.Wonder Book | Winter 2024

EUR 35.00 | USD 45.00 | wonder.ifdm.design

Winter 2024

Winter 2024

Create, innovate.

Design.

www.kettal.com

design Fabrizio Crisà

All you need is Lhov.

The first All-in-One cooking solution.

Oven, hob and integrated extraction system: finally together, to revolutionize your cooking experience.

TRESSÉCOLLECTION DESIGN BY CARLO COLOMBO

follow us www.t a l e n t i s pa .co m customerservice@talentispa.com

NEW LEMA MILANO FLAGSHIP STORE Largo Augusto, 8, 20122 Milano - +39 02 8414 7579

lemamobili.com

FEATURES

Winter 2024

24

Color stories Doom or salvation?

Interviews

PEOPLE Christophe Pillet

30

The Pillet case

PEOPLE Simona Malvezzi

78

40

PEOPLE Massimo Roj

122 Designing change

WONDER 18 Chengdu World Universiade Park, Sichuan Dong’an Lake Sports Park Bridge | Atelier-Sizhou

Projects review CIA Conad Forlì, Italy

20 Nathdwara, India | Aatma Manthan Museum Sanjay Puri Architects

34

22 Denver | One River North | MAD Architects

40

74 Besant Nagar, Chennai, India

76 Tirana | College of Europe Campus

Boston upscale

Masquespacio Valencia, Spain

46

Learning Center at Quest | KSM Architecture

Sidera stands tall

Raffles Boston

72 Yingtan, China | Bamboo Clouds by the Water

White Crane Lake Visitor Center Archperience Design and Consulting

Architecture is about understanding problems.

And solving them

Creatures of design

Park Hyatt Changsha, China

52

Oppenheim Architecture

A urban highrise

Villa S Porto Rotondo, Italy

116 Kanai, Mexico | Riviera Maya Edition

58

118 Titanic - An Immersive Voyage

64

Rockwell Group

Living nature in a scattered residence

AP House Milan

Exhibition Hub and Fever

120 Shanghai | Tiffany Façade Shanghai

Audemars Piguet’s alphabet in Milan

Radisson RED Helsinki

Taikoo-Li | MVRDV

68 82

88

96

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

Editors

Alessandro Bignami, Matteo De Bartolomeis, Manuela Di Mari, Elena Luraghi, Sabrina Sciama

International Contributor New York | Anna Casotti

Web Department redazione@ifdm.it

Brand Relations

Matteo De Bartolomeis | matteo@ifdm.it Camilla Guffanti | camilla@ifdm.it Annalisa Invernizzi | annalisa@ifdm.it Spain | Pilar Tendero | pilar@ifdm.it

Graphic Department

Marco Parisi | grafica@ifdm.it

Richard Gilder Center New York

Advertising

Miriam Hurley

Fascinating intersections between architecture and nature

Marble/ADV Tel. +39 02 40701449 - info@ifdm.it

Harudot Café Chonburi, Thailand

Closed by the editorial staff

The seed of architecture As Custom Line as possible

EYAS Kindergarten Wuhan, China A kindergarten that helps everyone grow

100 The lure of simplicity

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Publisher

Paolo Bleve | bleve@ifdm.it

Translations

Vipp Cold Hawaii Vangså, Denmark

100

Winter

Art and design in the heart of Helsinki

Navetta 38 Custom Line Yacht

92

04 YEAR IX

citizenM Downtown Chicago

104 Design & Blues

19nd November 2024

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A L L A P E R T O B Y M AT T E O T H U N & ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ

Let’s keep in touch!

FEATURES

Winter 2024

    ifdmdesign CORE New York

108 Appointment at CORE Fiermonte Museum Lecce, Italy

112

Arts in residence

Mondrian Ibiza, Spain

126 Organic style and genius loci Cité internationale de la langue française Villers-Cotterêts France

132 A ‘home’ for the French language Corporativo GO Morelia, Mexico

136 An office with amenities Imperial Riding School Vienna

140 Bridging the past and present Design Space AlUla AlUla, Saudi Arabia

144 Embroidery of light

108

Pieve Aldina Radda in Chianti, Italy

148 Tuscan country, French taste Casa Montelongo La Oliva, Fuerteventura

152 Great little hotel

Short Stories

157 A wide view on major international projects

Design inspirations

175 A selection of the most innovative products

for the contract sector by international brands

144

Next

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

192 Hospitality: Europe and Asia set new records

On cover

Harudot Café by IDIN Architects Photo © DOF Sky | Ground

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www.fantoni.it

upgrade your office Panorama

by Ben van Berkel/ UNStudio

EDITORIAL

Winter 2024

RUBEN MODIGLIANI Editor-in-Chief

The pleasure principle

N

estled in the rainforest of Xilitla, Mexico, lies a monument to irrationality: the Las Pozas sculpture park, commissioned by the eccentric English tycoon Edward James. James, a great supporter of the Surrealists, was twice portrayed by René Magritte. One of these canvases is entitled The Pleasure Principle, a title that could be a catchphrase for much of the architecture we present in the pages of this new issue. Designed to perform certain functions, certainly. But also to be enjoyed by those who use them -– whether that be posts on Instagram or much deeper feelings. In this key, the user experience, which in other eras has been somewhat left aside, becomes one of the cornerstones of the project. And along with sustainability – which has become inescapable – its winning element. This applies to all aspects of hospitality, but also to those of work and productivity: the presence of stimuli does not distract, but rather motivates. It is no coincidence that more and more companies, when negotiating a new position, put on the table the beauty of the place or the office where the candidate will work. It is a challenge to which all designers are called: to create spaces – environments, buildings, cities – capable of deeply engaging those who will experience them. “Life is more important than architecture,” said Oscar Niemeyer. Let us learn to enjoy both and our existence will be better. Speaking of Las Pozas, that delirious sequence of columns, arches, terraces and staircases reminds me of a masterpiece of architectural rehabilitation, the former cement factory that Ricardo Bofill transformed with visionary genius into a home/studio. One of the most beautiful workplaces in the history of architecture. It would be nice if there were more: if it is true that work ennobles people, the opposite is often true as well, because the human element is inimitable. But for this added value to be real, the man (or woman) behind it must be a happy person.

IFDM | 13

HEADQUARTERS: VIA A. MANZONI, 45

HERITAGE FOREVER: VIA A. MANZONI, 38

SAHRAI.COM

MATERIA COLLECTION BY PININFARINA - Design: LUCE, superior handtufted in tencel and tencel relief engineered with optical fiber - 400x300 cm

CURATOR’S LETTER

Winter 2024

ALESSANDRA BERGAMINI Deputy Editor

Silver linings

I

n a “neutral” or even uncertain present, marked by many unknowns and negative events such as wars or environmental emergencies, the research from the Colorworks Design and Technology Center, along with the vision proposed by ColorForward 2025, suggests a dual potential reaction: either preparing for inevitable catastrophe or nurturing a desire for longevity and escapism, accompanied by a widespread need for well-being and protection. These experiences manifest in every aspect of life, whether at home, in hospitality venues, or even more so in workspaces. The positive theme that emerges is the pursuit and creation of spaces that are welcoming and generous, fostering curiosity, productivity, creativity, and self-realization, all while keeping an eye on the future and change, with a focus on human life. According to Massimo Roj – one of the three interviews featured in the .Wonder Book alongside Christophe Pillet and Simona Malvezzi of Kuehn Malvezzi – collaborating with innovators allows us to anticipate trends and prepare for increasingly rapid changes that can, for example, transform “Working spaces into Living spaces.” For tissellistudioarchitetture, whose Sidera headquarters project is presented here, “people themselves become an integral part of the project, a key component in a complex system of gears that, once set in motion, unfolds into a stimulating and surprising narrative in constant pursuit of reactions.” The boundary between spaces for work and living is becoming increasingly blurred. In the Go offices in Morelia, Mexico, designed by FMA, there is a room dedicated to meditation and introspection, while the Spanish firm Masquespacio creates their unique “live and work” concept. This multifunctionality, regarding the notso-distant future, is expected to be a winning strategy for any design type and scale.

IFDM | 15

WHITE BOX

Winter 2024

light & architecture: A tight bond Curated by: Alessandra Bergamini

LORENZA GOLINELLI & ALBERTO RICCI PETITONI Co-founder of I-DEA Luce Architettura

T MARTIN POŠTA Founder of Signal Creative

T

he true impact of lighting arts comes from its ability to reshape urban spaces and unite people through immersive experiences. At Signal Creative, we see light as far more than just a functional element; it’s a compelling medium for storytelling and artistic expression. Whether it’s interactive works in parks or large-scale projections on historical buildings, lighting art can transform people’s interactions with their environments and also amongst themselves.

Our specialty is creating interactive and engaging art for public spaces through the integration of creativity, technology, and occasionally architecture. By utilizing installations of energyefficient lighting we can also serve multiple purposes: showcasing cultural history, encouraging social engagement, and even promoting sustainability. At Signal Creative, we work with creatives from all walks of life – designers, artists, and technologists – to build projects that stimulate thought and foster relationships. We hope that the lighting arts can help transform ordinary places into magnificent canvases, adding vibrancy to cityscapes and uniting people in shared awe. This is our motor at Signal Festival and Signal Creative alike.

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oday, lighting design goes far beyond simple energy efficiency: it has become a crucial tool for enhancing the safety, livability, and aesthetics of our cities and urban environments. In a context where light is no longer merely functional, we are called to create a balance between practical needs and aesthetic perception, to make cities more beautiful, safer, connected, and sustainable. Our approach to enhancing historic centers through light is similar to a restoration gesture: through a careful interaction between light and architecture, we can reveal hidden details and spaces that often go unnoticed during the day. Thus, light becomes a means to rewrite the narrative of the nocturnal city, offering residents and visitors an aesthetic and coordinated image capable of communicating beauty and identity. In this direction, the recovery and restoration of historic and artistic lighting points represent a further commitment to preserving our artistic and cultural heritage, maintaining the authentic spirit of places. Through advanced and sustainable technological solutions, it is possible to make our cities more efficient and valuable without betraying their history, giving the urban context a distinctive and coherent character. Urban lighting design is, therefore, an act of love towards cities, a tool to restore their identity, enhance their heritage, and improve the quality of life. Our goal is to transform light into a language that enriches the nighttime experience of public spaces, offering a vision of cities that is innovative, respectful of history, and in harmony with the environment.

NICOLETTA ROSSI & GUIDO BIANCHI Co-founder of Rossi Bianchi lighting design

“T

he soft and gentle light that enters and lingers in our rooms is enchanting. (...) It seems to separate the place where you are from the rest of reality. From room to room, it changes almost imperceptibly. The different shades confer a unique quality of darkness to each room.” – Junichiro Tanizaki, “In Praise of Shadows”, 1933. It is undeniable that light, before serving any functional purpose, represents a refuge and a need for security. But it is precisely the allure of darkness that makes us aware of the need to preserve it and understand light as just one possible interpretation of reality, not the only one. Emotional aspects and the theme of quality, which should inspire all architectural and design projects, are also key to ensuring the sustainability of a project, optimizing resources, and controlling outcomes.

Greater awareness and reduced consumption – or, in other words, lighting less to enhance our perceptual ability, ultimately to see better. Attention to the chromatic aspects of light emission corresponds to a growing sensitivity and awareness of the role of light in relation to the quality of environments. The goal is not to break down the complexity of the design theme into an orderly sequence of homogeneous areas to be lit according to universal rules, applicable in any context.

Rather, the focus is on deepening the relationship between different spaces and the activities within them. Understanding the conceptual design underlying the composition of spaces makes the lighting intervention an integral part of a unified, coherent, and shared project.

Winter 2024

WONDER

CHENGDU WORLD UNIVERSIADE PARK, SICHUAN | DONG’AN LAKE SPORTS PARK BRIDGE | ATELIER-SIZHOU The park contains a main stadium, an Aquatics Centre, a Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, and a Multi-Ball Game Gymnasium, venues of 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games. Now the bridge focuses

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WONDER

© Arch-Exist

on interactions with the public space and the playground, increasing accessibility, enriching the landscape, and providing additional space for operations after the games.

IFDM | 19

Winter 2024

WONDER

NATHDWARA, INDIA | AATMA MANTHAN MUSEUM | SANJAY PURI ARCHITECTS © Mr. Vinay Panjwani

The museum, through an enveloping foyer and 18 sequential zones, is conceived to evoke self-analysis, bringing together a holistic combination of the soul (aatma), mind (mana), and body (tann).

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Designed by Carlo Colombo / eliesaabmaison.com

LEGACY sofa, CANOVA low table, ALHENA armchair, SAPPHIRE chandelier.

ELIE SAAB MAISON Via Sant`Andrea 23, Milan milan@eliesaabmaison.com I +39 342 571 8517

Winter 2024

WONDER

DENVER | ONE RIVER NORTH | MAD ARCHITECTS © Iwan Baan

A Canyon carves through the 16-story glass façade of the apartment building in the RiNo Art District, a vertical terraced landscape for its residents to wander as if hiking in the mountains.

