzi, Chairish, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, Galerie Kreo, Ico Parisi, Lightology, Louise Poulsen, Meubles Et Lumieres, Sebastian Errazuriz, Wa Design Gallery Custom kitchen cabinetry: Boffi Rug: custom made by Beauvais, Solstys, Soufiane Zarib Fireplace: Officine Coppola Chandelier: Nacho Carbonell Stylist: Julie Hillman, Miller Pyke, Christina Barreiro Author: Anna Casotti Photo credits: Manolo Yllera

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Spring 2025

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YACHT

BGM75, Bluegame

YACHT

Spring 2025

The ongoing challenge Confirming that a merge between monohull and multihull is possible, the Bluegame BGM75 project combines the advantages of both types: elegance in lines, enhancement of volumes and surfaces, luxury and comfort in livability

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he view from the stern is decisive, the expectation for another Bluegame monohull yacht is contradicted when the two hulls typical of a catamaran become visible, although not in traditional dimensions. The BGM75 is indeed a new Bluegame model, born from an idea by Luca Santella and designed by a well-coordinated team, but also the first example of a range aimed at launching a new market and design segment. With a Bluegame concept, and exterior design by Zuccon International Project, the multihull of about 23 meters in length reinterprets and

BGM75, Bluegame

Concept: Bluegame Exterior design: Zuccon International Project Interior design: Zuccon International Project, Lissoni & Partners Length overall: 22,75 m CE certified length: 20,30 m Beam: 8,15 m Engines: STD: 2 x IPS Volvo penta D13 1050 (800 hp), Opt: 2x IPS Volvo Penta D131 200(900hp) Fuel capacity: 6.000 l Max speed: 22 knots +/- 5% Cruise speed: 20 knots +/- 5% Max no. passengers: 16 Author: Alessandra Bergamini Photo credits: courtesy of Bluegame

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recalculates proportions and volumes, finding its own balance among perfect measurements, compact form, and seamless interior and exterior spaces, also thanks to panoramic sliding windows and foldable bulwark for the aft beach area.

With a reduced distance between the two hulls and a length (22.75 m) to beam (8.15 m) ratio similar to that of a monohull yacht, continuous horizontal surfaces are achieved on the main deck and a large, single volume on the lower deck where, surprisingly, the owner’s cabin benefits at the bow from a full-beam space. The layout and décor for the interiors are proposed in two versions:

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YACHT

BGM75, Bluegame

Spring 2025

YACHT

BGM75, Bluegame

by Zuccon International Project with 4 cabins and a galley on the main deck, and by Lissoni & Partners with 3 cabins and a galley on the lower deck. While Bernardo Zuccon opts for a selection of furniture, surfaces, and finishings in more neutral tones against a backdrop of dark structures and frames for the panoramic windows, Lissoni’s favors the contrast between the reddish essence used for surfaces, staircase, and fixed furnishings with the ‘Mediterranean’ white of upholstery, carpets, and the supporting structures of the glazed parts. In both versions, the view and transition between indoors and outdoors is completely osmotic, with super comfortable upholstered systems indoors or outdoors. The squared shape of the catamarans is softened with more dynamic lines, although the BGM75 retains lower consumption and greater stability, achieved with the use of Smartgyro SG80 stabilizers optimized for this model in close collaboration between Bluegame and Smartgyro.

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Spring 2025

Where the desert meets the sea On the golden beaches of Qatar, Our Habitas Ras Abrouq has been born, a resort offering an immersive experience in touch with nature and local culture

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e are in Ras Abrouq, on the edge of the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO. Situated on the beach, where the desert meets the sea, this new resort from Our Habitas arises, a brand of lodgings situated in some of the world’s most fascinating locations. All aim to dialogue with the natural and cultural context, just like Our Habitas Ras Abrouq. If its shapes, colors, and materials are the tools through which architecture interacts with the territory, art and culture represent the connections to the rich fabric of local creativity and traditions. It is in this sense that luxury is interpreted: through the opportunity to live and breathe the atmosphere of a place that is both authentic and elegant. The forty-two villas of the resort, gently distributed along the beach, blend into the context thanks to their color components that recall the shades of the sand and 106 | IFDM

RESORT

Ras Abrouq, Qatar

Spring 2025

RESORT

Ras Abrouq, Qatar

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Spring 2025

their natural materials. Strengthening the strong connection to the territory are the tensile structures that cover them: their color echoes the local desert dunes, and their curves seem to mirror the coastal bends, as if chasing them in parallel.

Moreover, they recall the tents of Bedouin peoples, known for their strong sense of hospitality.

All the villas, which can accommodate from one to four bedrooms, feature their own terrace with a pool, and their interiors reinterpret the local design culture in a contemporary way. The furnishings, tapestries, and fabrics were purchased in souks and from local artisans with the aim of narrating the story of Qatari creative culture as an added value to the guest experience. Throughout the resort, which includes common spaces such as the restaurant, wellness center, and beach bar, there are works by emerging and established artists, selected in collaboration with Qatar Museums, one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the country.

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RESORT

Ras Abrouq, Qatar

Spring 2025

RESORT

Ras Abrouq, Qatar

Owner: Our Habitas Cultural advisory: Atlas Bookstore (Fatma & Reem Al Sehlawi) Design consultant: Studio Imara (Fatma Al Sehlawi & Nasser Al Emadi) Art consultant: Qatar Museums Author: Francesca Oddo Photo credits: courtesy of Our Habitas Ras Abrouq

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Spring 2025

WONDER

ARANYA, CHINA | WULINGSHAN EYE STONE SPRING SPA | VECTOR ARCHITECTS Nestled in the green forests that cover Mount Wuling, this small 560-square-meter spa is vertical for two reasons: it was built on sloping terrain, so it had to be built on pillars. And from this elevated position,

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WONDER

© Liu Guowei

guests have a privileged view of the landscape. The eight cylinders above the structure are actually skylights: sunlight enters gently, creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation inside.

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Spring 2025

WONDER

CHENGDU, CHINA | LUJIATAN WETLAND PARK | MUDA ARCHITECTS

© DONG Image

Inspired by the rivers that flow nearby, a sinuous volume was designed that culminates in a viewing platform open to the landscape. The base houses shops and facilities, while the “tower” is formed by a double helix.

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Spring 2025

WONDER

TLACOLULA DE MATAMOROS, MEXICO | RANCHO CEBÚ | ROOTSTUDIO © Lizet Ortiz

A project first begun in 2017, intended for agave cultivation, has now evolved into a multi-purpose ranch, with a distillery (with warehouses and ovens), a residence for visiting artists, a hotel and a two hectare garden.

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Spring 2025

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PEOPLE

Martin Goddard & Jo Littlefair

PEOPLE

Spring 2025

“DESIGN IS A JOURNEY” A conversation with Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair, founders of the eponymous studio with offices in London and Porto, an influential international firm in the design of hospitality and residential spaces

M

artin Goddard and Jo Littlefair founded their namesake studio in London in 2012, following individual professional journeys that they later shared, which convinced them to collaborate. They started with the belief that it is essential in their design approach to “balance creativity with practicality, storytelling with function.” In just over ten years, Goddard Littlefair has established itself as an international firm with great expertise in the diverse world of hospitality and wellness spaces, as well as in the branded residences sector. Their projects, including Mondrian Shoreditch, Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, Mandarin Oriental Vienna, Villa Copenhagen in Denmark, The Four Seasons at Sultanahmet Istanbul, and the Spa at the Raffles London at the OWO, respect the geographical and cultural context. The designers approach these projects as a journey, “not just in execution but in the way they evolve through collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.” “Experiencing different cultures, materials, and ways of life shapes our design philosophy.”

author: Alessandra Bergamini portrait and projects photo: courtesy of Goddard Littlefair

Martin Goddard & Jo Littlefair

How would you tell the (short) story of your firm?

Martin Goddard: Goddard Littlefair was founded on the belief that design should connect, inspire, and endure. Jo and I first met while working at another studio and quickly realised we shared a similar approach to design – one that balances creativity with practicality, storytelling with function. In 2012, we took the leap and founded our own studio. We have studios in London and in Porto and we work globally, shaping some of the world’s most beloved hotels, branded residences, and hospitality spaces.

Jo Littlefair: What sets us apart is our deep commitment to storytelling through design. We go beyond aesthetics to immerse ourselves in the DNA of a brand, the cultural context of a location, and the way people experience a space. That’s why we don’t just create interiors – we create future cultural touchstones, spaces that become part of people’s stories.

Which project(s) do you consider seminal for the firm, and why?

JL: One of the most defining projects for us is The Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet. It was a deeply immersive process – working within a historic setting, honouring the cultural heritage, and adapting to a world that had just entered lockdown. That project reinforced our belief that design is a journey – not just in execution but in the way it evolves through collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.

MG: Raffles London at The OWO, particularly the Guerlain Spa, was a truly significant project for us.