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The Duna Collection | Fabric by Perennials | sutherlandfurniture.com

Winter 2024

COLOR STORIES

Trend

Doom or salvation?

A new perspective is shaping color trends, reflecting society’s need to seek extreme forms of escapism to confront today’s polycrisis Author: Veronica Orsi

T

he fourth and final event aims to explore the color trends for 2025. With the narrative “Destination Salvation,” the cycle of four stories developed by ColorWorks™ Design and Technology Center comes to a close, identifying the color palettes that will set the trends and influence consumers in the coming year. Each year, ColorWorks’ international team identifies and synthesizes the main emerging global trends capable of influencing future consumers’ responses (a year in advance) and associates them with 20 colors, five for each macro-trend or Story, as the team calls these “signals.”

These colors form the ColorForward™ 2025, a vision of tomorrow’s world through 20 hues that vary in shades and meanings.The four macro-trends guiding ColorWorks’ research for next year, exclusively shared with IFDM by Roberto Romanin, senior designer at ColorWorks™, capture a global scenario dominated by uncertainty and instability. This condition is reflected in an unprecedented yet significant presence of neutral shades within the ColorForward palette: beige, taupe, brown, as well as gray and silver. Equally noteworthy is the abundance of blue and green tones, along with a family of desaturated reds (never pure, which disappear along with yellows), adding a touch of vibrancy.These colors are featured in the first story, “Carpe Mortem,” where the predominance of desaturated colors highlights the current theme of seeking immortality (more specifically, the desire for a longer and more serene life). In “Easy Peasy,” the second Story, focus is on the increasingly scrutinized values of longevity and modularity in product design, essential aspects of a broader concept of sustainability – an attitude reflected in a warmer and more vibrant palette. The third story, “Elevens,” deals with demographic changes, shifts in global interactions, and economic and geopolitical power rebalancing, all linked to a complex chromatic palette dominated by dark, earthy, and sandy tones. “Destination Salvation” wraps up ColorForward 2025, revisiting the wave of negativity resulting from ongoing catastrophic events and how many people are coping with it, balancing irony and seriousness.

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Discover the products Signature Kitchen Suite

Winter 2024

MILTON’S CLOUDS

26 | IFDM

COLOR STORIES

HIT THE FAN

Trend

SUB·TER·RA·NE·AN

COLOR STORIES

Winter 2024

Trend

FOURTH STORY. DESTINATION SALVATION

Last year, one of the most significant Stories highlighted the universal theme of polycrisis and how this complex situation – with wars, inflation, epidemics – had led to pervasive pessimism and general insecurity. This Story represents an even more negative evolution: a growing trend, especially in Anglo-Saxon cultures (particularly in the UK and the USA), of individuals and groups preparing for the inevitable catastrophe known as “The Event.”

Whether it be an earthquake, an environmental disaster, or a global conflict, this “event” lacks a definitive description, save for its dire negativity that prompts a search for personal salvation and extreme escapism. Movements like “preppers” and “survivalists” have long been preparing for such emergencies – the former stocking up on food and essentials stored in well-maintained and cozy bunkers; the latter learning survival skills like hunting and fire-starting. What they share is a complete distrust of society. Milan Design Week has already been a stage for concrete and artistic expressions of this trend. The Prepper’s Pantry project by Anniina Koivu explored which items in a storage room/ container could be life-saving in critical moments.

Similarly, Sophia Schullan’s My Dream Bunker installation at BASE was a provocative toy designed to prompt reflection on the lives of future children forced to live underground due to the climate crisis.Among the many threats facing the world today, climate change poses the greatest challenge, with rising sea levels affecting about 40% of the global population living within 100 kilometers of the coast. An experimental project to address the inevitable is proposed by the city of Busan, South

MAR INFINITO

Korea, in collaboration with the company Oceanix. They have designed a hypothetical 75-hectare neighborhood for 10,000 residents – completely self-sufficient, floating, and expandable – to protect the population and withstand future sea level rises.It’s not just design that anticipates trends; fashion is also voicing this generalized fear of the future. The stylistic response is Doom Dressing or the Aesthetic of Collapse, featuring intentionally oversized clothing that embodies the concept of protection. The designs of Victor Barragán are an example. Likewise, new textile material innovations are being developed: reactive fabrics that signal poor air quality or create proactive barriers against external agents. This story, although pessimistic in origin, has a more positive aspect in terms of research, design, and the desire for survival. It is reflected in equally multifaceted colors, both light and dark, cool and warm together. A warm, dark gray, called “Milton’s Clouds,” symbolizes the “silver lining” behind this story, just as every storm has its light. Meanwhile, “Hit the Fan” brings a burst of color, reminiscent of a forebodingly red-sky – a coral red, somewhere between pink and orange. “sub·ter·ra·ne·an” is a balanced beige, connecting to underground living and bunkers, often luxurious spaces built with premium materials. Inspired by rising seas and floating cities, “Mar Infinito” is a sea green evoking waves and their transparency.

Finally, “Aρτεμις” is a pure, vibrant, almost electric blue, symbolizing exploration; its name refers to Artemis, the NASA program in collaboration with the ESA for lunar exploration, a new form of extreme escapism.

AΡΤΕΜΙΣ

IFDM | 27

Sabino Onda Table, registered design | Perla Chairs | Tube S6 Lamps | Freewall Bookcase

RIFLESSI STORE MILANO | BERGAMO | BRESCIA | ROMA | PESCARA | TORINO | NAPOLI | BARI | REGGIO CALABRIA | PALERMO

Winter 2024

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PEOPLE

Christophe Pillet

PEOPLE

Winter 2024

THE PILLET CASE Music, comics, art, the sea: then suddenly, his first encounter with design, and from that moment, his life took a new direction.

A whirlwind of coincidences (as he calls them) has led him to become one of the most beloved and recognized designers on the international scene today

C

hristophe Pillet is a true gentleman who tells his story with both lightness and seriousness, always with a hint of a smile and persistent energy. Despite belonging to the “design lifetime senators” category, his vitality shows no sign of waning. Like a classic 70s Prog music piece, Christophe Pillet’s journey embodies the imaginative equation “productive calm-attractionspeed = execution”, with long and intense solos (Memphis, Branzi, De Lucchi, Starck, and Bedin) that trained him first in product design and then in the interior world. Today, splitting his life between Paris and Les Baux de Provence, Pillet continues to prioritize personal relationships over professional ones, always in search of that chemistry that sparks creativity.

author: Matteo De Bartolomeis portrait photo: Claude Gassian

Christophe Pillet

Your studies initially focused on art.

When and how did your path change direction?

Chance has played a significant role in my professional life. I wanted to be a musician, but I ended up in an art school in Nice to please my parents, who didn’t like hearing me play music all night and then relax on the beach all day. During that time, I read various magazines and discovered Memphis. For a musician, seeing that colorful and radical design seemed like rock ‘n’ roll was an astonishing discovery. I instantly felt a powerful, direct connection, even though I knew nothing about design or Milan. A professor of mine, noticing my curiosity, mentioned a Memphis school opening in Milan (the Domus Academy) in 1986.

One afternoon, I set out to visit it. I just wanted to meet them, breathe in their atmosphere, and see the protagonists of a cultural movement that I found electrifying.

The Memphis Case: You arrive in Milan and...

I met Andrea Branzi. We chatted for an hour, and I showed him some of my drawings, which he found charming and interesting, and he offered me a scholarship, which I immediately accepted.

In one year at the Domus Academy, I met amazing people you might not encounter in a lifetime: Gianfranco Ferré, Ettore Sottsass, Michele De Lucchi, Alessandro Mendini, to name a few. It was an unstoppable wave of creativity, but also of method and genuine design culture.

The Michele De Lucchi Case De Lucchi let me into his studio, perhaps in desperation from seeing me practically sleeping outside his door. Then, like a true gentleman, he introduced me to his friends, who welcomed me and helped me grow. After the first year, I was already highly involved and decided to apply what I had learned. During that period, Michele De Lucchi was incredibly generous with me and started giving me projects to work on: the first one, I remember well, was a graphic design project on IFDM | 31

Winter 2024

some laminates for Abet. Later, he found me a job with Carlotta Bevilacqua and then with Martine Bedin. Even today, it’s remarkable to see my name among the authors of Memphis, but back then, all assistants of famous architects had opportunities to design their own works, with a lot of discipline but also the freedom to create.

The Starck Case I was in Milan with Martine Bedin, happy, when one day I read an ad in Liberation where Starck was looking for collaborators. I called, and Starck’s wife invited me to meet him the next day at 9 a.m. at Café Costes in Paris. Naturally, I went; Starck told me, “Great, let’s start the day after tomorrow.” So, within 24 hours, I returned to Paris from Milan. I thought I’d stay for three weeks, but it turned into five years. I spent five wonderful years with Starck, traveling the world, unforgettable not just professionally. My professional journey has always been like this; I’ve never had a specific plan to follow. I’ve followed passion and instinct and have been objectively very fortunate.

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PEOPLE

Christophe Pillet

Winter 2024

Christophe Pillet

Has your way of “approaching things” also occurred in the project world?

The project world began with Starck and developed in Italy. I approached this world with the best tool I had at my disposal at that time: comics, my youthful passion. I lacked experience in interior design, but in the ’80s, the “drawn and somewhat imaginative” graphic representation worked (thankfully), and Starck entrusted me with many projects. The clients were pleased with how I handled things after the design phase, and with my “comics,” I managed to succeed.

Your art directions: Was or is it a role where you feel comfortable?

Art direction is a category of its own: you have to be within the company’s system you’re directing while simultaneously being outside of it, close yet distant, involved yet detached. This seemingly impossible ubiquity is challenging, but it allows you to be respectful of history while free to see new perspectives to nurture that history. You need to craft a narrative that isn’t yours yet must be understandable and compelling. Ultimately, that story becomes a bit yours if you manage to maintain the correct and constant tension between the company and yourself. It happened with Lacoste for 10 years, it’s happening now with Ethimo, for instance, even though I’m not their art director, and it’s about to happen with Kreoo.

Who is someone you haven’t encountered in your life?

I have always made my choices based on the people who offered to work with me, more rarely based on the subject proposed to me. The human adventure of a project is more important to me than the nature of the object to be designed. Since I came into the design world by chance, I have always thought, a bit like a tourist (but a serious and rigorous tourist...), that the beautiful moments spent in this world were worth more than the glory of the created object. So, despite getting older, I hope to be part of the next “wave” of design.

Opposite page: above, BRAVA by Stefano Ciotti, Bodrum below, Baia collection by Ethimo; Allure collection by Talenti; Blessed tube circle by Kreoo This page: above, Hotel Sahrai, Fez, Morocco below, The Bodrum EDITION IFDM | 33

Winter 2024

Architectural design: tissellistudioarchitetti Landscape design: Paisà Main Contractor: CMB Facades and coverings: Gecal Roofs: Steelpool Curtains and shading systems: Medit Glass: AGC, Ipasol Greenery and garden: Arcadia, Central Garden Furnishings: custom by Estel, Stefra, Soluzioni d’arredamento; Herman Miller, Iduna, Kristalia, Lapalma, Martex, MDF Italia, MMCité, Moroso, Mox, Muuto, Normann Copenhagen, Piet Boon, Poltrona Frau, Sedus, True Design, Unifor, Vipp, Vondom Lighting: Artemide, Bega, Crifralluminio, Led Linear Italia, Lucifero’s, Metalmek Illuminazione, Neri, Simes, Super Modular, Tutto Luce, Viabizzuno Bathroom: Agape, Antoniolupi, Brabantia, Boffi, Cea Design, Ceramica Cielo, Cristina Rubinetterie, Duravit, Frost, Galassia, Geberit, Hansgrohe, OML Flooring: Giant, Marazzi Solid surfaces: Hi-MACS Doors: Garofoli, Gecal, Geze, Novoferm Elevator: Kone Author: Alessandra Bergamini Photo credits: Courtesy of tissellistudioarchitetti

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HEADQUARTERS

Forlì, Italy

Winter 2024

HEADQUARTERS

Forlì, Italy

Sidera stands tall Designed by Tissellistudioarchitetti, the headquarters of CIA Conad rises prominently within the uniform industrial landscape, aiming to be a symbol of innovation, pragmatism, and awareness – all enhanced by neuroarchitecture in the quest for the ideal workspace

W

ithin the industrial landscape, the recently completed Sidera, headquarters of CIA Conad, stands out with a new architectural presence and language on the outskirts of Forlì. For the headquarters of the cooperative operating in many Italian regions, the client had clear ideas about the functional program: maximum flexibility in office layouts, avoiding open spaces while providing workspaces for one or two people; a dedicated floor for each of the six envisioned departments; an assembly hall for 200 people and a cafeteria space convertible into offices. Consequently, the architects chose “not to prioritize formal research for its

own sake but to let the building reveal itself by adapting its lines to the imposed functional and logistical needs. The form appreciated today is the result of a creative process that paradoxically absorbs the rationality and pragmatism of the cooperative, making the headquarters itself the first representation of the company’s scientific rigor.”

The asymmetrical architectural shape, spanning 100 meters in length and rising 33 meters with 8 floors, from an aerial view appears to embody the pointed, iconic silhouette of a star (Sidera in Latin means stars) in a roof that, in the architects’ words, effectively becomes a “fifth façade,” concealing panoramic spaces, facilities, and green terraces.

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Winter 2024

The theme is that of the vernacular pitched roof, unusual for the industrial setting, featuring six slanted surfaces with three large skylights serving as unifying elements.

Bright natural aluminum dominates the entire envelope, combined with black pigmented concrete and glass. An extensive six kilometers of vertical fins on the façades reflect natural light, shifting in color with the time of day and sky hue, while about 5,000 m² of glazed surfaces facilitate visual exchange with the outside in a structure that becomes opaque or transparent depending on the moment and viewpoint. Beyond this glass and aluminum skin, the interiors are designed following the principles of neuroarchitecture to orchestrate spaces and work conditions that prioritize the psychological and physical well-being of people and the quality of time spent in the office.

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HEADQUARTERS

Forlì, Italy

Winter 2024

HEADQUARTERS

Forlì, Italy

“Thus, external factors such as light, air, sounds, and views, enter the building as calibrated and controlled architectural components rather than as necessary occurrences.” In addition to the optimized flow of natural light in every space, acoustic isolation and air quality are meticulously managed without any openable windows. The lighting systems follow the 24-hour circadian rhythm, and the materials used for coverings and furnishings – wood, aluminum, concrete, fabric, Corian – maintain natural pigmentation with a desaturation effect. A vital organ within the architectural body is

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Winter 2024

HEADQUARTERS

Forlì, Italy

the connecting and distributing staircase among the various levels, extending from the reception floor to the roof: with white railings and hypertrophic diagonal lines, it seems to unwind upward, drawn by sunlight. Open to the light and the outdoors, the entire building, powered by a photovoltaic system, always offers views of the surrounding park from every angle, which is enriched with 300 trees and 22,000 plants. For the architects, it serves as “a sort of reward to a densely poor-quality area that can evidently become a better one.”

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Winter 2024

HEADQUARTERS

Forlì, Italy

IFDM | 39

RESIDENCES

Winter 2024

Boston

Boston upscale The first Raffles hotel in North America is located in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

This legendary brand opened its first hotel in Singapore in 1887. Here it is in a luxury building built specifically for hotels and apartments

B

etween the 15-33 floors of the Raffles Boston are the lobby, amenities, common areas, and the three types of private residences of the Raffles Hotel – pied-à-terre residences, residences, and seven exclusive penthouses – embodying the Rockwell Group’s sophisticated style. Drawing inspiration from Boston’s iconic

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Emerald Necklace – a system of parks connected by paths and waterways designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in the late 19th century, as well as from the brick Victorian houses of the neighborhood with color hues from emerald green to cobalt blue, light gray, and opalescent glass, all emblems of Boston. Visitors are welcomed on

Winter 2024

RESIDENCES

Boston

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the ground floor by a majestic residential lobby envisioned as a full-fledged living room with a bronze fireplace, natural oak floors, light suede panels, and emerald green accents. It features intense Venetian blue plaster and a playful ceramic mural depicting the coastal fish of New England.

The sea is also the theme of the fitness and wellness amenities on the fourth floor, shared by the hotel’s guests and residents. Surrounded by the colors of sand, water, and coastal rocks, the swimming pool features wide full-height windows and affords a scenic view of Boston, lit by opalescent glass spherical lights that seem to float. The spa, three relaxation rooms, treatment areas, a sauna, a steam room, and ambient sound insulate the areas from the city noise, immersed in a soft, speckled light. The gym is divided into three separate areas: a circuit with weights, free weights, and cardio equipment. Moving up to the 21st floor, we find the residential amenities. The library’s great hall is lit by warm lights, including leather-covered 42 | IFDM

RESIDENCES

Boston

Winter 2024

RESIDENCES

Boston

shelves, works of art, vintage items given a contemporary feel, and a stone fireplace that is transparent on both sides, lending a sense of intimacy to the cultural lounge and affording a view of the Emerald Terrace. This is where the jewel is hidden: the Secret Garden, a greenhouse-like refuge, whose furnishings feature organic, curving, and elegant shapes such as velvet-upholstered sofas.

This art de vivre is also given in the sports lounge/ golf simulator club, clad in walnut panels, which can be turned into a film screening room. Inside we find the Nantucket Cottage Tasting Kitchen and the Wine Lounge & Private Dining Room, conceived as a veranda with the idea of conveying a feeling of outdoor living. Its gray wood cladding evokes New England and the sophisticated allure of its elegant beach houses.

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Client: Trinity Stuart Architectural, interior and lighting design, custom furniture and fixture design: Rockwell Group Furnishings: Avenue Road, Eponimo, Expormim, Luxury Living Group, Restoration Hardware, Starpool, Saniharto Lighting: Artìcolo Studios, Lindsey Adelman, HB Lighting, Roll&Hill Bathrooms: Alape, Dornbracht, Kohler Fabrics: Kravet, Majilite, Opuzen, Pierre Frey Wallcoverings: Maya Romanoff, Norwall Custom terrazzo flooring: Depaoli Flooring: Agape Tile, Artistic tile, Daltile, Ecore, Oceanside, Vintage Floors Author: Anna Casotti Photo credits: Brandon Barré

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RESIDENCES

Boston

the purity of fine bone porcelain for the art of hospitality

geminianocozzi1765.com

Winter 2024

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HOME/STUDIO

Valencia, Spain

HOME/STUDIO

Winter 2024

Valencia, Spain

Creatures of design The home/studio of the Masquespacio architecture duo is a lush world of colors, forms, and materials set in an early 20th-century Valencian house

“W

hen we founded our studio in 2010, the goal was to do something different that made us proud and expressed our desire for innovation in all our projects.” Ana Hernández and Christophe Penasse, the pair behind Masquespacio have always drawn their artistic lifeblood from an experimental approach, which is expressed energetically in their design for their studio and home in Valencia. Partners in life and business, they share free creativity, unbound from the ordinary, fueled by ongoing dialogue with different cultures and people that international collaborations often afford. The home, which is a bit of Art Deco and a bit futurist, is arranged on two floors and preserves its early 20th-century character, which they maintained with the recovery of original elements like the floor, ceiling, and brick walls. The designer duo’s spontaneous, independent style is reinterpreted in an interplay of contrasts, made of powerfully accentuated hues and exaggerated shapes, that give the IFDM | 47

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HOME/STUDIO

Valencia, Spain

overall design a new freshness. The common thread connecting both the studio on the ground floor and the home on the first floor is questioning what is normal. This eccentricity also respects the beauty of the past that the building embodies.

The interiors are populated by Mas Creations design collections born of the duo’s eclectic minds, enhancing their living and work experience with an aesthetic that combines 3D technology and craftsmanship. In the meeting room, a large, pleated curtain and table with a wooden top and trellis legs combine with a micro cement floor with a rough texture. An interior courtyard serves as a transition point between the spaces, which the family uses at the moment both for private and working spaces. On the upper floor, an alternating interplay of shapes – squares, triangles, circles, and semi-circles – are a legacy of their past as graphic designers. Highlights include the clay Cone collection, which the studio designed and made itself, and the Triangle chairs in the 48 | IFDM

Winter 2024

HOME/STUDIO

Valencia, Spain

living room, positioned around a unique table with a glass top. The bathroom is attentiongrabbing with its saturated yellow total look with handmade tiles and a wall made with the traditional trencadis technique, using randomly arranged ceramic fragments. No less impressive is the master bedroom, with a bed featuring a wraparound semi-dome-shaped headboard to disconnect completely at the end of the day. On the left side, there is also a neon pink meditation corner.

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Owner: Ana Hernández and Christophe Penasse (Masquespacio) Interior design: Masquespacio Furnishings: Mas Creations by Masquespacio, Iberpoligraph, Maxcolchon Floor: Cement Design Curtains: Gabriel, Kvadrat, Vescom Tiles: Maora Ceramics Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Luis Beltran

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HOME/STUDIO

Valencia, Spain

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

Winter 2024

HOTEL

A urban highrise A new jewel of exclusive hospitality bearing the Park Hyatt name opens in Changsha, in the province of Hunan, China, situated on the upper floors of the IFS tower

by Conran and Partners

Architecture and Interior design: Conran and Partners Furnishings: on design by Conran and Partners and manufactured by Gartner Lighting: on design by Ricardo Lighting, Circa lighting, Marset, Oluce Façades for entire IFS development including Park Hyatt’s canopies and exterior cladding: Shenzhen Sanxin Technology Development (Sanxin Technology) Chandeliers: custom-made by Lasvit Author: Anna Casotti Photo credits: Harold de Puymorin

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Changsha, China

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very detail bears the mark of the studio, from the external courtyard to the interior design and the new cladding. The studio had already taken the lead in the Park Hyatt projects in Aukland and Jakarta. The design is inspired by the city’s dynamism, evoking the IFS luxury shopping center that the hotel faces and the landscapes of Hunan, conveyed through organic forms, natural materials, majestic volumes, and local craftsmanship. The hotel consists of 230 rooms of 11 different types, a tearoom, a library, the Linan Restaurant and Bar and wellness facilities including a 25-meter swimming pool on the 48th floor. “Having previously collaborated with Park Hyatt in Jakarta and Auckland, our goal for the new Changsha outpost was to craft its own true ‘sense of place’ – a home

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Changsha, China

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that is both fashionable and reflective of the city’s dynamic essence, as well as a celebration of the natural wonders of the Hunan region. By blending clean architectural lines, both in the interiors and in the courtyard architecture, with eclectic elements, we’ve created a destination where modern luxury meets the rich tapestry of Changsha’s local culture.” The courtyard acts as the entrance, a true oasis in the city center, featuring an extension that connects the main building to the Garden Room with architectural elements interweaving with the landscape. Grandiose ceilings and artistic installations lead us up to the 62nd floor, and we are welcomed into an interior clad in green leather and a check-in area with a double-height volume,

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HOTEL

Changsha, China

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Changsha, China

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defined by wooden panels, a Lasvit chandelier inspired by the famed local fireworks, and a metal screen. Spaces such as the sunroom, tearoom, and library are designed as a series of flexible rooms serving as extensions to the bar and restaurant.

The eight private dining rooms each have their own color scheme and offer an exclusive culinary experience. On the 63rd floor, there are three large rooms for events designed as a penthouse and a sky kitchen full of Chinese craft details. Going down the 48th floor, there is a large wellness area with a gym, spa, sauna, pool, and lounge, inviting guests into a temple of health. Guests are enveloped in natural materials and subtle hues, echoed in the natural stone and wood chosen for the swimming pool. The rooms are genuine sanctuaries overlooking Changsha, expressing careful elegance with green silk panels contrasting with the brightly colored furnishings. The Presidential Suite, covering 270 sq.m., overlooks the Xiangjiang River, paying tribute to magnificence.

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HOTEL

Changsha, China

Winter 2024

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RESIDENCES

Porto Rotondo, Italy

Winter 2024

RESIDENCES

Porto Rotondo, Italy

Living nature in a scattered residence Alvisi Kirimoto designs Villa S in Porto Rotondo as a small village overlooking the sea, featuring interconnected volumes, plazas, and gardens harmonized with the landscape and local tradition

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he relationship between indoor and outdoor reaches an extreme and highly synergistic level at Villa S, a scattered residence project nestled in the hilly landscape of Gallura. Perched above the sea with a magnificent view of Golfo Aranci, Villa S gently stretches across a sloping two-hectare terrain. What could have been an obstacle – the peculiar site location and the significant landscape constraints preventing alterations to existing volumes – has been reimagined to become the project’s focal points. The studio has enhanced these by creating a sequence of open, closed, and covered spaces, forming an architectural promenade to be walked while immersed in nature. The villa consists of three separate buildings at different elevations (plus a basement), with a sort of “central plaza” from which pathways lead to various terraces that align with the site’s morphology, destined for socializing and relaxation spaces, all the way to the pools. Surrounding these are green strips and a large garden enveloping the villa, echoing the Mediterranean maquis. The main volume houses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, originally separate spaces reimagined as a single entity characterized by large glass surfaces offering captivating views IFDM | 59

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of the plaza and the sea-facing terrace. The other two volumes accommodate the bedrooms and services, more intimate spaces where openings face the private gardens between the buildings. Villa S is characterized by this original, articulated layout that maintains a continuous relationship with the exterior, as well as a strong materiality that defines both interior and exterior and harks back to local tradition. Local granite frames the villa and is also featured indoors with an innovative placement of split natural stone blocks without joints, crafted by skilled local artisans. Overall, the careful material choices evoke warm and distinctly tactile sensations: the burnished brass of the frames, the Orosei marble flooring in the main building and Iroko parquet in the other volumes, the wooden ceilings, and the roof tiles preserving the charm of the original structures. An exception is the basement, primarily intended as a playroom, with its light walls and essential lines configured as an almost meditative space. This is followed by the wine cellar, a corridor/gallery for artwork, service areas, and storage. Villa S is a home that breathes, in harmony with its surroundings, faithful to its location yet open to modernity.