The challenge was to create a sanctuary of wellness within one of London’s most historic buildings. The Old War Office is rich in character, with a deep connection to Britain’s past, so it was essential that the spa felt like an authentic extension of that history while also being a world-class, contemporary retreat.

We focused on contrast and balance – preserving the grandeur of the original architecture while introducing a calm, immersive atmosphere that embodies the essence of modern wellbeing. The lighting, materiality, and spatial flow were meticulously designed to create a journey for the senses, moving guests seamlessly from dynamic public areas into a deeply restorative environment. The result is a space that feels both timeless and transformative, setting a new benchmark for luxury wellness in the heart of London.

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You’re both passionate travellers. How has this influenced your design ethics?

MG: Travel isn’t just an escape – it’s an education.

Experiencing different cultures, materials, and ways of life shapes our design philosophy. We’re not interested in creating spaces that feel generic or disconnected from their surroundings.

JL: Exactly. Whether it’s the texture of a handcrafted ceramic in Portugal or the rhythm of an old market street in Marrakech, these influences seep into our work in subtle but meaningful ways. That’s why our designs always have a sense of place – they aren’t just beautiful; they belong.

From planning to completion, a project is a journey in itself. What is your design approach?

JL: We always start by diving deep into the project’s context – whether that’s a brand’s identity, a building’s heritage, or the spirit of a location.

MG: Then, it’s about translating that understanding into a cohesive vision – one that feels natural yet unexpected. We focus on the narrative of a space, ensuring it unfolds in a way that is both intuitive and immersive.

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PEOPLE

What is your attitude towards transforming heritage properties?

MG: With heritage properties, it’s about honouring the past while designing for the future. The goal is to enhance the character of a space rather than erase it.

JL: It’s also about understanding how people will engage with that space today. A hotel with a storied past shouldn’t feel like a museum – it should feel alive, relevant, and deeply comfortable. Guests have their own expectations and requirements when they choose a hotel, it’s important for us to understand that world and those needs inside out.

How do you think hospitality design has evolved over the past decade?

JL: Luxury has changed dramatically. It’s no longer just about opulence; it’s about experience, authenticity, and craftsmanship.

MG: Guests are more design-literate than ever before. They expect spaces to feel personal, intuitive, and emotionally engaging. It’s why we focus so much on creating layered, experiential environments that feel both timeless and unique.

Martin Goddard & Jo Littlefair

Spring 2025

PEOPLE

What role do customisation and craftsmanship play in your work?

JL: They’re absolutely central. We believe in creating bespoke pieces that enhance a space’s individuality.

That might mean working with a ceramicist to create one-of-a-kind tiles or collaborating with artisans to develop unique furniture details.

MG: That attention to detail is what makes a space feel luxurious yet personal. It’s the difference between something that looks beautiful and something that feels extraordinary.

Do you design most of the furnishings in your projects?

JL: A large proportion, yes. Our team incorporates incredibly talented FF&E specialists and we work with expert craftspeople to ensure every piece is functional, comfortable, and perfectly suited to the space.

Could you tell us about any ongoing or upcoming projects?

MG: We’re involved in some truly exciting projects around the world. One of the most fascinating has been our work on the hospitality developments in the Red Sea – an entirely new destination where we’ve had the rare opportunity to shape fresh narratives in untouched landscapes. Designing for such a pristine environment has been an incredible creative chal-

Martin Goddard & Jo Littlefair

lenge, and the journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring.

JL: As always, we have a number of hospitality and residential projects underway, each with its own distinctive story. We love the challenge of bringing fresh ideas to life, and right now, we have hotels launching across Europe, including a new project in Vienna and an exciting collaboration with Four Seasons in Hinitsa Bay, Greece. Closer to home, we’re working on the complete renovation of the much-loved Chewton Glen, a landmark in British hospitality, which is an incredibly rewarding project.

Previous page, above left, Avlu Restaurant in the Four Seasons Sultanahmet, centre, Imperial Riding School Vienna.

This page, below, Raffles London at The OWO, Spa and Wellness

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HOTEL

Spring 2025

Zen serenity In Tokyo, two exclusive destinations offer a stay characterized by elegance and luxury: the newly opened Janu hotel, with interiors designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, and the Aman Residences crafted by Yabu Pushelberg. What links them? A soothing sense of peace and tranquility that permeates every space

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hese two sister establishments – or, if you prefer, hospitality icons – are harmoniously in sync. Following the first Aman opening in Tokyo a decade ago, the renowned luxury hotel group has launched the much-anticipated Janu hotel, a 13-story marvel of refined wonders located in Japan’s tallest building, designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, in the Azabudai Hills area. As the sole hotel in this complex, Janu is tailored for a young and sophisticated clientele. In Sanskrit, “Aman” means peace, while “Janu” signifies the essence of the soul, and as Vlad Doronin, Chairman, CEO, and Owner of Aman Group, states, “If Aman is a sanctuary, Janu reflects the social side of life.” To bring this vision to life, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, known for his love of functional aesthetics and perfection, has been enlisted. At Janu, he has interwoven elegance with tranquility, crafting spaces where mind, body, and soul can meet and thrive. This philosophy is evident in the lobby, an architectural fusion of French and Japanese elements and Italian marble, boasting three distinct entrances. It also resonates in the 122 rooms and suites, awash with 120 | IFDM

Tokyo

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Tokyo

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Spring 2025

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HOTEL

Tokyo

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Tokyo

natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and imbued with a timeless zen ambience highlighted by soft colors and subtle nods to Japanese design. Walls feature traditional hand-applied plaster techniques, wardrobe dividers are inspired by shoji screens (rice paper doors), and bedside lamps accentuate a semipleated surface when lit, echoing the beauty of traditional Japanese lanterns. The blend of East and West, of Japanese culture and nature, continues in the hotel’s green spaces, which not only purify the air but create a sense of suspended tranquility – a prelude to relaxation in the Spa areas. Spanning 4,000 square meters, it houses Tokyo’s largest gym, a pool, treatment rooms, and thermal baths both hot and cold, where European aesthetics melt with Asian elements. Dining options, totaling eight restaurants, balance social interaction with intimacy. While the Italian Janu Mercato seats 151 guests open all day around a central giant ficus overlooking a glass wall, Sumi offers a modern take on sumibiyaki, traditional IFDM | 123

Spring 2025

Developer: Mori Building Architectural design: Pelli Clarke & Partners Janu Tokyo: Azabudai Hills, Residence A Tower Interior design: Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects Furnishings: all the seats custom made or selected from catalogued pieces for the purpose of the hotel.

All the dining, coffee, tea and side tables including consoles, credenzas, pedestals are designed

by Denniston and manufactured in Japan Aman Branded Residences: Azabudai Hills, Mori JP Tower Interior design: Yabu Pushelberg Furnishings: on design by the architects; Stellar Works, Man of Parts Rug: Warp & Weft Artworks: Rock sculpture by Dennis Lin; plaster artwork by Tatsuya Tokura.

Commissioned by Hanabi Art and Artists Author: Elena Luraghi Photo credits: courtesy of Aman

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HOTEL

Tokyo

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Tokyo

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charcoal grilling, and the ultra-intimate sushi Iigura (with just ten seats) lets guests dine at a table or bar, omakase-style, in a direct encounter with the chef.

The Aman Residences, opened a couple of years ago in the same skyscraper by Pelli Studio, are themselves a notable experience. Positioned on the building’s top eleven floors, the 91 apartments are Yabu Pushelberg’s design, bridging Asian style with European influences and natural elements. Earth, fire, water, and air define the aesthetic from the private entrance – featuring a dedicated elevator and a suspended sculpture over a pond. Throughout, a soft palette of natural and earthy tones serves as the perfect backdrop for numerous artworks and the serene geometry of Japanese design. Residents enjoy exclusive access to a variety of social spaces: from lounge to bar, dining room to tea room, reading room, and game room. Not forgetting the indispensable Spa, with a pool framed by colorful sculptural columns, offering a “temple of serenity” atmosphere in true Aman style.

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HOTEL

Tokyo

Spring 2025

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Sorengo, Switzerland

Virtuous dialogues through interference & interaction In Switzerland, the new architecture of the McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination, designed for knowledge and socialization, takes shape through material and formal contrasts, with a nod to the symbolism of wisdom

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ituated in Sorengo, within the Ticino Alps and near Lake Lugano, Flaviano Capriotti Architetti has completed the expansion of the Franklin University Switzerland Campus – the McNeely Center of Ideas & Imagination. The project addresses themes of education and hospitality with a contemporary language centered around the material contrast between the educational spaces and the student residences, resolving it conceptually. The first structure, fluid and enveloping, openly invites interaction through its transparency, serving as a catalyst for the sharing of knowledge. “The glass volumes are a metaphor for culture: it has no predefined forms and must be permeable and shared by all,” explains Flaviano Capriotti. The second, robust and introspective, ensures the privacy of the university residences.