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RESIDENCES

Porto Rotondo, Italy

Winter 2024

RESIDENCES

Porto Rotondo, Italy

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Architecture: Alvisi Kirimoto Furnishings: Carl Hansen & Søn, CEA design, De Padova, Living Divani, Paola Lenti, Pianca, Zanotta; custom made by Alvisi Kirimoto, FS, Nuova Metalli Lighting: 9010, Buzzi & Buzzi, Flos, iGuzzini, Simes, Viabizzuno, Vibia, XAL, Zumtobel Author: Veronica Orsi Photo credits: Marco Cappelletti, Mattia Caprara, Flavio Pescatori

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RESIDENCES

Porto Rotondo, Italy

design by Matteo Nunziati

Winter 2024

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RETAIL

Milan

Winter 2024

RETAIL

Milan

Interior design: Lissoni & Partners Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Tommaso Sartori

Audemars Piguet’s alphabet in Milan AP House creates relationships between stories and places. Designed by Piero Lissoni, it emphasizes the uniqueness of products from Audemars Piguet, a Swiss ultra-luxury watchmaker

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he story shaping the identity and heritage of Audemars Piguet, starts in Milan.

To be exact: from Via Bagutta 2, where the new AP House space now covers the fifth to ninth floors of a historical rationalist building, the erstwhile Garage Traversi. The architect Piero Lissoni designed its interiors, using a cross-disciplinary interpretive lens, paying tribute to 20thcentury Milanese architectural culture as well as design from the 1960s and 1970s. To convey the savoir-faire passed down in the company since 1875, Lissoni took inspiration from the natural landscape of the Vallée de Joux, in the heart of the Jura Massif, north of Geneva, the cradle of the brand and its current headquarters. A grandiose, sculptural black steel staircase is enclosed by a twisting wall in backlit onyx, connecting the levels vertically as if in a dance, referencing the building’s circular layout. The five floors encompass both classic offices and traditional sales spaces, as well as a lounge area where guests can relax in an easy atmosphere. Another area features immersive virtual reality that takes visitors into a pristine forest IFDM | 65

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of the Vallée de Joux, a world that has long inspired the development of time-telling devices.

It touches on the region’s resources, such as the rocks from which the ferrous material is extracted, that powered the development and success of the watch industry. There is also a floor where visitors can admire Audemars Piguet’s watchmakers at work on their pieces, an exhibition floor with contemporary and historical timepieces, and a rooftop with a bar. The display cases and windows were custom-designed with meticulous care. The attention to detail and use of fine materials aimed for an overall effect that highlights the excellence of these fine timepieces, rather than dominating the scene. Lissoni chose to make use of the square module pattern of the dial of the brand’s watches, conveyed in varying formats, such as in the entrance’s lighted canopy, on the onyx wall around the staircase, on the ceilings and surfaces customizing the display systems.

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RETAIL

Milan

Winter 2024

RETAIL

Milan

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Architecture: Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit Interior design: Fyra Furnishings: &Tradition, Artek, Calligaris, Covent, Enea, Fredericia, Hay, Interface, Lepo, Made by Choice, Menu, Mobel Copenhagen, Muuto, Northern Valet, Sits, Sancal, Wendelbo Lighting: Astro, Estiluz, Flos, Gubi, Marset, Mirba, Modular, Rubn, Tooy, Wästberg, Wever Ducré Carpets: Creatuft, Jacaranda, SmartStrand Curtains: Création Baumann, Delius, Silent Gliss Author: Anna Casotti Photo credits: Riikka Kantinkoski, courtesy of Radisson Red

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HOTEL

Helsinki

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Helsinki

Art and design in the heart of Helsinki The innovative spirit of the “Pearl of the Baltic” is captured by a new and vibrant destination dedicated to hospitality: the first Radisson RED in Finland

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new landmark for design and creativity has opened its doors in the vibrant heart of the “happiest city,” Helsinki: Finland’s first Radisson RED, located in Kaisaniemi Park – the oldest park in the capital – represents a perfect blend of contemporary design and art with its bold and modern architecture designed by the Finnish studio Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit. It is the Fyra studio that implements the brand’s distinctive concept: blending the local Nordic atmosphere and architectural elements with Radisson RED’s recognizable visual identity, the designers have created an interior that enhances the surrounding environment with a material palette of dark shades. Surrounded by iconic landmarks – the Central Station, the Oodi Library, and the lush greenery of the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden – the hotel features 195 rooms and suites designed with a special focus on design and furnishings from companies such as Artek, Calligaris, and Muuto. Art plays a central role throughout the project: guests are greeted in the lobby by an impressive sculpture inspired by the “Lantern Carriers” of the railway station – depicting men with large globe-shaped lanterns – while at the center of the hotel, a majestic suspended ceiling installation, “Gust of Wind,” 24 meters IFDM | 69

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high and created by Finnish artist Jenni Rope, appears as a totemic element connecting the park’s nature with the indoor spaces. “Radisson RED Helsinki is our fourth Radisson RED hotel in Scandinavia, following the opening of the first in Denmark, in Aarhus, and two in Oslo,” says Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Senior VP Northern & Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group. “The Radisson RED brand is highly appreciated in the Nordic region due to its focus on cutting-edge design and art, as well as the relaxed atmosphere catering to various types of travelers.” In all the hotel’s common areas, the perfect combination of raw surfaces and warm dark woods creates a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by a lighting design that significantly affects the ambiance.

A distinctive feature that finds its stylistic quintessence in the RED Bar and Kitchen restaurant, located on the ground floor, designed with an open-air terrace overlooking the park.

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HOTEL

Helsinki

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Helsinki

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Winter 2024

WONDER

YINGTAN, CHINA | BAMBOO CLOUDS BY THE WATER | WHITE CRANE LAKE VISITOR CENTER | ARCHPERIENCE DESIGN AND CONSULTING The Visitor Center, the centerpiece of the development for White Crane Lake, is located on a tidal flat, surrounded by the lake, with a bamboo forest to the east. The new cultural building is aimed at welcoming

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WONDER

© Jianghe Zeng

tourism in a natural environment defined by its quiet ambience. Its rounded forms and curves soften its relationship with its surroundings, giving the impression of flow and movement.

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WONDER

BESANT NAGAR, CHENNAI, INDIA | LEARNING CENTER AT QUEST | KSM ARCHITECTURE © Sreenag BRS

Intended for children aged 8 to 16 years old, the center acts as a learning and interaction space for home-schooled children, or those with the ‘unschooling’ pattern of education.

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Winter 2024

WONDER

TIRANA | COLLEGE OF EUROPE CAMPUS | OPPENHEIM ARCHITECTURE © MIR

The campus is organized around a sunken circular agora. It is topped by a concrete dome and made porous by lancet arch windows and entryways. Concentric seating promotes a democratic experience of space.

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gervasoni1882.com

Samet Collection, design Federica Biasi

Winter 2024

ARCHITECTURE IS ABOUT UNDERSTANDING PROBLEMS. AND SOLVING THEM With its heart in Berlin and roots reaching back to Italy, the Kuehn Malvezzi studio has been making a name for itself for over twenty years with projects in the arts (but not only).

Where making architecture is always a profound dialogue with the territory

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ounded in Berlin in 2001 by architects Simona Malvezzi, Wilfried Kuehn and Johannes Kuehn, the Kuehn Malvezzi studio stands out on the international scene for two main reasons: firstly, for the type of projects it undertakes, mostly in public spaces and very often dedicated to art; secondly, for its approach, at the intersection of spatial design and humanistic-cultural curatorship. This work has been rewarded with numerous prizes, including the Canadian Architect Award, a nomination for the Mies van der Rohe Award and a place in the final of the DAM Prize for Architecture in Germany. We meet – via computer – Simona Malvezzi, who divides her time between Berlin and Milan, where she has family.

author: Ruben Modigliani portrait photo: Klemens Renner projects photo: James Brittain (Insectarium), courtesy Kuehn Malvezzi; Noshe (Berlinische Galerie), courtesy Berlinische Galerie

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PEOPLE

Simona Malvezzi

You are Italian and your two partners are German. How did your studio come about?

I was born and raised in Milan, the two Kuehn brothers in Hamburg. But they soon moved away: one went to Holland, the other to Milan to study.

That’s where we met. When I finished my studies, I started looking for work – in Milan, but also abroad. I ended up in Vienna, working on the competition to extend the cemetery in Venice, which Chipperfield won. The owners of the studio didn’t use computers, they made me draw the whole lagoon by hand. But I learnt German. On the art front, which has always been at the center of my interests, I saw that compared to Italy there was more movement, more interest from the institutions, even more subsidies. And the institutional positions, the curators, the directors were young: there was a generational change that was missing in Italy at the time. Then, with Wilfried and Johannes, we won the competition for documenta 11, founded the studio, moved it to Berlin and continued with projects that were always related to art. We were always more interested in conceptual art than in architecture. We took the process defined by these artists and applied it to building.

Can you give me some examples?

We have often approached competitions by going against what the brief required, focusing instead on the real problem to be solved. This is obviously a risk. I’ll give you an example: one of the first projects we won was for the façade of the Berlinische Galerie, where the problem for us was not so much the façade, but the concrete, almost deserted square in front of the museum. So we imagined a kind of square, like a yellow Scrabble game with black letters, on which all the names of the artists in the museum were written horizontally. It became a space used by children in the area, very popular from an urban point of view.

And I could give a thousand other examples, even private projects, where we have always tried to create a public space to give to the city.

Winter 2024

PEOPLE

Simona Malvezzi

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Is there any other project that you are particularly attached to?

That of a ‘House of the Three Religions’, here in Berlin. In 2012 there was a call for tenders to design a building dedicated to the three monotheistic religions ( Jewish, Islamic and Protestant Christian). Such spaces exist in places like hotels or airports, but they are always temporary. Here it was a question of marking the three religions that have been present in the area for the longest time, so it was also a political project. We won, and because it was a democratic project, the funds were raised through crowdfunding and similar initiatives. With this project we were invited to the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Chicago Biennale, and many other exhibitions around the world.

And the Victoria & Albert Museum in London funded the wooden model, like those of Renaissance architects, of which the museum has an important collection. Another very interesting museum we did is in Montreal, which has already been built: a museum dedicated to insects, where you enter through an underground labyrinthine path divided into several stations where you can see how an insect sees, touch things as an insect does.

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PEOPLE

Simona Malvezzi

Winter 2024

At the end of this subterranean path, you enter a large greenhouse with living butterflies and other animals. In this way, a kind of resetting takes place: it is as if the visitor also becomes an insect.

Are you also involved in other types of public spaces, such as hotels or restaurants?

We are doing towers in Tirana, which are hotels with restaurants and other things inside. The hotel now has a lot of things that also function independently: the spa, the restaurant, the gym. In these buildings, the first ten floors are for accommodation and the rest are for living. Again, we try to give a strong public connotation, so the space under the tower is a very open space. We always try to draw attention to what is outside, around the building.

Where does this ‘look elsewhere’ approach come from, especially when it comes to a competition?

Partly perhaps because we are masochists, partly because architecture is like psychoanalysis: it

PEOPLE

Simona Malvezzi

brings out what you already have inside. Let me explain myself better. By analyzing what the competition proposes, we also focus on what the underlying problems might be. And we try to solve them. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.

Is there a project that you are particularly proud of?

Many, especially those that were not built. We were invited to participate in the competition for the Centre Georges Pompidou, a building that has the force of a manifesto, perhaps Renzo Piano’s most beautiful project, the most radical. Unfortunately, we did not win, but it was an honour for us to be in the shortlist of the five selected.

And for the future?

I like to think that an idea might come up, a call for something that I would never have thought of.

I’d also like to think of a city, but even there it’s very difficult: you know, big plans like Le Corbusier’s for Chandigarh. We’ll see.

Berlinische Galerie, Berlin.

Opposite: Insectarium, Montreal

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CULTURAL CENTRE

New York

Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTRE

New York

Fascinating intersections between architecture and nature Inspired by the natural configurations of canyons in the U.S. Southwest, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation of the American Natural History Museum in New York has been conceived with spectacular architecture, the vision of Studio Gang

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isitors are welcomed first by Griffin Hall, which is spread over five floors. Its grand, curving volumes seem to be shaped by the wind and water. The imaginative place invites visitors onto a path of discovery through the collections for paleontology, geology, anthropology, and biology. This extraordinary structure was made by spraying concrete directly into iron reinforcements, without using traditional formwork. The technique is called “shotcrete” and was invented in the early 20th century by the museum’s naturalist and taxidermist, Carl Akeley. The bridges and openings are in hand-finished sprayed concrete, connecting visitors both physically and visually IFDM | 83

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to several floors where new exhibition galleries open, designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates in collaboration with the museum’s exhibition department. The largest public project made to date

by Studio Gang features multimedia columns, display alcoves, and an intersection of interconnected cavities. The project covers over 21,000 square meters, and for the first time brings onto the stage essential functions that had been “behind the scenes” to give visitors a new perspective on the historic New York museum. The atrium is made into a fascinating landscape ready to be explored with continuous interior spaces facing towards the park. By working with NYC Parks, significant improvements were made to the Theodore Roosevelt Park including creating gathering and resting areas, new plantings, and a new pedestrian roadway developed by Reed Hilderbrand’s design with the contribution of the community.