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Spring 2025

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Sorengo, Switzerland

The architect identified the dialogue between these volumes in an element that epitomizes the symbol of knowledge: the book. Thus, the U-Glass louvers of the semi-transparent volume evoke the movement of turning pages, while the concrete texture of the second volume mirrors the layering of pages. The book not only informs the architectural narrative but also weaves the storyline of the entire project. Both volumes express their relationship with the surroundings, each in its own language: the semi-transparency fosters an osmotic relationship between interior

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Spring 2025

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UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Sorengo, Switzerland

Spring 2025

and exterior, discreetly revealing spaces and encouraging interaction, while the terracotta-toned pigmentation of the concrete resonates with the landscape’s hues. The architecture itself becomes an open book on the virtues of a sustainable design approach: the need to shade the glazed cylindrical volume led to a solution that both shields from the sun and generates renewable energy. The curved facade is covered with an adjustable system of white photovoltaic louvers, developed in collaboration with the Department of Environment Constructions and Design at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, capturing the sun’s rays throughout the day. The educational spaces are vibrant and creative, while the residential areas are warm and inviting, both resulting from the collaboration between Flaviano Capriotti Architetti, who customdesigned all the furnishings, and Kartell, who not only manufactured them but also provided the most iconic pieces from their collections.

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Sorengo, Switzerland

Architectural design: Flaviano Capriotti Architetti Project management, local architect and lighting design: Afry Switzerland Landscape design: Hortensia Garden Design Structural design: Casanova Ingegneria Main architecture contractor: Quadri Main interior contractor: Kartell Furnishings and lighting: Kartell, Las, Lualdi, Magis, Vitra Author: Francesca Oddo Photo credits: Leo Torri

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RESIDENCES

Spring 2025

Architecture squared In Prague, the Apartment E19 designed by the Malfinio studio highlights the generosity of emptiness, in a dialogue between architectural elements, materials, and light

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n the E19 apartment project, the Malfinio studio adopted an architectural approach even in the interior design, transforming the space into a fluid and immersive experience.

The rooms are traversed as if walking through a gallery, in a continuous dialogue between volumes and voids. The spaces are distinguished by their openness, lightness, and simplicity, with essential furnishings that give prominence to the structure itself. The vertical walls do not merely define boundaries but create directives, orchestrating a composition of precious materials and

Prague

Interior design: Malfinio, Martina Homolková Furnishings: Carl Hansen & Søn, Hay, Ibride, Ligne Roset Lighting: Bomma, Buster + Punch, Halo Edition, Ingo Maurer, Sammode Relief ceramic cladding: Mutina Curtains: Tyvek Painting on raw MDF, custom-designed furniture: Klára Spišková Textile, curtain around the bed: Linda Kaplanová Large-format photography: Bet Orten Large-format textile Pole: Miroslava Klesalová Author: Veronica Orsi Photo credits: BoysPlayNice

Spring 2025

RESIDENCES

Prague

integrated systems that protect, organize, and conceal with extreme modernity. Martina Homolková – the founder of the studio – indeed revived and emphasized the original spirit of the apartment and the building, one of the first functionalist-style buildings in Prague. After the renovation, the ample diffusion of natural light highlighted the empty spaces, revealing their essence. This principle was preserved and enhanced by the architect and designer in the furnishings project. The entire environment develops around

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Spring 2025

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RESIDENCES

Prague

Spring 2025

RESIDENCES

Prague

a central “box”, a system of cabinetry and wainscoting that integrates two storage rooms and a wardrobe at the entrance, the kitchen hidden behind folding doors, and two small bathrooms.

The MDF surfaces, conceived as an extensive white canvas, become the support for the pictorial work imagined by artist Klára Spišková – one of the many pieces of art that enrich the scene.

Around this architectural center, living, dining, and relaxation spaces, bedroom, and study are arranged. Skillful combinations of colors and materials add energy to the purity of the space.

Shades of pink travel through the space at the edges, from the sofa upholstery in the living area to the curtains by Linda Kaplanová framing the bedroom, to the terracotta hues of the bathrooms.

Plays of light and shadow traverse the apartment, but also between the interior and exterior of the “container” box. The chromatic delicacy contrasts with the material presence of metals and mirrors, used on a large scale. The project emphasizes connectivity – spatial, material, and chromatic – and takes advantage of long views in a play of light and reflections.

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Spring 2025

Shades of the Roman night In the heart of the Eternal City, an abstract and immersive space weaves light and darkness together to celebrate the vibrant pulse of Roman nightlife. This is Nite Kong, an internationally-spirited club designed

by Maria Adele Savioli Architettura in collaboration with LaiBE Architettura

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ith only 32 seats, live music, and an intriguing cocktail menu crafted by bartender Patrick Pistolesi, Nite Kong promises a unique experience. One of Italy’s top mixologists, Pistolesi is well-known for elevating Italy to a lead position in The World’s 50 Best Bars – a prestigious global ranking. Yet, the allure of Nite Kong extends far beyond. Its refined and suspended atmosphere pays homage to “the part of the 24 hours we love most,” as Pistolesi himself notes on the cocktail menu. The design, orchestrated by Maria Adele Savioli Architettura in partnership with LaiBE Architettura, offers an immersive journey in a fluid, enveloping environment dominated by a sophisticated, dim black.

This monochrome abstraction is punctuated only 136 | IFDM

CLUB

Rome

Spring 2025

by the red hue of the corridor, accentuated by mirrored walls, and the captivating video projections

by Studio LordZ in collaboration with Purple Neon Lights and Noisevideo. Light and shadow blend harmoniously through the lighting concept

by Studio Luci Ombre, featuring Flos’s Find Me and Light Shadow fixtures and Davide Groppi’s TeTaTeT lamps, which create ceiling beams or soft eclipses on walls. A constant source of light is the bar itself: a beacon in the night with its backlit stainless-steel structure. Custom-designed by the architects, its front is clad in a three-dimensional mirrored surface. The countertop, crafted from open-pore, black-lacquered brushed ash, showcases an intricate hexagonal perforated steel design that hosts bartending tools and serves as a drip tray. Nite Kong’s soul is encapsulated in the meticulous attention to service and aesthetic detail, creating a feast for the palate and the eyes.

“The night is alive,” declares the club’s website.

CLUB

Rome

Owner: Patrick Pistolesi, Richard Ercolani, Claudia Gianvenuti, Massimo Palmieri, Ilaria Valeri Interior design: Maria Adele Savioli Architettura, in collaboration with LaiBE Architettura Lighting design: Studio Luci Ombre Lighting: Davide Groppi, Flos Video production: Studio LordZ, Studio Purple Neon Lights, Noisevideo Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Eller Studio

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Spring 2025

OFFICE

At the office like in a hotel Norm Architects designs the interiors of the new workspace, the Chancery House, for The Office Group in London. The focus is on well-being, services, and a close relationship with the local heritage

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London

Spring 2025

OFFICE

attuned to the intricacies of human sensibility – a workplace that complements what your home office might lack,” the designers explain.

“It’s about using the design to give people multiple opportunities to bring well-being into the daily fabric of work life, and to form part of their everyday.” Norm Architects achieved this by developing the central theme of balance, primarily between inside and outside, but also among materials, colors, and atmospheres to create harmonious and welcoming spaces without resorting to flashy design. The neighborhood context, with its rich historical and architectural heritage, was the project’s starting point. Located above the labyrinthine underground complex of the London Silver Vaults (dating back to the 19th century), The Chancery House takes its place in a period building refurbished, extended, and

London

Client: The Office Group Architects: dMFKArchitects Interior architecture: Norm Architects Main Contractor: Collins Construction FF&E: in collaboration with The Office Group Art curation & styling: in collaboration with Emma Lynn Archer Partitions: Pace Interiors, Radii Surfaces: E. Nielsen, Kronos Ceramiche, New Terracotta Wall plaster: St. Leo Interiors Curtains: Kvadrat Joinery: TMJ interiors Furnishings: Audo, Brdr. Krüger, Cassina, &Tradition, Hay, Karakter, Labofa Lighting: custom made by Norm Architects, manufactured by Decode; Bocci, Faust Lighting, Pinch London, RBW, Santa & Cole, Tekio, Vitra Author: Veronica Orsi Photo credits: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen & Jake Curtis

I

n the lively debate on the future design of office spaces, Norm Architects presents its vision through The Chancery House, a new work environment conceived for The Office Group (a workspace developer and operator with serviced offices across London, the UK, and Germany). The Copenhagen-based studio has transformed a nine-story building in the heart of London’s Midtown into a genuine “manifesto” of contemporary workspaces, with the clear objective of creating a flexible space centered on well-being and shared environments, as well as the available services – ranging from an organic restaurant to high-level end-of-trip facilities, a gym, a yoga studio, and numerous meeting rooms designed with the same care and attention as the work areas. “In our pursuit, we delved into the profound impact our surroundings exert on our senses, mood, and overall ease, recognizing that a modern work environment should be a sanctuary IFDM | 139

Spring 2025

reconfigured by dMFKArchitects in collaboration with Norm Architects for the interior architecture. The building stands as a timeless testament to London’s enduring charm, skillfully merging tradition with contemporary design, integrating a color and material palette inspired by the surrounding urban fabric. Facade features, such as red bricks, sandstone, and cement, were maintained out of respect for the architectural legacy: an aesthetic visible from the ground floor, in the reception and welcoming area, to the café. The naturally lit spaces are made even more comfortable by the abundant use of wood, soft draperies, and plush cushions that shape areas hosting both work sessions and informal meetings. The integration of brushed and polished stainless steel is instead a tribute to the allure of the London Silver Vaults: such as the dramatic steel staircase leading to the lower floor, where brick tones give way to lighter and gold colors framing the central table for co-working, corners for quiet conversation or concentration, to more collaborative areas like the gym and yoga studio 140 | IFDM

OFFICE

London

Spring 2025

OFFICE

London

(all designed with the integration of natural light and fresh air, and a view of the greenery), because “a focus on wellness at work extends far beyond ergonomic chairs and standing desks. It encompasses the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees as well.” Spread across most of the floors, there are meeting rooms of varying character and size, as well as outdoor terraces on different levels. The idea of comfort, well-being, tranquility is translated into a neutral palette and natural materials, emphasizing the idea of warmth, tactility, and quality. Through a wise use of natural light and shadows, sounds, air, spatial flows, voids, and volumes, the interior replicates the urban context on a smaller scale, transforming The Chancery House into a gathering hub rooted in the city.

IFDM | 141

Spring 2025

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HOTEL

Pienza, Italy

HOTEL

Spring 2025

Pienza, Italy

A timeless retreat In Tuscany, the villa of Isaac Newton’s descendants has been transformed into Casa Newton, a sophisticated boutique hotel centered around art and design

T

he name, Casa Newton, is deliberate: this charming guesthouse in the heart of the Val d’Orcia is genuinely connected to the man who turned a falling apple into a groundbreaking scientific revelation. Built in the mid-1800s by Gervasio Newton and his siblings, distant relatives of Isaac Newton, the villa was acquired about fifteen years ago by Philippe and Antonie Bertherat-Kioes. This husband and wife team, with Antonie as an architect and interior decorator, patiently restored and reimagined the villa, dressing it in color and transforming it with the help of architect Jacopo Venerosi Pesciolini

and landscape designer Luciano Giubbilei. The result is a boutique hotel that embodies understated luxury, design, and the art of slow living.The hotel features only eleven rooms, each distinct and named after a member of the Newton family, in homage to its roots. The staircase has been reconceived as a helicoidal structure connecting the villa’s three floors, which house several rooms and suites, the sitting room, a library, and the hotel’s only television. Another room is accessible from the stone terrace, while others are located in the garden, bathed in springtime blossoms.

On the ground floor, after the reception, a lounge bar

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Spring 2025

with a fireplace invites you in like a warm, intimate alcove with a hint of pop, featuring colorful graphic terracotta floors, velvet sofas, and the original exposed beam ceiling. The project’s charm lies in the blend of the new and the old. Thick, rustic walls are painted in exterior red and interior cream to showcase various design objects. These include vintage floral or optical wallpapers by Dedar, fabrics by Pierre Frey and Chiarastella Cattana, bespoke furniture designed by the owner, and paired with mid-century and contemporary pieces. Among them are 1970s sconces, HansAgne Jakobsson chandeliers, Servomuto lighting fixtures, and Gio Ponti sofas, as well as Josef Frank curtains. Artworks by Fontana, Carla Accardi, Giosetta Fioroni, Ed Ruscha, and Joseph Kosuth are also featured, while the garden chapel has been adorned with colorful murals by Swiss artist Nicolas Party. A final standout feature is the infinity pool: panoramic and multicolored, lined with polished terracotta tiles in varying shades of blue and framed by cream-colored chaise lounges and dusty pink umbrellas.

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HOTEL

Pienza, Italy

Spring 2025

HOTEL

Pienza, Italy

Owners: Philippe and Antonie Bertherat-Kioes Interior design: Antonie Bertherat-Kioes with Jacopo Venerosi Pesciolini Landscape design: Luciano Giubbilei Staircase and bench: custom designed

by Antonie Bertherat-Kioes Furnishings and lighting: custom designed

by Antonie Bertherat-Kioes; Servomuto, Elite, Stilnovo, chairs by Ico Parisi from the 50s; Committee Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret Fabrics: Chiarastella Cattana, Dedar, Pierre Frey Author: Elena Luraghi Photo credits: Alessandro Moggi

IFDM | 145

Spring 2025

OFFICE

Human experience Centralizing the human element in its design, the office transforms into an immersive and sustainable space in the creative vision of Lemay, the architecture firm that designed an “unconventional” new workplace for Accenture in Montréal

L

ocated on the 15th floor of the iconic cruciform tower of Place Ville Marie (PVM), Accenture’s new workspace is a true ode to innovation: 1,765 square meters characterized by bold colors, neon accents, and a mural depicting the skyline of the Canadian city. A playful elegance is revealed through custom felt ceilings and a new office concept that places the human being at the core of interior design. In this contemporary Renaissance, Lemay – a firm of over 400 architects, designers, and innovators imagining designs that facilitate human connection since 1957 – crafted an astonishing space centered around well-being, productivity, and sus-

146 | IFDM

tainability, embodying the ethos of Net Positive™: “aligning our built world with the environment on three levels: neighborhoods, buildings, and interiors.” Aiming for LEED certification, every aspect was designed to minimize environmental impact, promoting the use of sustainable materials and ecofriendly solutions. In a transdisciplinary dimension, various work environments, including the lounge, brainstorming areas, and library, feature smooth corners and curved geometries to encourage dialogue and idea exchange in a dynamic and inspirational interior. Functional yet aesthetic, the design creates moments of surprise, play, and unexpected touches.

Montréal, Canada

Spring 2025

OFFICE

Montréal, Canada

IFDM | 147

Spring 2025

Client: Accenture Interior design: Lemay Graphic intervention and signage: Lemay and Accenture Sustainable strategies: Lemay Engineering: BPA engineering Commissioning agent: EXP Main contractor: Avicor Construction Project manager: Avison Young Lighting supplier: Lumigroup lighting Furniture agents: Mobel & ABI Author: Anna Casotti Photo credits: Claude-Simon Langlois

148 | IFDM

OFFICE

Montréal, Canada

Spring 2025

OFFICE

Montréal, Canada

At the entrance, an interactive wall made of 1,200 triangular prisms in Accenture’s colors allows natural light to filter through, creating ever-changing reflections – a connecting thread that strengthens the dialogue and essential link between the company and Montréal’s urban landscape. The meeting room evokes a cloud suspended on the horizon, with flooring that enhances the sensation of movement through textures, colors, and materials chosen to stimulate creativity and collaboration. It is the sensory experiences that primarily define the environments, designed with input from both the company and employees, to bring to life the office of the future: for example, a modern café offers a stunning view of The Ring – one of Montréal’s iconic landmarks designed by Claude Cormier – while communal hubs are enriched with hanging gardens that bring nature indoors, creating spaces that are elegant and ethereal. An office capable of embodying Accenture’s cutting-edge technology and translating it into a place conceived as a home through customizable elements that can change over time and adapt to the rhythms of the space.

IFDM | 149

Interior Design Exhibition 3 April - 18 May Sagasta 33 Madrid, Spain

#CasaDecor2025

Short stories

IFDM | 151

Spring 2025

MILAN | IYO RESTAURANT | POLIFORM

IYO Restaurant, Claudio Liu’s contemporary Japanese cuisine restaurant in Milan, has undergone a total redesign signed by Lai Studio | Maurizio Lai Architects. In the new project Poliform Contract was responsible for the structural elements of the restaurant hall, the two private rooms and the lounge bar. The ceiling covering, the natural walnut flooring, the panelling and the partitions are characterized by a change of materials, thanks to the combination of wood, fabric, Murano glass, mirrors and steel. The custom-made furniture is also

by Poliform: square and round tables with marble tops, wood inserts and steel bases, marble and steel coffee tables, chairs and armchairs upholstered in bouclé fabric.

Also the wine rack, steel consoles, wooden sideboards with marble and steel inserts, as well as the counter (also in steel), seating, accessories and panelling in the lounge bar.

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SHORT STORIES

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

RAVELLO, ITALY | PALAZZO AVINO | VENINI

Overlooking the Amalfi Coast, 350 meters above sea level, Palazzo Avino in Ravello is the result of the renovation of Palazzo Sasso, a former 12th century noble residence. Mariella Avino invited Cristina Celestino to work on seven of the hotel’s most important rooms and suites (there are 43 rooms in all, including ten suites). The focal point of these redesigned rooms is the bed, set against a slightly concave wall. For the lighting of the suites, a series of compositions were chosen using Poliedri elements designed by Carlo Scarpa and manufactured by Venini in blown crystal glass, arranged on different levels. Colors range from the hotel’s signature absolute white to three different moods: aquamarine, coral and sand. “This thoughtful use of color creates spaces that feel like intimate cabinets of curiosity,” explains Celestino.