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CULTURAL CENTRE

New York

Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTRE

New York

Owner representative: Zubatkin Owner Representative Design architect: Studio Gang Executive architect: Davis Brody Bond Exhibition design: Ralph Appelbaum Associates in collaboration with the Museum’s Exhibition Department Landscape architect: Reed Hilderbrand Structural engineer, acoustical and audio visual consultants: Arup MEP/FP/façade consultant: Buro Happold Civil and geotechnical engineer: Langan Signage design: Pentagram Theater design: Tamschick Media + Space with Boris Micka Associates Sustainability: Atelier10 Lighting consultant: Renfro Design Group Construction manager: Aecom Tishman Author: Anna Casotti Photo credits: Iwan Baan

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the experience. It develops between contiguous paths connecting its four buildings, built over 150 years on the four blocks of this monumental campus. Jeanne Gang explains, “The Gilder Center is designed to invite exploration and discovery that is not only emblematic of science but also such a big part of being human. It aims to draw everyone in – all ages, backgrounds, and abilities – to share the excitement of learning about the natural world. Stepping inside the large daylit atrium, you are offered glimpses of the different exhibits on multiple levels. You can let your curiosity lead you. And with the many new connections that the architecture creates between buildings, it also improves your ability to navigate the Museum’s campus as a whole.” Its various exhibition spaces are entered from the lobby on Columbus Avenue, including the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family 86 | IFDM

CULTURAL CENTRE

New York

Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTRE

New York

Insectarium and the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, with interactive exhibitions of living insects and large-scale ecological models of their habitats; Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Core collections on five floors, with over 3 million scientific specimens; “Invisible Worlds,” which is an immersive experience that illustrates how life on Earth is interconnected; a research library; state-of-the-art classrooms, learning workshops, and educational areas.

It becomes like a contemporary “cave” whose undulated façade features satin-finished glass, designed to protect the birds, and Milford pink granite used for the entrance on Central Park West. The diagonal design on the stone panels suggests geological layers, sublimating nature and its power. In a tribute to its magnificence.

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Winter 2024

CAFÉ

The seed of architecture

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Chonburi, Thailand

Nature and trees are brought inside the Harudot Café in Chonburi, Thailand.

IDIN Architects designed the café based on the concept of new beginnings and growth

Winter 2024

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heir name’s acronym immediately conveys their orientation; IDIN - Integrating Design Into Nature. They were the natural choice to design the new Harudot Café in the seaside town of Chonburi, Thailand. The initiative came out of a partnership between the owner of the Nana Coffee Roasters and the landlord, who has a love for plants with unusual shapes. The architects started from the meaning of the name – a combination of the Japanese word “Haru” (spring) and the English word “dot” – which recalls the concept of new beginnings and growth.

CAFÉ

Chonburi, Thailand

This was the starting point for placing trees in the center of three black buildings in the shape of thin black gables. A majestic baobab tree stands in the inner courtyard where the roof opens to the sky to let it grow, giving the impression that its seed had been planted long ago and is growing through the architecture. The empty spaces created by the plants’ upward movement create curves – undulated pitches on the roof – that give the entire structure a dynamic sense of movement. They are open in the semi-outdoor courtyard and let the rain and sunlight in, enhancing the connection with nature.

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Client: Nana Coffee Roasters Architecture and Interior design: IDIN Architects Landscape design: Youkubdin Main Contractor: Wimutti Construction Limited Partnership Furnishings: custom made Stretch ceilings: Barrisol Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: DOF Sky | Ground

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CAFÉ

Chonburi, Thailand

Winter 2024

CAFÉ

Chonburi, Thailand

The interiors are closed by taut ceilings made of Barrisol – PVC fireproof sheets – that spread the natural light to help create inviting, subtly lit spaces. The warm natural pine wood walls of the interiors contrast with the black exterior of the sloping roofs. They welcome guests into a space thoughtfully divided into several areas, including a bar, coffee drinking area, lounge, meeting rooms, and bathrooms, creating a sense of intimacy. The coffee brand’s identity is powerfully inspired by Japanese culture, whose attention to detail is given a simple, practical interpretation. A row of chairs is arranged to wrap around the interiors, creating a ribbon-like continuity, and the height of the counters changes to suit various functions and uses. The outdoor seating is made of resin mixed with coffee grounds, rice, and leaves. The terrazzo flooring has a pattern that evokes the petals of flowers as if they had actually fallen from the trees.

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Winter 2024

YACHT

As Custom Line as possible With exteriors by Filippo Salvetti and interiors by ACPV Architects, the Custom Line Navetta 38 is a synthesis of nautical tradition and contemporary sophistication. Simple, harmonious lines, pervasive comfort, and optimal control of volumes and surfaces characterize this superyacht 92 | IFDM

Navetta 38, Custom Line Yacht

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orn from the collaboration between the Strategic Product Department, chaired

by Engineer Piero Ferrari, and the Engineering Department of Ferretti Group, the Custom Line Navetta 38, launched in January 2024, is a displacement superyacht measuring 38.76 meters in length with an 8-meter beam.

Its exterior lines, designed by Filippo Salvetti, are dominated by horizontal and dynamic features intersected by a triangular motif – a “simple design that is nonetheless expressive.” Particularly notable is the “liquid treatment of the surfaces, alternating straight and convex lines.”

The vast areas spanning 3 decks benefit from extreme fluidity and openness between interior and

Winter 2024

YACHT

Navetta 38, Custom Line Yacht

Naval architecture: Engineering department Ferretti Group Exterior design: Filippo Salvetti Interior design: ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel LOA: 38.76 m Max beam: 8 m Gross tonnage: 299 GT Motors: 2 x MAN V12 1400 CR SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) ready Max speed: 15 kn Cruise speed: 10 kn Furnishings: custom made on design

by Antonio Citterio; B&B Italia & Maxalto Kitchen: Ernestomeda Accessories: Venini Wallpaper: Philippe Jeffries Author: Alessandra Bergamini Photo credits: courtesy of Custom Line

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Winter 2024

exterior spaces, offering maximum comfort in both privacy and shared experiences, maintaining continual visual and physical contact with the marine environment. This is enhanced by a beach club that transforms into a water-level terrace, courtesy of two fold-down bulwarks. As Patricia Viel of ACPV Architects notes, who designed the interiors in collaboration with Custom Line Atelier, “a significant effort was made on the overall layout to make the Navetta 38 as ‘Custom Line’ as possible, utilizing all usable spaces.” The result of this optimal control of all volumes is nearly 465 square meters of made-to-measure livability for 12 guests, distributed among 3 VIP cabins and one Guest cabin on the lower deck, and a 40-squaremeter owner’s suite on the main deck, where the more formal living/dining salon is also located.

This space opens via extensive floor-to-ceiling windows that extend to the side walls and cockpit, furnished with modular free-standing elements.

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YACHT

Navetta 38, Custom Line Yacht

Winter 2024

YACHT

Navetta 38, Custom Line Yacht

Large glass surfaces that open on three sides also characterize the 90-square-meter upper deck, which features an internal panoramic lounge, external dining and lounge areas, and a custommade helm station. The central lobby, fully clad in stitched leather, houses the oak staircase connecting the Navetta’s three levels. Leather, oak, teak, Pietra d’Orcia stone, linen, parchment, and raffia harmonize and alternate to create a material code extended to surfaces and furniture, favoring natural, uncoated materials, understated and refined in a palette of warm neutral colors like beige, ivory, and biscuit. The three-dimensional structure of the oak slatted ceilings is a characteristic feature of all interiors, creating enveloping environments that adapt to the hull’s shape and become a distinctive sign of ACPV Architects’ refined contemporary vision of traditional nautical style.

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Winter 2024

A kindergarten that helps everyone grow The EYAS Kindergarten is built on the values of creativity and innovative learning. The early childhood educational facility was designed

by Kokaistudios in the Chinese city of Wuhan

“A

s we try to teach our children everything about life, our children teach us what life means.” This sentence is on prominent display on the wall of one of the rooms of the new EYAS Kindergarten in Wuhan, embodying its pedagogical approach in a few words. The Italian architects Filippo Gabbiani and Andrea Destefanis of Kokaistudios, have been in Shanghai since 2002. They have shown that an interior can be designed to encourage a person’s natural curiosity. This lesson applies to the world of grown-ups too. Seven elements of art – line, shape, space, form, texture, value, and color – guide the overall concept. The new rooms, together with specific spaces for dance, music, art, cooking, and technology – each with a unique design and architectural features – create the right environment to bolster the connection between students and the subject matter. Once the light was optimized and reconfigured, the entire 96 | IFDM

KINDERGARTEN

Wuhan, China

Winter 2024

KINDERGARTEN

Wuhan, China

internal structure – the kindergarten is set inside a former sales office – was defined by a plan of completely fluid movement, featuring a large system of circular shapes. Even the hallways are replaced by social spaces shaped by rounded elements that foster socializing, turning a mere moment of passage into a place of coming together. The little kids are welcomed by a counter with all corners rounded and a vantage point on the child level, incorporating a multicolored staircase. All colors were chosen both for their physical and psychological effect – yellow, orange, and green improve reading and number comprehension – and they suggest the colors of a set of paintings. The furnishings also have rounded shapes, from the tables to the chairs to the extra-large lampshades and bathroom sinks. Then there are the curved walls inside the classrooms with storage for toys, clothes, blackboards, play islands, and recreational spaces. Simplified signs with visual representation engage the kids in the day’s activities.

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Owner: EYAS International Education Group Interior design: Kokaistudios/Filippo Gabbiani, Andrea Destefanis Furnishings and fittings: designed by the architects and manufactured by local suppliers Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Rawvision studio

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KINDERGARTEN

Wuhan, China

Winter 2024

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GUESTHOUSE

Vangså, Denmark

Winter 2024

GUESTHOUSE

Vangså, Denmark

The lure of simplicity Pure forms and a reduced palette of materials define the project of the Vipp Cold Hawaii guesthouse, designed by the Danish studio Hahn Lavsen

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t emerges from the landscape as the only artificial touch along the horizon of a wild coastal scenery. In the vast Thy National Park (in Denmark), specifically in the small town of Vangså, this solitary cottage rises from the lush clearing, paying homage to vernacular architecture with its pure geometric shapes and a natural

simplicity that harmonizes with the surroundings.

Vipp Cold Hawaii is the latest guesthouse created by the Danish brand Vipp, which, since 2014 with Vipp Shelter in Sweden, has expanded its portfolio to include hospitality structures alongside homeware, lighting, and furniture. These structures are characterized by a slow-living

Architecture: Caroline Hahn and Ebbe Lavsen, Hahn Lavsen studio Interior design: Julie Cloos Mølsgaard Furnishings: Vipp; vintage pieces, works by local artisans and artists Author: Veronica Orsi Photo credits: courtesy of Vipp

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approach and a deep connection with the territory in which they are located. This philosophy is evident in Vipp Cold Hawaii, a two-story building designed to accommodate up to 8 guests in its 185 square meters over two floors. For the architecture, the Hahn Lavsen studio chose a palette of only five materials – wood, concrete, steel, bricks, and glass – left as raw as possible. The walls that frame the 185-square-meter structure are made of concrete blocks, plastered roughly both inside and out to create a tactile and material continuity, while the roof is clad with untreated Douglas fir.

The classic oak stable doors provide natural ventilation, rhythmically dividing the rooms, as do the glass walls, which represent an additional tool of continuity with the outdoors. The floors, made of exposed bricks, echo the stretches of sand visible from the house, with a touch of elegant brutalism.

The same sensory quality of the architecture, made of material textures and soft colors, is found in the interior design curated by Julie Cloos Mølsgaard.

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GUESTHOUSE

Vangså, Denmark

Winter 2024

GUESTHOUSE

Vangså, Denmark

She has transferred the surrounding landscape inside through a selection of furnishings, fabrics, and neutral-toned nuances. The interior features a similarly limited selection of materials such as wood, metal, glass, stone, and natural fibers, used in various creations from the Vipp collections – most notably the central Vipp V3 island kitchen – alongside artisanal and vintage pieces, and works by local artists. As Cloos Mølsgaard said: “I aimed to make the Vipp guesthouse in Cold Hawaii as tranquil and comfortable as possible, creating somewhere guests would want to stay longer and where they could simply relax surrounded by untamed nature.”

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Winter 2024

HOTEL

Chicago

Design & Blues The vibrant rhythm of Chicago comes alive in the citizenM Downtown project created

by Concrete and bKL. Art, design, and architecture resonate in unison to create a hospitality experience in harmony with the city

C

hicago. The windy city, home of the blues, and Michael Jordan’s Bulls. A place with strong, palpable vibrations that accompany you as you stroll along the Riverwalk overshadowed by skyscrapers, when you take The Loop, the elevated metro that immerses you in this vertical metropolis.