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Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES BRUSSELS AIRPORT | POLTRONA FRAU

The Connector area of Brussels Airport serves as a link between the two terminals. Here passengers can relax, work or prepare for their next flight.

At the heart of the project is the modular Bay System, designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Poltrona Frau’s Custom Interiors business unit, and available in two versions: Bay Lounge, with wide, upholstered seating, and Bay Gate, for short-stay areas such as boarding gates. This seating solution is also suitable for train stations, university campuses, offices, hotels, museums and public spaces. Its modular design ensures a flexible and durable configuration that can adapt to the changing needs of modern waiting areas. Complementing the layout, Foster + Partners’ Cove chairs offer travelers individual areas to work or relax.

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Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

CORTINA, ITALY | ROSAPETRA SPA RESORT | KETTAL

The Rosapetra Spa Resort, with its interiors designed

by L’Ambiente, with warm pine wood, local stone and custom-made furniture, combines the charm of the Dolomites with Alpine design, creating a welcoming and refined atmosphere. The outdoor spaces, which overlook the surrounding meadows and mountains, are furnished with Kettal pieces, including the Net collection in the dining area, composed of a weave of ropes and aluminum tubes with a handcrafted, lightweight aesthetic; while the lounges feature Bitta sofas designed by Rodolfo Dordoni (aluminum structures with woven polyester ropes, teak and stone tops) and chairs from the Arc collection, which feature an arched back with an aluminum frame. For ultimate relaxation, the resort offers a spa with an indoor countercurrent pool, saunas, and a full range of treatments.

IFDM | 155

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

ASTINO, ITALY | COPENHAGEN INSTITUTE OF INTERACTION DESIGN (CIID) | PEDRALI

The Italian headquarters of the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (CIID), the historic Astino Monastery, restored by Fondazione Mia and the City of Bergamo, has been awarded the ‘Landscape of Europe Award 2021’ by the Council of Europe. Its 2,000 square meters contain digital fabrication laboratories, prototyping rooms and a laboratory dedicated to biodiversity.

Furnishings include Buddy Oasi sofas by Busetti Garuti Redaelli with polyurethane foam backs, Elliot high tables

by Patrick Jouin, and Nolita stools by CMP Design. The dining room features Dome stools by Odo Fioravanti and Gossip armchairs by Claudio Dondoli and Marco Pocci, in a Recycled Grey version made from recycled polypropylene. On the outdoor terrace, Patrick Jouin’s Elliot tables are paired with Odo Fioravanti’s Babila Twist steel armchairs, covered with a flat polypropylene rope weave.

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Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

ARCO, ITALY | HOTEL BAIA AZZURRA PRATIC

The Hotel Baia Azzurra is located on the shores of Lake Garda, surrounded by greenery and majestic centuries-old bougainvillea. In order to respect the course of the plants and to accommodate their irregularities along the façade, the outdoor concept created by the retailer Prato Verde Outdoor Living – designed by the architects D4L Cestele – found in Pratic’s Brera bioclimatic pergolas the answer to the hotel’s requests for customization and versatility. The made-to-measure solution consists of brackets fixed to the façade of the building that support a beam on which the pergola frames rest, preserving the plants and adapting to the unique configuration of the structure. Nine modules, placed side by side, thus form a domotic pergola that extends thirty-four meters in length and blends seamlessly with the façade.

IFDM | 157

Spring 2025

NEW YORK | CORE | GIORGETTI

The interior design of the new location of CORE: is by m2atelier, the Milan-based architecture and interior design studio of Marijana Radovic and Marco Bonelli.

It is a new private club concept, a crossroads of culture, cuisine, architecture, art, sports, wellness, beauty and hospitality, aimed at an international community. The club spaces occupy the top four floors of the historic 1927 building at 711 Fifth Avenue, formerly home to Coca-Cola and Columbia Pictures. A selection of Giorgetti products interacts with the interiors: Tie XL, an armchair with a deep slit in the back, reminiscent of haute couture creations; the Elsa armchair, characterized by an alternation of solids and voids; the Skirt stool, inspired by the silhouette of a skirt, all designed by m2atelier; and finally the Gea dining chairs and table by Chi Wing Lo, designed for al fresco dining.

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SHORT STORIES

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

AMALFI, ITALY | BORGO SANT’ANDREA ETHIMO

Overlooking the village of Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast, this fivestar luxury hotel designed by Rino Gambardella features rooms and suites, a restaurant and lounge bar, a fitness center, a private beach, an impressive infinity pool, and terraced gardens. “Borgo Santandrea is our home,” says Maurizio Orlacchio, General Manager & Co-Founder of Borgo Santandrea, “a seaside residence, a masterpiece of Italian architecture that combines 1950s design with Mediterranean style, a unique retreat enriched by a private collection of furniture and lighting from the 1950s and 1960s.” As an active partner in the definition of stylistic choices, Ethimo is present with the outdoor collections Grand Life by Christophe Pillet, Rafael

by Paola Navone, Kilt by Marcello Ziliani and Swing by Patrick Norguet.

Photo © Enzo Rando

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Spring 2025

MALLORCA, SPAIN | VILLA EDEN | MERIDIANI

Villa Eden rises between the sea and the hills of the island of Mallorca, in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The residential project, curated by Terraza Balear part of Gunni & Trentino, is an expression of balance between inside and outside, between nature and well-being. In this environment, many pieces from the Meridiani catalogue, designed by Andrea Parisio, enhance the soft tones of light grey. In the master bedroom, the Stone bed, upholstered in fabric with a wooden frame, is positioned to enjoy the surrounding view. Next to it, Gong Due cylindrical bedside tables with two storage compartments and a shelf are available in wood and matte or gloss lacquer finishes. The room is completed by the Quincy three-drawer console, which features a combination of finishes – metal base, top and sides in wood or lacquer – and is accompanied by the Charlot ottoman.

Photo © Mauricio Fuertes

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SHORT STORIES

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

CRANS MONTANA, SWITZERLAND | SIX SENSES | TALENTI

Designed by JP Emery Architects with AW2, the Six Senses Hotel in Crans Montana expresses the close contact with the mountains through the materials chosen for this project. For the exterior, quartzite, larch, oak and slate refer to the traditional dwellings of the region. Inside, polished natural stone and brushed and textured antique bronze dominate, while the wall finishes are inspired by the embroidery and woollen fabrics typical of the Canton of Valais. Talenti collections furnish both indoor and outdoor spaces. In the spa, which features a ceiling of 14,000 wooden slats that reflect in the water, the Moon Teak collection features loungers whose natural teak frame contrasts with the high, soft cushions that make for particularly comfortable seating.

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Spring 2025

RIGA | KAIGAN VILLAS | FANTONI

The project of a private residence located on the outskirts of Riga, in the heart of the Kaigan Villas residential complex, is characterized by the special attention paid to acoustic comfort, an aspect never considered enough in the domestic environment.

The 4akustik sound insulation system was installed here, chosen not only for its technical performance but also for its aesthetic and sustainable value. The product replicates the proven structure of the Fantoni soundproofing system, improving the acoustic quality of the spaces and ensuring maximum safety and health. By complying with LEED and the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), 4akustik also contributes to the sustainability of the building, making it a virtuous example of conscious design. A design choice that combines high aesthetic criteria with attention to the wellbeing of the people who occupy the spaces.

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SHORT STORIES

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

SAVUDRIJA, CROATIA | PETRAM RESORT & RESIDENCES | ATMOSPHERE

Petram Resort & Residences - 179 exclusive apartments and 55 luxury villas - is located on the western coast of Croatia. The resort chose Atmosphera as its partner for the outdoor furniture. Sofas, armchairs, teak and rope tables and chairs, a coffee tables with stoneware tops are part of the Lodge collection. Loungers with aluminum and teak frames from the Dakota and Nevada collections and Infinity loungers with teak frames were chosen for sunbathing, while the Alcova collection provides more shelter for relaxing moments. Tables and coffee tables from the Desert collection and chairs from the Pipe collection by Busetti Garuti Redaelli Design Studio feature essential terracotta-colored steel frames and cylindrical teak armrests.

They are complemented by the contemporary design of the Vertigo lamp.

IFDM | 163

Spring 2025

VENICE | THE VENICE VENICE HOTEL MARMO ARREDO

Located in the Cannaregio district, the five-star The Venice Venice Hotel, designed by Apml Architetti Pedron / La Tegola with New Work City (for interiors), has a direct view of the Grand Canal. Marmo Arredo created washbasins, shower cubicles, wall coverings and bathroom tops in red Cipollino marble and anthracite grey marble, together with an agglomerate of marble grit bonded with resin, combining tradition and modernity.