Or as you search (in vain) for the opposite shore of Lake Michigan from one of its beaches where the scent of sea and infinity echoes. This stimulating, profound, almost unique atmosphere is impossible to escape. Concrete and bKL have made it the identity of the citizenM Chicago Downtown, a true homage

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to the city in the form of a hospitality experience.

The two firms – the first a long-time architectural partner of the hotel chain, the second a renowned Chicago-based studio – collaborated to recreate the “affordable luxury lifestyle” typical of citizenM, but with the vibrant and rhythmic appeal of a blues melody, as befits the city, thanks to a rich blend of art and design. This combination is felt right from the lobby, on the ground floor of a 47-story tower at 300 N Michigan Avenue (ten of which are dedicated to the hotel), situated between the Riverwalk and Millennium Park: artist Nina Chanel Abney created

Developer: Sterling Bay Interior design: Concrete Executive architect: bKL Furnishings: Alki, DWR, E15, ecopots, Ferm Living, Hay, Herman Miller, Jielde, Kettal, Magis, Viccarbe, Vitra Carpets: Kasthall, Kvadrat Lighting: Angle Poise, Artek, Artemide, &tradition, Flos, Gubi, Hatco, Jielde, JSPR, Moooi, Tom Dixon Author: Veronica Orsi Photo credits: Richard Powers

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HOTEL

Chicago

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the mural that adorns the walls and welcomes guests, as well as the two-thousand-square-foot outdoor terrace, identified by a geometric incursion on the facade. Contemporary artwork and iconic design pieces punctuate the large communal areas, extending to the rooms (280 in total). A triumph of colors, shapes, and pop culture. The neon work titled “Ding Dong Your Opinion is Wrong” by Dutch artist Daniel van Straalen illuminates the bar area, while works

by Muntean/Rosenblum, Yngve Holen, Rainer Fetting, and many other artists decorate communal spaces with an eclectic mix of painting, photography, and art objects inspired by the local community: spacious, hospitable, comfortable living areas where you can meet, rest, even work, supported by functional design by Vitra, which is citizenM’s furniture partner – not to mention unlimited cups of coffee available to guests. Then there are the indispensable societyM meeting rooms, totaling three within the structure. The artistic touch also permeates the rooms, compact yet hyper-technological and above all, extremely comfortable. In the heart of the “windy city,” citizenM Chicago Downtown thus creates an experience intimately linked to the cultural and architectural context that surrounds it.

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HOTEL

Chicago

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Chicago

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PRIVATE CLUBS

Winter 2024

Appointment at CORE: New York A space of exploration, creation, and hospitality, CORE: redefines the concept of a members-only club. Starting from its New York location, a new landmark of a sophisticated lifestyle that is exclusive yet open and capable of creating connections, all in the name of culture

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New York

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he modern response to historic and elitist private clubs is called CORE:, a new concept of a members-only club that reimagines the tradition of private communities.

What defines membership and unites its members is “culture” in its broadest sense. CORE: places cultural programs and experiences from different fields at the center of its sophisticated and extensive offerings: design, art, architecture, sports, entertainment, science, as well as cuisine, beauty, and fashion. The locations themselves are selected from historic properties with deep heritage, revived to converse with contemporary times. The New York location, inaugurated last year, serves as a model for the new project in Milan (currently underway) and San Francisco, the next stop. CORE: New York occupies the iconic

Architecture & interior design: m2atelier Furnishings: Baxter, Cassina, Gallotti&Radice, Giorgetti, Lapalma, Living Divani, Lema, Luxi, MDF Italia, Molteni&C, More Contract, Paola Lenti, Paolo Castelli, Poltrona Frau, Resident, Unifor, Very Wood, Vladimir Kagan Author: Veronica Orsi Photo credits: Lorenzo Pennati, Adrian Gaut, courtesy of CORE:NY

Winter 2024

PRIVATE CLUBS

New York

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“Coca-Cola Building” at 711 Fifth Avenue: a building originally constructed in 1927 and designed by the Bethlehem Engineering Corporation, which was once the headquarters of CocaCola, and previously hosted NBC and Columbia Pictures. The new lobby project is signed by Peter Marino, while the Italian studio m2atelier redesigned the four upper floors that house the club – a total area of 60,000 square feet and 6,000 square feet of outdoor terraces with an exceptional view of the New York skyline. Marijana Radovic and Marco Bonelli (m2atelier) adopted a conservative approach faithful to the character of the building. Respecting its historical value, they reimagined the roof structure, creating a spacious terrace overlooking the 555 restaurant, illuminated by a large central skylight. On the lower 17th floor, there are spaces for meetings, relaxation, exploration, and debate: here, the Culinary Lab, the Wine Library, the Speakeasy Lounge, as well as the Theater and the Gallery, are located. Descending to the 16th floor, you enter the world of beauty with CORE: Wellness, focused on health optimization and longevity. Finally, the 15th floor hosts 11 suites ranging from 500 to 750 square feet.

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PRIVATE CLUBS

New York

Winter 2024

The common thread of these environments, as intimate and reserved as they are stimulating and open to sharing, is an elegant and welcoming style that refers to an idea of comfort and a feeling of “home,” according to m2atelier’s vision. This allure is recreated through soft and warm colors, sensory material choices, minimalist and sophisti-

PRIVATE CLUBS

New York

cated design – confirmed by the significant presence of Giorgetti furniture for indoor and outdoor, including proposals designed over the years by the designer duo for the brand. “The deliberate approach was to craft ‘a home away from home’ concept, ensuring a unique and custom experience and intuitive use of the space,” says m2atelier.

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Winter 2024

HOTEL

Lecce, Italy

Arts in residence The boutique hotel Fiermonte Museum has reopened following a transformation and architectural expansion alongside a museum project showcasing the private collection of the Fiermonte Filali family

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he Fiermonte Museum, the fifth boutique hotel in the Fiermontina Family Collection, reopened on May 15 in the historic center of Lecce after an extensive architectural transformation carried out in tandem with a museum project that unveils the private collection of the Fiermonte Filali family to the public. The exhibition tells a story of art and love, spanning Italy and France, centered on Antonia Fiermonte and artists René Letourneur and Jacques Zwobada. It offers an immersive journey into the art of the early 20th century through a diverse collection that includes Antonia Fiermonte’s watercolors, drawings, and sculptures by René Letourneur and Jacques Zwobada, photographs from the 1930s, books, letters, and notebooks, as well as 3D documentaries, holograms, and stereoscopic panoramas created using virtual reality technologies. The buildings themselves, dating back to the 19th century and previously home to the M.A.M.A. Family Museum, have been merged, restored, and repurposed by the project of Edmondo Scrimieri, engineer, and Sandra Macculi, architect, from Studio Ingegneri Associati, Lecce. Now, from the ancient gate, visitors first 112 | IFDM

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Lecce, Italy

Owner and Head of the artistic committee: Fouad Giacomo Filali Art curator: Antonia Yasmina Filali Restoration and architecture: Edmondo Scrimieri, Sandra Macculi Interior design: Laboratoire Design Rabat Museum scenography and digital content for museum communication: Techné Francesco Gabellone, Maria Chiffi Cataloging of the Fiermonte collection and exhibition setup: Marta Siciliano Art coordinator and concept creator: Valerio Calsolaro Art consultant and concept creator: Andrea Senatore Museum quality standards manager: Carlo Migliettae Author: Alessandra Bergamini Photo credits: Cosimo Pastore, Martina Loiola, Angelica Pantaleo

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enter the café, then the sculpture garden shaded by a tall araucaria, while the exhibition spaces occupy the ground floor and a subterranean level recovered during the restoration. Outside, a Corten steel staircase leads to the two upper floors, which house the suites and a living space overlooking the garden. The museum’s mission is not only to serve as a cultural and creative space, fulfilling the wish of grandchildren Fouad Giacomo and Antonia Yasmina Filali to “bring Antonia Fiermonte home,” but also to function as a ‘Living House.’

Guests can choose to stay in four themed suites designed by Laboratoire Design, inspired by the painter and violinist Antonia. The Avant Garde suite, in emerald green, celebrates the painting of the three artists; the Nocturne, in lapis blue, is dedicated to music; the Peplum, with Pompeian red tones, is inspired by generative videos, an evolution of the seventh art. On the top floor with a private terrace, the Marbre suite, in pistachio green, pays homage to the sculpture of Letourneur and Zwobada.

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HOTEL

Lecce, Italy

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Lecce, Italy

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WONDER

KANAI, MEXICO | RIVIERA MAYA EDITION | ROCKWELL GROUP The Edition’s first venture into the Latin America and Caribbean markets is enveloped by a 620-acre nature reserve. The design was inspired by this abundant natural environment, aiming to seamlessly

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WONDER

© Nikolas Koenig

integrate the buildings with the surrounding lush greenery and waterfront landscape. Greenery extends from the exterior to the interior, conquering the lobby and dining rooms.

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WONDER

TITANIC - AN IMMERSIVE VOYAGE | EXHIBITION HUB AND FEVER

© 1796 Jan 29 1924, Courtesy of Bruce Beverage

The exhibition is an immersive multimedia experience and a journey through time featuring photos, scenic recreations, authentic objects, memorabilia, and 3D visions aboard the legendary ship.

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Arena “Drafting Futures”, design by Formafantasma | Salone del Mobile 2024, set up by Stipa

Quality no limits, from brief to turnkey.

And beyond

General Contractor for showrooms, events, museums and hospitality.

According with planet. stipa.it

Winter 2024

WONDER

SHANGHAI | TIFFANY FAÇADE SHANGHAI TAIKOO-LI | MVRDV

© Wen Studio; Tiffany & Co.

With an external screen composed of 6,988 handcrafted glass “diamonds”, the glittering façade evokes clear associations to Tiffany’s jewellery designs, shining in an infinite range of colours.

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AD Designwork – Image Nudesign – Copywriting Carter&Bennett

OUTDOOR, CABRIO STYLE

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Natural balance of light and shade.

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pratic.it A StellaGroup Company

Winter 2024

PEOPLE

DESIGNING CHANGE With Massimo Roj we talk about attention to people, multifunctionality, and polycentrism, key concepts in the (not too distant) future transformation of architectural and urban scenarios

I

n the dynamic 30 years since the founding of Progetto CMR in Milan, celebrated this year, a true constellation of design firms has formed around Progetto CMR International, the holding company currently leading an international group employing about 300 professionals.

It includes and coordinates, in addition to various business units of Progetto CMR in Italy and Asia, companies such as Sportium, Progetto Design & Build, DONT STOP Architettura, BimFactory, Agevola360, Blue Factory, InFire, EnergySave, and STAIN Engineering each specialized in a specific area of architectural and engineering design, accustomed to operating individually or in collaboration. The goal, as Massimo Roj explains in this conversation, is on one hand an integrated design and operational approach offered to many public and private clients, and on the other, a continuous desire to understand contemporaneity and anticipate change. First and foremost, in the lifestyles of people, who remain at the heart of the practice of architecture and urban design, and consequently in the way people live, of social and economic feasibility of designing and constructing, in real estate investments, and in medium to long-term vision. With the firm belief that the principles of multifunctionality and polycentrism are inherent in the vision of the future and the necessary direction.

author: Alessandra Bergamini portrait photo: courtesy Progetto CMR projects photos and renders: courtesy Progetto CMR (Università degli Studi di Udine, Nuovo dipartimento di Medicina, Entopan, Harmonic Innovation Hub); Diego De Pol/courtesy of Covivio (The Sign)

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Massimo Roj

Considering the relationship between sustainability and the forecast of a declining population in the coming decades, how do you see the transformation of the housing stock in Italy?

Given that I have always been of the idea to demolish the old and preserve what has historical value, the issue of housing is currently quite complex. If it is not worthwhile to keep factories as memories of industrial development with absurd consumption for misfit volumes, the same goes for the social housing in large cities built immediately after the wars, which certainly should be demolished and rebuilt with significantly higher quality, more advanced technologies, and much more limited consumption. Furthermore, the land could be freed, instead of 4-5 floors without elevators there could be 8 floors, thus halving the surface occupied on the ground which could be dedicated to community services.

As in the project Regenerate the City with the study for the San Siro district in Milan.

Yes, the goal was to review and rethink urban areas, bringing inhabitants to reuse the territory with an increase in green spaces and services in view of a possible elevation in height. A response also to the future demographic decline and the need to design for people and reuse spaces, which is often forgotten amidst political battles and egocentrism. Unfortunately, we still face outdated urban planning tools, dating back to the mid-20th century (1942), almost a hundred years in which everything has changed. There have been 5-6 bills but not a true adaptation of the regulations and this hinders evolution. Milan followed a regional law and local regulations that serve to speed up the procedure. As of today, there could be 7 areas with public housing located in the nerve centers of Milan, already well connected by public transport, which can have an increase in building square meters.

How might the transformation of the Italian outskirts be?