Protagonist of the ground floor suite, trachyte covers the wall, the steps and the relaxation areas of the pool, the shaped tables, the base of the benches in the rooms and the flooring of the common areas. The counter in the bar area is made of Istrian stone, which is suitable for ornamental works due to its characteristics. Each element of the counter comes from a single block with a precise study of its processing, such as the twist in the lower part and the indentation in the upper part.

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SHORT STORIES

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

BERLIN | CLÄRCHENS BALLHAUS | OCCHIO

Founded in 1913 and surviving two world wars, the Clärchens Ballhaus, with its magnificent ‘Spiegelsaal’ (Hall of Mirrors), enlivened Berlin’s cultural scene. Now, German stage designer Uli Hanisch has restored this historic venue to its former glory as a gastronomic and cultural landmark. Furniture, wood paneling, red velvet, wall decorations and a gilded ceiling have been restored to their former glory, combining the charm of the Hall of Mirrors with the more austere atmosphere of the other rooms. Occhio’s Sento suspended and Sento vertical luminaires, with a brushed bronze finish, were given the task of evoking the charm of the past. The possibility of directing their light beams either towards the gilded ceiling or towards the tables ensures free management of the luminaire through touchless control.

IFDM | 165

Spring 2025

MALLORCA, SPAIN | LA TRAPA | TRIBÙ

Designed by the architect Joan Miquel Seguí, La Trapa is located in the western part of the island of Mallorca, surrounded by centuries-old forests.

The villa is mainly developed on the ground floor, with a triangular plan, whose long side, dedicated to the living and sleeping areas, extends outwards.

Terraza Balear (part of Gunni & Trentino) was responsible for the interior and exterior design: for the living room, the T-table by Tribù Studio and the Dunes coffee table by Yabu Pushelberg were chosen, while for the outdoor spaces, the Nox dining table by Tribù Studio and the CTR chairs by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga were used. On the terrace, the Vis À Vis sofa by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga and the Suro armchair by Christophe Delcourt are complemented by the Otto, T-table and Dunes coffee tables by Marc Merckx. The pool area is furnished with Senja loungers by Studio Segers and Poufs by Tribù Studio, while the dining version of the T-table is surrounded by Branch chairs by Lievore Altherr Molina.

Photo © Terraza Balear

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SHORT STORIES

Spring 2025

SHORT STORIES

AMALFI COAST, ITALY | ROOF GARDEN COSTIERA | REFIN

A terrace suspended between the sky and the sea that pays homage to the Mediterranean: “Every space is an opportunity to enter into a dialogue with the nature that surrounds it,” explain Vincenzo Falcone and Tonia Pezzuti, founders of BE.ON DVYSION studio. “In our project, we wanted to create a subtle balance where design and landscape embrace each other, respecting the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast. The colors, shapes and materials were not chosen to impress, but to celebrate a unique place”. The access stairs, the seats/flower boxes and the retaining wall on which they stand are clad in Ceramiche Refin’s Sublime porcelain stoneware collection, inspired by the scents and colors of Burgundy, here in Ivory. The 120x120 cm slabs, with a textured finish, have been finished with a 2 cm “beak”, a custommade operation by Ceramiche Refin that best reflects the architects’ vision.

Photo © Renzo Raviello Photographer

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ADDRESS THE GLOBAL DESIGN COMMUNITY ON THE SAME ROOM DAILY NEWS | TRENDS | PEOPLE | MARKETS

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Design Inspirations

outdoor dimension

On cover: Ensombra by Gandiablasco, design Odosdesign

Families and collections are enriched and expanded to furnish outdoor spaces, from terraces to swimming pools, and even gardens, whether in private residences or hotels. Outdoor design evolves through the experimentation of advanced materials and innovative processes. Often, it results from a transformation: an indoor project is adapted using cutting-edge materials and technologies to meet the needs of outdoor environments.

discover more

IFDM | 169

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS MILOS COLLECTION | JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD | VONDOM

Inspired by the natural harmony of rocks shaped by wind and sea, the collection includes a daybed. Precisely manufactured, it features a lacquered aluminum frame that offers exceptional resistance to outdoor conditions, while its elegant iroko wood legs add warmth and refinement.

LE CLUB | JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD | POLIFORM

In the outdoor version of the Le Club armchair, the soft, curvy lines, as well as the high level of comfort, remain unchanged, while the material of the upholstery evolves. It’s crafted from a fabric made by weaving flat polypropylene cords, treated with a water-repellent finish that makes it ideal for outdoor use.

OBI | LUDOVICA+ROBERTO PALOMBA | EXPORMIM

The Obi family, inspired by the belt of the Japanese kimono, expands with two dining chairs. Their structure is made of high-strength aluminum, and the backrest echoes the distinctive belt of this collection. One chair features four slender legs, while the other has a sled base for added stability (pictured).

170 | IFDM

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

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ARENA | SØREN ROSE | GANDIABLASCO

The outdoor furnishings, including a club chair, an armchair, a two-seat sofa, a set of coffee tables, a side table, and a swing, are inspired by the fluid movements of sand dunes. On one hand, they evoke traditional rattan furniture and basketry crafts, while on the other, the wide curved slats recall Scandinavian veneer work.

IFDM | 171

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS BREZZA | ALESSANDRO STABILE | S•CAB

The Brezza family expands to include a lounge chair and a two-seater sofa. The cushions, easily removable, are attached to the frame without needing glues, buttons, zips, or velcro, reflecting the principle of circularity. The collection is completed with the option to configure outdoor lounges, including a low table characterized by two large slats in concrete or HPL.

CASSERO | PATRICIA URQUIOLA | SERRALUNGA

This collection is inspired by cement molds, creating polyethylene monobloc planters with a deliberately realistic cement effect, akin to the process of pouring and then extracting from a mold. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, they come in four versions that optimize transportation and add a touch of originality to spaces.

ROÈ | FRANCESCO MEDA E DAVID LOPEZ QUINCOCES | FAST

Consisting of an armchair, coffee tables, low tables, a sofa, and a lounge chair, the collection is characterized by a die-cast joint into which extruded aluminum profiles are inserted. Roè’s base seating structure, made of extruded and die-cast aluminum, can be enhanced with cushions, allowing customization with numerous materials and colors.

172 | IFDM

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS PHILIA | RODOLFO DORDONI | RODA

In the Philia sofa system, the broad base of each module, reminiscent of the teak decks of yachts, is slightly suspended and composed of a perimeter frame characterized by a rhythmic play of slats that also serve as resting surfaces or actual side tables, emphasizing the solid and material horizontal matrix on which the different layouts develop.

QBOX LINEA | SPRECH

Qbox Linea is a freestanding steel pergola with a textile membrane cover that provides shelter from rain, sun, and wind. Perimeter closures and LED or RGB lighting are also available to allow the structure to be used in any season and at any time of the day.

OSAKA | PIERRE PAULIN LACIVIDINA

Developed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 and reissued by laCividina in 2013, the Osaka sofa carefully preserves the legacy of the original design: modularity, versatility, and an enveloping design that celebrates conviviality, reinterpreted masterfully to adapt to outdoor spaces.

IFDM | 173

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS LUMA | DOUGAN CLARKE | TUUCI

The Luma collection combines sophisticated design and top-quality materials designed to withstand time. It features the innovative Aluma-Forge™ construction, blending steel, polymers, and aluminum.

Artisanal details, such as custom finishes and the Aluma-Weave™ pattern, bestow a refined aesthetic.

OGADO | MANUTTI

The Ogado collection celebrates the elegance of organic forms and artisanal precision. The tables, with teak or ceramic tops, evoke the fluid lines of nature, while the sculpted bases reflect a timeless design. Perfect for any outdoor space, they combine sustainable materials, durability, and aesthetics that invite conviviality.

ERICA | ANTONIO CITTERIO | B&B ITALIA

With the introduction of new seating, tables, coffee tables, and finishes, Erica evolves into a true system. Powder-coated cast aluminum structures ensure lightness and durability. The sun loungers, characterized by polypropylene weaves with a high-strength inner core, offer the perfect balance of comfort and practicality, thanks to the padded mattress and a stackable design.

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Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

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PATIO | STUDIO ZANELLATO/BORTOTTO | ETHIMO

Patio is a lounge collection with embracing shapes, consisting of lounge and dining elements. All pieces feature a weave built on a light grey outdoor rope frame with a novel azure lagoon-colored arch weave. The seat cushions follow the hues of sand and sea, while decorative ones showcase shades of Mediterranean flora.

IFDM | 175

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

BALESTRO 24 | PIERO LISSONI LIVING DIVANI

Piero Lissoni’s famous sofa becomes outdoor. Two distinctive interpretations enrich its character: a version with backs and armrests covered in fabric, combining softness and performance, and a woven variant (pictured) in waxed rope or PVC, where craftsmanship meets the modernity of design.

THE WANDERING MAJLIS JWANA HAMDAN

Majlis is a lounge seat that embodies a lifestyle in contact with nature. It is characterized by a lounge seat embraced by two rollers of different sizes and densities that serve as a backrest. It allows multiple compositions, and the outer cover is removable and washable.

PANAMA | ATMOSPHERA CREATIVE LAB | ATMOSPHERA

The collection includes seating, daybeds, chaise longues, consoles, cabinets, and tables, with a coffee table as one of the novelties for 2025. The structure, made of natural teak, is distinguished by its circular and rounded cuts, with a top in ceramicized lava stone slabs. The sofa, enriched with soft cushions resting on an essential structure, is also available in a three-seater version.

176 | IFDM

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS RALIK | ICHIRO IWASAKI | ARPER

The versatility and elegance of the Ralik collection offer endless possibilities for all types of spaces, now also for outdoor areas, thanks to the renewed materials of the fillings. Poufs, seats with backrests, and benches: Ralik is a fully modular system with elements that can be used together or separately, depending on the needs.

NATA UX NOSTALGIC | UMBROSA

The Nata UX Nostalgic collection is a concentration of engineering and retro design. Made from anodized aluminum for lightness and resistance, the umbrella integrates smooth opening mechanisms and high-tech fabrics that are waterproof and UV resistant. The finishes echo a vintage aesthetic, while the modular design optimizes its functionality in outdoor contexts.

EIDOS | OSCAR & GABRIELE BURATTI | GERVASONI

Eidos, from the Greek ‘form,’ is enriched with new elements, including tables available with round and rectangular tops and circular-section legs offering various options. Besides the classic version with a slat top, variations with back-painted glass and white cement tops (pictured) are available for versatile aesthetics.

IFDM | 177

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

CUT | STEPHAN VEIT | POTOCCO

In the outdoor version, Cut accompanies the bergère with a footrest, the armchair, the chair, and the stool that replicate its drawn and essential profile. The collection is formed by a structure in powder-coated epoxy steel rod, which sketches the harmonious and slim silhouette of legs and seat, and a hand-woven shell in cord.

VINCENT OPEN AIR | ANDREA PARISIO | MERIDIANI

Vincent is an outdoor product created through the joining of a seating element with generous proportions and a backrest composed of a steel structure, with a padded element that wraps around an iroko tubular.

A more delicate version, striped in shades of cream and taupe, has been recently introduced.

WELLNESS THERAPY ALBERTO APOSTOLI | VARASCHIN

The chaise longue, upholstered in wellness fabric, continuously follows the body’s line with its profile and is completed by a thin headrest cushion to ensure maximum ergonomics. The shell is supported by a metal structure composed of a flat elliptical base paired with a ring element flared around the center.

178 | IFDM

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

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NALU COLLECTION | LUDOVICA SERAFINI + ROBERTO PALOMBA | TALENTI

A collection that includes furniture, rugs, fabrics, vases, and accessories. The sofa design is based on the idea of a single cushion folding to create the seat and backrest, like a wave. The lines that characterize the dynamic cushion style are the same as those of the rugs and vase covers, chromatically aligned with the ceramic tables and seating structures.

IFDM | 179

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

MILOS | ANTONIO CITTERIO FLEXFORM

The lower part of the Milos sofa structure is made of aluminum, while the upper part is in solid wood, a material particularly suitable for outdoor use. The clean and squared lines of the structure are counterpointed by the large seat and back cushions, characterized by soft padding and a grosgrain profile.

10.30 | ANDERSSEN & VOLL | LAPALMA

Architectural in character, the 10:30 sofa combines geometry, comfort, and lightness while reducing the materials and the bulk of volumes. Resting on the base in solid ash or iroko for outdoor environments, there are two soft padded cushions, which imbue company lounges and waiting areas with the strong and discreet contemporary character of LaPalma.

TIBERINA | RAFFAELLO GALIOTTO | NARDI

The Tiberina is characterized by a slat design, offered in recyclable fiberglass resin and in the Regeneration version, made from regenerated plastic. The legs are slim yet robust, equipped with non-slip feet designed to ensure maximum stability and floor adhesion. It is available both with armrests (Tiberina Armchair) and without (Tiberina Bistrot).

180 | IFDM

Spring 2025

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

PANTALICA | ELISA OSSINO | MOLTENI&C

The Pantalica daybed is designed to enhance the elegance of outdoor spaces. Its solid aluminum structure is adorned with a polypropylene weave, resistant to weathering. The backrest and cushion are shaped in a fascinating sequence of cylinders, whose straight lines contrast with the curved shape of the structure.

THE GENTLEMAN | GIAN PAOLO VENIER FROM STUDIO OTTO VALENTINI

The Gentleman is seating with smooth and rounded lines. Through focused research, the 100% Made in Italy fabrics are designed to withstand weather conditions while preserving the beauty of the design and durability in all outdoor environments where they are placed.

DOWN TO EARTH | PERENNIALS AND SUTHERLAND

The new Down to Earth collection presents six new fabrics, including Shadow Stripe. It features a classic striped pattern, enhanced with a subtle shadowed outline adding depth and refinement. All fabrics are tested and certified to industry standards for resistance to stains, water, UV rays, tears, and abrasions.

IFDM | 181

Tailored.

Business.

Concierge.

The professional link for the design industry that encourage the attendance and knowledge of international markets with the vocation of supporting companies in expanding their network and embracing new opportunities.

Thanks to its well-established presence in the Project&Hospitality field and deep experience in high-end furniture, IFDM Business Concierge department supports architects, interior designers, general contractors, buyers, developers and made-in-Italy producers in the different phases of their projects. concierge@ifdm.it

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IFDM | 183

Spring 2025

NEXT | MIPIM 2025

NEW HOUSING NEEDS: REAL ESTATE SUMMIT IN CANNES From March 11-14, MIPIM 2025 will bring together experts, investors and institutions to discuss urban development, housing and hospitality It will be the author of the report on the future of European competitiveness, Mario Draghi, who will give the keynote speech at MIPIM 2025, the global fair dedicated to real estate and urban development, to be held s Cannes from March 11 to 14. The kickoff given by the former

SKY MIRRORS | LUZHOU, CHINA 184 | IFDM

president of the ECB and prime minister of Italy in 2021 and 2022, among the leading international economists of our time, hints at how crucial the investments and trends that will be discussed at the Croisette are to the game of the European economy and beyond. Industry experts,

WONDERWOODS | UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS

Spring 2025

investors and institutional figures, including mayors of major European cities, such as Sadiq Khan of London, Roberto Gualtieri of Rome, José Luis MartínezAlmeida of Madrid and Haris Doukas of Athens, will land in the French location.

The evolution of real estate in today’s rapidly changing urban contexts, with increasingly complex challenges to manage, will be the main topic of discussion. One of these challenges, on which MIPIM is focusing, is the proposal of innovative housing models capable of responding to the long-standing housing crisis in cities, where the availability of housing is inversely proportional to the needs of citizens and increasingly high prices. Dedicated to this theme will be the “Housing matters!” initiative, which will highlight collaborative and networking solutions.

But “Housing matters!” will also touch on other key nodes of inhabiting today’s cities, from changing demographics to an aging population, from migration to a shortage of student housing. In the 2025 edition of MIPIM, it also could not fail to impose itself on a sector that is now a driving force for the global real estate industry, namely hospitality and tourism, the protagonist of explosive growth in recent years. In fact, the fair doubles the space dedicated to hospitality and relaunches HTL Connection, an event for the first time placed at the entrance to the Croisette, which will see the participation of the main hotel chains, for more than 3 million rooms represented, as well as investors and experts on urban issues from all over the world, who will confront each other in three days of conferences. Then there will be the traditional awarding of the MIPIM Awards, which will be contested by 39 finalists, from 22 countries and selected for the visionary and innovative nature of their projects. MIPIM 2025 is thus preparing to once again steer the future of the global real estate industry, on the strength of the large numbers expected: more than 20 thousand delegates from 90 countries, investors for 4 trillion euros in assets under management, more than 300 exhibition booths.

NEXT | MIPIM 2025

TRUE DIGITAL PARK WEST | BANGKOK, THAILAND

TERMINAL WAREHOUSE | NEW YORK, USA

NATIONAL CONCERT HALL | VILNIUS, LITHUANIA IFDM | 185

Spring 2025

TIRANA | NDARJA BUILDING | OODA LA-III, P4, ARTECH

Located in a central district, the building is designed for residential, hospitality, offices, and commercial use, adapting to the ongoing transformation of the urban morphology. Two similar, fragmented volumes are aligned on their narrowest sides, creating a void that invites visitors into a public square. The ground and first floors host commercial spaces, while the upper floors accommodate a mixed-use program. The volume facing Myslym Street offers a variety of apartment types and a premium hotel on the upper levels. The volume on Pitarka Street is also dedicated to apartments, with added office spaces, and features separate lobbies for each function.

The façade, with its earthy tone palette, blends the building into the city’s visual continuity. Surrounding lush vegetation and a reflective water surface soften the structure’s solidity, allowing the architecture to breathe.