We are for the polycentric city, we want to eliminate the suburbs to make them new urban centers equipped with all services – housing, work,

Winter 2024

PEOPLE

Massimo Roj

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transport, schools, commerce, health – and well connected to each other. The model of the single-function city of the 1950s, which concentrated everything in different distant areas forcing residents into continuous commuting, is outdated. Today’s cities must be designed with neighborhoods that become self-sufficient urban districts, no longer elements of a radial city, but of a polycentrism that can also spread beyond the urban area, in a wider metropolitan city and conurbation, for example in the triangle between Milan, Turin, and Genoa with urban centers of intermediate size.

The transformation of workplaces, however, has been underway for some years. You have realized, for instance, the idea of a proactive office.

It’s a research, called UP150, that Progetto Design & Build, a company of the Progetto CMR International Group, has been carrying out for almost 3 years with the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences for Health of the University of Milan analyzing and monitoring the performance of people in the workplace. According to what the WHO defines

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PEOPLE

to combat sedentary lifestyle, the most widespread disease in the world, about 150 minutes of physical activity per week is needed. In our offices, we have equipment connected to an app activated by a QR code that facilitates physical activity, like a stationary bike to sit on during a call, a stepper for drying hands or getting drinking water, or taking the stairs. At the end of the week, there is an evaluation of how much physical activity has been carried out and how much needs to be recovered to reach 40% cardio, 30% muscular, 30% joint. It is not, of course, sports activity. Besides our offices, the system has been implemented in those curated for BIP by Progetto Design & Build in the Torre Liberty in Milan’s historic center, and three other companies have requested the system. The office is changing. In the book “Workspace/Workscape. The new office scenarios,” which we published in 2000, we hypothesized remote work that could reach 7-8%. COVID made us understand that we can work differently, anywhere thanks to technology. Today the thought has advanced a long way from the reflections imposed by the pandemic, which is why updating the opus facere, the provision of a service not always

Massimo Roj

Università degli Studi di Udine, Department of Medicine Below. The Sign, Milan, last completed building, view from Piazza Fernanda Pivano

Winter 2024

PEOPLE

connected to a fixed location, is useful. At Progetto CMR, we coined the motto “from Working Space to Living Place” to define the workplace that transforms into a living place, strengthened also by the conviction, for instance, that office buildings, to meet the demands emerging from our ever-evolving society, should take the path of multifunctionality to extend their life cycle so as not to be exhausted in the canonical eight working hours.

Such as in the project for Entopan, Harmonic Innovation Hub? In the heart of the Mediterranean, in Tiriolo, Catanzaro, we are converting a large abandoned former Telecom building, about 40,000 square meters, into a sort of digital village where besides offices, a start-up incubator, coworking spaces, there are wellness spaces, a gym, a nursery, two restaurants, bars, and residence for researchers, a place for prayer, a library, and outdoor and terrace work areas. A place for living, not just pure work. It is H-shaped with the same proportions as a Temple of Harmony, we wanted to bring ‘harmony’ to the area, thanks to the forward-looking client.

Massimo Roj

Multifunctionality can also apply to a facade, such as Cellia Interactive Cell in collaboration with Focchi, which won the 2024 Compasso d’Oro ADI. A research begun in 2006 for the Garibaldi Towers is now a patent. The idea started with an interactive facade made of cells, to which we have added over time all the building functions: climatic hot/cold, technological with the distribution of wiring from outside to inside, ventilation with input/output, screening function with horizontal and vertical elements, photovoltaic for energy production and daytime and nighttime external lighting. The facade becomes a proactive machine.

Everything is made off-site and assembled with an external mobile arm without scaffolding, usable for new buildings but also in the renovation of existing buildings, which for office buildings means being able to work without people leaving the building, thus without loss of profit.

Entopan, Harmonic Innovation Hub, Tiriolo, Italy

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HOTEL

Winter 2024

Ibiza, Spain

Organic style and genius loci Classic Ibizan patterns, art collections, and custom-made furniture inspired by mid-century design for the new Mondrian Hotel in Ibiza

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n Cala Llonga, on the eastern coast of Ibiza, amidst hills covered with pine trees and away from the bustling nightlife of Ibiza Town and many beachfront locations, lies a perfect retreat for those seeking an escape without sacrificing the comforts of a contemporary hotel. Housed in a 1970s building perched on a hill overlooking the beach and horizon, the Mondrian Ibiza was renovated by

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Spanish firms Beades Architects and Cuarto Interior with a vision that intertwines aesthetics and the genius loci. The design directives included enhancing the view, creating an in/out dialogue, and elevating the cocoon effect despite the building’s significant size, through bespoke mid-century furniture inspired by the soul of the place. The sense of calm that pervades the hotel is evident from the lobby,

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Ibiza, Spain

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Winter 2024

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HOTEL

Ibiza, Spain

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Ibiza, Spain

where guests are greeted by a “Gallery of Things” (curated by the London-based collective Gone Rogue) filled with contemporary artworks and colorful ceramics, intentionally contrasting with the minimalist spaces punctuated by cream-colored walls and an indigo blue cavity for the check-in desk, a clear nod to the ocean’s depths. Everywhere, the palette of natural materials such as wood, rattan, and stone accentuates the custom furnishings, seats upholstered in natural linen, and handmade carpets that draw the eye toward the bar counter, delineated by rounded columns and inspired by the patterns of silver bracelets sold on the island. Everything is enveloping, warm, relaxing. Light flooding through the glass walls brightens the spaces and eliminates any barrier with the outside, providing a poetic postcard of a landscape dominated by vegetation and turquoise waters. The emphasis on views is echoed in the rooms, with 154 accommodations including rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces, where neutral palettes of walls and floors extend the sensation of well-being while amplifying the surprise of the horizon. As in the common areas, the sense of connection with the territory dictates traditional forms and materials, reinterpreted by the IFDM | 129

Winter 2024

architects with touches of pure contemporaneity: the wooden slats of the closets, for example, recall the huts where fishermen store their boats. The furnishings are made from raw local materials, with features such as wood, woven leather for the headboards, stone, concrete, and linen for the curtains.

For those familiar with the aesthetic features typical of Mondrian hotels, founded nearly three decades ago in West Hollywood with a strong sense of roots in art, design, culture, movement, and softness, the design of the Ibiza hotel is a surprise, as its organic and fluid essence is omnipresent, from the reception to the rooms and the seven restaurants shared with the nearby – and almost twin – Hyde Ibiza. One, in particular, deserves the dining experience: Niko, the latest addition to the hotel’s gourmet spaces and Cala Llonga’s first Japanese restaurant. Also designed by Cuarto Interior, it blends Mediterranean culture with Japanese, featuring a sushi bar that is literally a work of art, crafted with natural stone fragments by Spanish artist Esther Rosa.

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HOTEL

Ibiza, Spain

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Ibiza, Spain

Hotel operator: Mondrian Group – All Accor Architecture and Interior design: Beades Architects and Cuarto Interior Furnishings: custom made, based on the architects’ designs; KP, Martinez Otero Contract, Sancal, Vergés, Vical Lighting: A vida, Jung, Made in led, Marset, Onok Lighting Bathrooms: Duscholux, Duravit, Geberit, Hansgrohe, Pietranatur, Zehnder Wall and flooring: Cement design, Arte International Fabrics: Lamadrid, Gancedo Sunshades: Iaso Artworks: Gallery of Things, curated by Gone Rogue collective Author: Elena Luraghi Photo credits: Javier de Paz Garcia

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Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTER

Villers-Cotterêts, France

A ‘home’ for the French language Eighty kilometers from Paris, the Cité internationale de la langue française emerges as a new, strongly identity-driven national cultural hub, entirely dedicated to the French language.

The project is managed by Projectiles for the interiors and 8’18’’ lumière for lighting

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ommissioned by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN), the Cité internationale de la langue française was inaugurated in late 2023 by Emmanuel Macron.

“A city, not a museum,” states the President of France. “A permanent path enriched with living spaces, meeting places, recreational activities, and knowledge centers. It will host training courses, workshops, residences for artists and researchers, an auditorium, and a language technology lab. Everyone should feel at home here.” The language as the body of a nation, then, is essential for expressing and defending ideas. But also for welcoming and opening up to the world, so that learning it does not become a criterion for exclusion, but rather a tool to promote coexistence.

This homage to France’s intangible heritage is housed in the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, not far from the capital. This former royal residence

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CULTURAL CENTER

Villers-Cotterêts, France

Owner: Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) Architecture and interior design: Projectiles Restoration architecture: Olivier Weets, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments Lighting design: 8’18’’ Furnishings: Projectiles design Signage: Cl design Stage equipment: Changement à vue Acoustics: Altia All trades design office: TPF ingénierie Economics of scenography: Adéquat Architectural agency: LACAA, Scala, M-0 Structural engineering: Michel Bancon, Knippers Helbig Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Sébastien Veronese

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CULTURAL CENTER

from the XIV century has been restored by the architects of Monuments Historiques (ACMH), with spaces designed by the Projectiles studio for architecture, scenography, interior design, and furniture design, and by 8’18’’ for lighting design. “The architectural work was an act of balance between space, use, and meaning,” explains Hervé Bouttet, founding partner of Projectiles.

“Our goal was to create a project entirely dedicated to visitors, to experience the language and evoke emotions. Beyond being a mediation space, it’s also a place of creation. Language is alive, and the architectural project accompanies it.” This is exemplified by the Jeu de Paume courtyard, a porous and welcoming area. An agora from which the permanent visit path, the boutique-library, the tearoom, educational and shared workshops, temporary exhibition halls, rehearsal rooms, and artists’ studios unfold. Just above, the glass roof hosts an installation – defined by the designers as a ‘lexical sky’ – composed of 89 words (chosen

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Villers-Cotterêts, France

Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTER

Villers-Cotterêts, France

through participatory workshops with the local population) forming interchangeable phrases depending on the direction of reading or the lighting sequence. Here, 8’18’’ has imagined the lighting design as an alphabet of light supporting a narrative. It’s also a metaphor, working with sources that create a coherent whole. Overall, the lighting design in the Cité is both scenographic and museographic, intentionally serving as a vector for understanding and emotion.

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OFFICES

Morelia, Mexico

An office with amenities Corporativo GO, headquarters in the historic center of Morelia, Mexico: a project

by FMA that enhances both the ancient architecture of a 17th-century convent and the contemporary perspective on workplaces

Architecture & Interior design: FMA Architect in charge: Francisco Méndez Furnishings: on design; SteelCase, Axoque, Cuchara Lighting: Taller Hormiga, Orvibo Author: Alessandra Bergamini Photo credits: César Belio

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OFFICES

Winter 2024

Morelia, Mexico

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any of the historic buildings in the Mexican city’s center – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 – are constructed from pink Cantera stone, a hue that characterizes colonial architecture in its merging with Mesoamerican tradition, but also the interiors of Corporativo GO, an office recently completed by architect Francisco Méndez’s studio.

The walls of this 1000 square meter workspace feature a natural, pink, and slightly coarse finish, achieved by regenerating and refunctionalizing an existing space within a former 17th-century convent. The primary intention was, of course, to highlight the original architectural elements, while also reviewing the more or less appropriate alterations that have occurred over the centuries. Equally important was the redesign of traditional workspaces according to the needs and activities of the company. The designers envisioned a nearly domestic landscape with flexible organization of various

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workstations and functions, in addition to a range of amenities. The first is near the entrance on the ground floor – an outdoor dining area created in the cloister and shaded by five orange trees integrated into the furniture with tables and seating. Further along, distributed throughout the main floor, is a reading area that doubles as a reception and lounge, a zone dedicated to work breaks with a bar, seating, TV, and ping pong table, and finally the Nest, a small room for meditation and introspection. The more ‘conventional’ workspaces feature long, wide shared tables or are divided into smaller cubicles.

With an approach focused on the physical and mental well-being of individuals to enhance performance and creativity in an inviting and calm environment, the project incorporates a lighting system that adapts to the circadian cycle, large windows that ensure sound and thermal insulation, plants suitable for regulating the interior temperature, and a warm, earthy color palette that is as pervasive as it is enveloping. The pink typical of the city’s architecture blends with oak wood, with a natural finish for the furnishings and bleached for the flooring.

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OFFICES

Morelia, Mexico

Winter 2024

OFFICES

Morelia, Mexico

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Winter 2024

HOTEL

Bridging the past and present The new Imperial Riding School hotel in Vienna is galloping into a dynamic present while staying true to its historical charm.

The design came out of the joint efforts of Goddard Littlefair, BWM Designers & Architects, and Lindle+Bukor Owner: Northwood Investors Hotel operator: Event Hotels Architecture: BWM Designers & Architects Interior design: Goddard Littlefair Landscape design: Lindle+Bukor Furnishings: 1st Dibs, Eichholtz, Inside Out Contracts, Uedl Contractor Lighting: Arturo Alvarez, Brokis, Mogg, Schuller, Tonin Casa, United Alabaster Carpets: Konrad Carpets Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Mel Yates, courtesy of Autograph Collection®

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Vienna

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his is a new era for the former Imperial Riding School, a major part of Vienna’s cultural heritage. In the 19th century, it was a royal military equestrian school, then became home to one of Vienna’s largest movie theaters, and then was used as a garage for post office vehicles. Now it is welcoming a contemporary clientele as a 4-star hotel. The project involved 18 months of renovation after four years of inactivity, and investments of about €45 million – of which €7 million for sustainability – to turn it into the new Imperial Riding School Hotel, a luxury accommodation facility of the Autograph Collection® chain, part of Marriott International.