Renders © Plomp

186 | IFDM

NEXT

Spring 2025

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MUSCAT | LA VIE | 10 DESIGN | OMAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT SERVICES

The master-planned development is comprised of Tivoli Muscat Hotel & Residences – including 80 hotel keys and 100 branded residences – along with 22 apartments, 8 independent villas, a range of F&B options, office and retail space and clubhouse amenities, overlooking an 18-hole championship golf course nestled in a prime location between the Sea of Oman and the Al-Hajar mountains. “Inspired by landforms embraced by a coastline, we wanted to bring the green to the terraces and the roofs of the buildings, blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature, for a truly immersive experience,” said Design Principal, José Cláudio Silva. “While traditionally, stacked, tall buildings can feel disconnected from surrounding context, our intimately scaled design leverages cascading terraces and walkable slopes to bring people together, stimulate the senses, and invite engagement.”

IFDM | 187

Spring 2025

TAICHUNG, TAIWAN | LIAN PALACE | ACPV ARCHITECTS LIEN JADE REAL ESTATE

Situated in the 7th District, Lian Palace is a 39-story, residential tower overlooking the expansive Charlotte Park, a new vertical volume that creates continuity in the urban landscape. On the ground floor, the tower will feature a series of shared amenities, including a reception area, lobby, bar, library and gym, while the Sky Lounge offers an exclusive space on the top floor. The residential floors will offer two 110-square-metre units each boasting landscaped balconies that, in addition to offering sustainable outdoor spaces and panoramic city views, lend a soft character to the building’s volume and ensure maximum privacy. Their alternating placement results in a unique façade design, with horizontal rectangles that correspond to the frame of the balconies. In the building’s courtyard, an intimate relationship with nature is fostered in the swimming pool and spa.

Renders © ACPV Architects

188 | IFDM

NEXT

Spring 2025

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SHENZHEN | TENCENT HEADQUARTERS LOT 04 EAST | MAD ARCHITECTS SHENZHEN GENERAL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND RESEARCH

Currently under construction, Tencent new office campus, one of the global leaders in internet and technology services, develop on five parcels spanning over 80 hectares east of Da Chan Bay Island in Qianhai, Bao’an District. MAD’s Lot 04 East design responds to Tencent’s goal of creating a low-carbon and human-centered technology park, striving to meet the highest standards of ecological responsibility and accessibility, the Samsung Green Building and Barrier-Free Samsung Standards. LOT 04 East includes two biomorphic office towers, three interconnected buildings, and a raindrop-shaped building. The layout transitions smoothly from land to sea. The ground floors of these buildings are elevated, giving them a floating appearance and enhancing the sense of movement and fluidity. They integrate with the surrounding land and streetscape, creating open, inviting spaces for public use. The bottom of the buildings is designed with transparent, ultra-high frameless glass, creating a seamless harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.

IFDM | 189

Spring 2025

NEXT

TURIN, ITALY | PALAZZO MICCA CRA-CARLO RATTI ASSOCIATI | IPI GROUP

Constructed between 1962 and 1968, Palazzo Micca was designed by architects Aldo Morbelli and Domenico Morelli. The tower stands as a significant example of International Style and is the first skyscraper in Italy made of steel. Morbelli and Morelli conceived a 19-story building set atop a five-to-six-story base that spans the entire block. Located adjacent to the Porta Susa railway station, the building, which formerly housed Italy’s national broadcasting service, RAI, currently sits vacant. CRA proposes an adaptive reuse approach to revitalize the entire tower, covering a total area of 27,000 square meters, and preserve the building’s steel façade. A key feature is the creation of a permeable ground floor, envisioned as a passageway that integrates a newly designed arcade. The public realm extends to the upper levels with a new elevated plaza that will host public spaces, an observation deck, food and beverage programming.

Render © CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati

190 | IFDM

Spring 2025

NEXT

ABU DHABI | SAADIYAT CULTURAL DISTRICT | MANDARIN ORIENTAL RESIDENCES | BIG | LILLIAN WU | ALDAR

The exquisitely furnished homes will feature meticulous interiors with rich and earthy woods creating an intimate and inviting ambiance for residents.

Each residence boasts grand chandeliers, natural marbles, floor-to-ceiling windows, artisanal touches and carefully curated lighting. Open living spaces blend seamlessly into kitchens, while master suites enjoy private terraces. The residents will benefit from experiences unique to the brand’s lifestyle such as The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, a residents’ lounge, private dining rooms, games rooms, a theatre, and a library. Residents will be on the doorstep of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on the Zayed National Museum promenade, and on a 60,000 square metres of luxury shopping, entertainment, and leisure at Saadiyat Grove.

IFDM | 191

NEXT IN THE WORLD

Spring 2025

Overview

New top hotels: a leap forward in the Middle East

I

top hotel

n the three areas examined in this analysis – the USA, Middle East, and Africa – there is a substantial consistency in the construction of new top hotels. The Middle East, however, stands out with the best performance, following last year’s sector recovery after a period of stagnation. New projects have increased from 656 to 831 (+26%), with 264 slated for completion by 2025, showcasing strong dynamism from hotel chains and investors. Saudi Arabia (300 projects) has regained its lead over the United Arab Emirates (131), which had previously closed the gap in leadership but has now been overtaken by Turkey, where projects have nearly tripled in 12 months, reaching 186. Even on a smaller numerical scale, Africa is finally showing signs of growth, moving from 302 to 337 projects, with 125 set to be completed by the end of the year. This increase is mainly due to investments in Egypt (98) and Morocco (34), as well as in Tanzania, which has grown from 14 to 24 projects. Turning to the United States, historically the industry leader, there is now a slight decline, with projects decreasing from 1,649 to 1,592, about a quarter of which will open by 2025.

There is a slight reduction in initiatives in the two cities historically leading the American ranking: New York (33) and Los Angeles (31). Jacksonville (17) and Indianapolis (16) have entered the top 10 U.S. cities for the number of projects.

ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS

InterContinental Hotels Group ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 686 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: CHINA: 208 - USA: 102 - INDIA: 41 SAUDI ARABIA: 35 - THAILANDIA: 27

NEW

NEW

NEW

1,592

831

337

USA

MIDDLE EAST

AFRICA

IN

IN

IN

STATUS

STATUS

STATUS

VISION 28 PRE-PLANNING 391 PLANNING 598 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 483 PRE-OPENING 92

VISION 12 PRE-PLANNING 155 PLANNING 187 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 431 PRE-OPENING 46

VISION 7 PRE-PLANNING 53 PLANNING 82 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 172 PRE-OPENING 23

NEXT OPENING

NEXT OPENING

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BY 2025 403

BY 2025 264

BY 2025 125

ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 437

PROJECTS IN TOP CITIES

PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES

PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES

PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES:

NEW YORK 33 MIAMI 32 LOS ANGELES 31 NASHVILLE 29 AUSTIN 21 ORLANDO 19 JACKSONVILLE 17 CHICAGO 17 LAS VEGAS 16 INDIANAPOLIS 16

SAUDI ARABIA 300 TURKEY 186 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 131 ISRAEL 68 GEORGIA 41 OMAN 36 QATAR 25 BAHRAIN 10 IRAQ 8 KUWAIT 7

EGYPT 98 CAPE VERDE 88 MOROCCO 34 NIGERIA 24 TANZANIA 24 ETHIOPIA 18 SOUTH AFRICA 16 KENYA 12 ALGERIA 10 GHANA 8

AccorHotels ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 574 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: CHINA: 101 - SAUDI ARABIA: 33 - GERMANY: 19 INDIA: 25 - USA: 16 - UNITED KINGDOM: 15

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

CHINA: 146 - USA: 88 - INDIA: 40 CANADA: 26 - MEXICO: 17

Radisson Hotel Group ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 226 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: INDIA: 43 - CHINA: 21 - SAUDI ARABIA: 10 GERMANY: 8 - EGYPT: 7

TOP PROJECTS

Hampton by Hilton ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 95 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: USA: 37 - CHINA: 12 - UNITED KINGDOM: 8 GERMANY: 6 - TURKEY: 5

source: TopHotelProjects.com

192 | IFDM

USA MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas Phase: Planning 4,212 rooms

MIDDLE EAST Abraj Kudai Towers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia Phase: Under Construction 9,760 rooms

AFRICA Fairmont Sun Capital Hotel in Giza, Egypt Phase: Under Construction 1,020 rooms

EUR 35.00 | USD 45.00 | wonder.ifdm.design

NEXT ISSUE: Summer 2025

Summer 2025

In June, the second Spin-Off Projects & Hospitality by IFDM: another story on color trends 2026 and international projects, interviews with major players and the new “Design Inspiration” through the products selection. For a complete, up-to-date view on the contract and hospitality industry.

PH BERNARD TOUILLON

ETHIMO.COM

SHOWROOM MIL AN / LONDON R O M E / PA R I S / C A N N E S

PAT I O B Y Z A N E L L AT O / B O R T O T T O