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Vienna

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A true journey into Vienna’s aristocratic sophistication and Bohemian charm, which the architects deftly translated into modern style without diminishing its beauty. London-based Goddard Littlefair was in charge of the interior design.

The Viennese BWM Designers & Architects planned the architecture and structural planning, and Lindle+Bukor did the landscape design, preserving the building’s illustrious past while maintaining its architectural integrity, combined with the modern style of a dynamic present. This narrative story extends seamlessly from the public areas to the private rooms of 342 rooms. The bar features a striking metal installation that lightly extends over the entire ceiling. The restaurant is bound by walls decorated with mirrors and metal objects and a series of niches with private seating surrounded by suspended metal structures.

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HOTEL

Vienna

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Vienna

The lighting project deftly accentuates every detail to create inviting, inspiring interiors and enhance the culinary experience. The rooms combine equestrian touches with modern sophistication, including braided leather details and horsehair panels. The hallways are furnished with custommade carpets that suggest the passage of dressage riders. The historic garden also pays tribute to the legendary imperial orchard, built at the behest of Emperor Franz Joseph I, with an open living room arranged in a horseshoe, inviting us to relax within its timeless beauty.

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CULTURAL CENTER

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTER

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Embroidery of light A beacon of cultural rejuvenation and international dialogue, the Design Space AlUla project was inaugurated last February with the grand exhibition Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design

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his project serves as a vibrant hub for the creative community within the historic AlJadidah district in AlUla. Situated in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance. It is renowned for its breathtaking desert landscapes, stunning rock formations, and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. AlUla is home to the ancient city of Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. Within this backdrop, the Design Space AlUla has been constructed as part of a broader wave of creative innovation aimed at guiding the region’s masterplan into the 21st century.

This exhibition center fosters dialogue on the role of design in shaping the region’s future. Designed by the Milanese architectural firm Giò Forma in collaboration with Black Engineering, the Design Space AlUla serves both as a gallery and a catalyst for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Initiated in 2021 under the leadership of Samantha Cotterell, former Executive Design Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the project was IFDM | 145

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Architecture: Giò Forma architects, Black Engineering and Craft Furnishings & Landscape design: Giò Forma Author: Giulia Guzzini Photo credits: Nicholas Jackson Photography, Shoayb Khattab

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CULTURAL CENTER

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Winter 2024

CULTURAL CENTER

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

conceived to not only showcase design initiatives but also to enhance connections between local and international creatives. The Design Space AlUla is the first permanent space for contemporary galleries in Saudi Arabia. The structure reflects the rich heritage of the UNESCO site, with a layout that prioritizes public interaction. It is centered around a plaza with luminous courtyards that invite visitors to gather and explore. As a transparent and permeable structure, the corten steel building is ‘embroidered’ with a modern pattern inspired by the traditional motifs of Al Jadidah. The façade exemplifies Giò Forma’s site-specific design approach. Using an algorithm, the team reinterpreted traditional breeze block patterns to create a dynamic and modern design that celebrates the region’s heritage. Custom-made corten steel curtains explore the transparency and permeability of the building, seamlessly linking the open-air museum to the indoor high-level gallery space within the Al Jadidah art district. This integration creates a unified experience that reflects the interconnectedness of the creative community. This approach maintains the design’s evolution while honoring its roots.

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HOTEL

Tuscan country, French taste Pieve Aldina, a Relais & Châteaux retreat opened in the heart of Chianti Classico. In this special place, the style of the countryside is joined with contemporary sophistication and Italian-made furnishings

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Radda in Chianti, Italy

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he respectful, subtle restoration project was done with sensitivity and intention.

This is the approach that Frédéric Biousse and Guillaume Foucher, a French couple who came out of the world of art and fashion, bring to each of their properties, first in France and now in Tuscany, where they opened Pieve Aldina in the heart of Chianti. This retreat, a Relais & Châteaux affiliate, once the summer residence of a bishop and, before that, a monastery, consists of three houses – the master house, which is under historical preservation restraints, the study, and the convent offering a total of 22 rooms and suites with view of the hills. The renovation, the work of the Florentine

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Radda in Chianti, Italy

Owner: Guillaume Foucher and Frédéric Biousse – Les Domaines de Fontenille Network: Relais & Châteaux Renovation and interior design: Pierattelli Architetture Furnishings: custom-made by AB Arredamenti Bianchi, MG sedie&tavoli; Gervasoni, Lema, Tectona Lighting: Flos, Platek Bathrooms: Ceramica Cielo, Geberit, IB Rubinetterie, Marazzi, Rare Doors: Salto Curtains: Moncini Tendaggi Kitchen: Zanussi Flooring: Cotto Manetti Gusmano & Figli Artworks: Dune Varela Author: Elena Luraghi Photo credits: Sylvie Becquet, Iuri Niccolai

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HOTEL

Radda in Chianti, Italy

Winter 2024

HOTEL

Radda in Chianti, Italy

firm Pierattelli Architetture, preserves the thick outer walls, the curved tile roofs, the stone arcades, and the inner courtyards through which air circulates. Sixteenth- and seventeenth-century frescoes were restored in several rooms. Other rooms feature stencils and trompe-l’oeil depicting putti and grotesques. And still others have walls in natural lime with a sensuous palette of pastel greens and painted wood panels in harmony with the olive groves surrounding the estate. The owners recount how “one of the greatest challenges was creating harmony between the original decorations and the minimalist furnishings.” They took care with the combination of colors and materials, the traditional Tuscan rustic appearance, with terracotta floors made to measure by a local artisan, and contemporary solutions such as Gervasoni sofas, Lema wardrobes, Flos and Platek lamps. While the colors of the common rooms suggest earth and nature, the Le Rondini restaurant, created in what was once a warehouse for farm tools, has a terracotta vaulted ceiling lit by track lamps. Accessed from a large, well-lit lobby or from the garden that makes a beautiful backdrop in the warm months for outdoor dining, it has many open-air lounge areas furnished with Tectona armchairs and sofas in elegant black and white.

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Winter 2024

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GUESTHOUSE

La Oliva, Fuerteventura

Winter 2024

GUESTHOUSE

La Oliva, Fuerteventura

Great little hotel Casa Montelongo in Fuerteventura consists of only two accommodation units, a place where hospitality means being cradled in peace and light on the waves between tradition and modernity. Designed by Néstor Pérez Batista

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hen you enter Casa Montelongo on the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, you have the feeling of being in a “non-place.” Its designer, Néstor Pérez Batista has achieved his intention. A state of suspension guided him in creating spacious rooms, flooded with natural light. The boundaries blur between outside and inside and the architecture puts itself in the service of slowed-down times. A 19th-century house, which was once a family home, has been completely renovated to include only two accommodation units, conceived

by Pérez Batista, following a diversified spatial geometry emphasizing openness and transparency.

Even though each space is individually designed, it is strategically connected to the patio through openings in the interior facades. Establishing a close relationship between the rooms of the house and the patio was essential. Both privacy and comfortable temperatures are ensured with a strategy of volume layouts that creates continuity.

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The kitchenette corner was “carved out” from the base structure of a former theater and the original home. The outside area was gently reworked to create another extra room in both residential units.

It creates a private, inviting atmosphere in which a shared long rectangular swimming pool separates the two houses, which can be rented together or separately. Minimalism prevails in the interiors, with particular focus on clean lines and simple style, which also infuses the peaceful calm that a revitalizing stay invites you to experience. Tradition, modernity, and design merge in a tribute to the island’s heritage and involve the use of local materials such as stone, wood, clay, lime, and glass.

An artwork by Óscar Latuag, an artist from Tenerife, stands out on the wall overlooking the pool, a tribute to Fuerteventura’s rich natural heritage.

The work’s abstract forms suggest lichens, prickly pears, and penca leaves, which interact with sunlight dynamics and cast on the immaculate white wall an interplay of ever-shifting shadows.

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GUESTHOUSE

La Oliva, Fuerteventura

Winter 2024

GUESTHOUSE

La Oliva, Fuerteventura

Architecture & Interior design: Néstor Pérez Batista Author: Manuela Di Mari Photo credits: Gregor Neschel

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7– 11. 2. 2025 FRANKFURT / MAIN

hOSPITaLITY BREaKS NEW gROUND Hospitality. Internationality. A unique all-round view of the latest products and trends.

Each encounter is an inspiration.

Stay in tune with the industry at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/hospitality visitatori@italy.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +39 02 880 77 81

Short stories

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FORTE DEI MARMI, ITALY | VILLA APUA | ANTONIOLUPI

PAN Architetti’s project for Villa Apua is based on the search for the relationship between the landscape and the memory of Forte dei Marmi. Its external appearance is the result of the superimposition of regular volumes, while the use of materials such as travertine and wood defines a palette of natural tones in harmony with the surrounding environment. The desire to make water the protagonist of the space led the architects to involve Andrea Lupi in the design at an early stage. Several pieces from the Atelier_Living collection by antoniolupi furnish the master bedroom and bathroom, as well as the living area. In the wellness area, the two Ofuro bathtubs with the Meteo showerhead recessed into the ceiling invite you to relax, while the shower area features the Apollo showerhead and the Cactus multi-purpose bar, designed by Brian Sironi.

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Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES

FORTE DEI MARMI, ITALY | MAITO’ BEACH | DE CASTELLI

Maitò, the historic bathing establishment on the beach of Forte dei Marmi, has been an international style manifesto since 1960. The new restyling is characterised by the use of original materials, clean lines and technologies that harmonise with the colours and atmospheres of this iconic place. With the idea of making the walls of the corridors dynamic, the project by Vitaloni + Partners gave life to a copper sail, custom-made by De Castelli in the DeNuance finish, born from the combined action of fire, oxidation and pigments. For the bathrooms, Demarea M4 stainless steel boiserie with “watercolour” effects and brushed brass inserts was chosen. Designed

by Zanellato/Bortotto, it is the result of superimposed manual oxidations applied to the stainless steel.

Photo © Diego Laurino

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SHORT STORIES

VIENNA | LEICA MICROSYSTEMS | DIEFFEBI

The headquarters of Leica Microsystems is located in the new Danaher Vienna One Building, a completely renovated building designed by Viennese architects Rita Reisinger-Schöbel and Doris Kutscher. Part of the furniture for the offices and common areas in the renovated building was supplied by Dieffebi. These include the T-Share and T-Share High table systems, which are office and communal tables that can be accessorised and reconfigured, and are available in different proportions and sizes to allow multiple configurations; and the various modules of the Primo furnishing system - both designed by 967Arch - made up of multifunctional elements designed to furnish individual workstations or open spaces, as well as more compact offices, management or communication areas.

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SHORT STORIES

LONDON | SKYSCANNER OFFICE | EXPORMIM

Located in the Soho district, Skyscanner’s offices cover an area of almost 2800 square metres.

Designed by London studio MCM, the space is divided into areas dedicated to different activities to encourage productivity, collaboration and innovation. The Focus Lounge, dedicated to concentration, brainstorming and strategic planning, requires peace and ergonomic furniture. Such as the Huma armchair by Mario Ruiz for Expormim, with a shell-shaped upholstered backrest and swivel base. The atmosphere of the Wellness Room, with its vertical greenery and textures that convey serenity, is completed by the Cask sofa and armchair (designed by Norm Architects) with rattan frame and the Huma swivel armchairs with rattan back, underlining the biophilic spirit of the project.

Photo © Roberta Ashley

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SHORT STORIES

BURGUSIO, ITALY | DAS GERSTL ALPINE RETREAT | FLORIM

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Das Gerstl Alpine Retreat, a 5-star hotel designed by Planstudio Pederiva, is located in the picturesque landscape of the upper Vinschgau Valley.

More than 500 square metres of Florim ceramics were used for the floors and walls. The Plimatech collection, inspired by the Plima granite, was chosen for the outdoor areas, including the custom-made pool surrounds, and for the suites. The interiors are finished in the collection’s natural finish, while the exteriors and swimming pools are treated with a grip finish.

The La Roche collection, which interprets stone marked by the passage of time, is used in the restaurant and bar.

Some of the bathrooms in the suites use the materials and modern finishes of the Matières collection, inspired by stained and worked concrete.

Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES

MEXICO CITY | BOSQUE DE SAYULA | GANDIABLASCO

The terrace of this penthouse, designed by Duhart Design, overlooks the skyline of Mexico City and creates continuity between the inside and the outside, uniting the two environments in a natural way. Made up of interconnected spaces, it is furnished with outdoor furniture from the Gandiablasco and Diabla collections. The Mass modules, designed by Todd Bracher, allow for versatile compositions. Combined with the Patoso pouf designed by Alejandra Gandía-Blasco for Diabla and the small tables from the Aram collection, they are characterised by soft, organic shapes. The GB Modular collection, designed by José A. Gandía-Blasco Canales for Gandiablasco and realised with an innovative construction system based on anodised aluminium profiles, is the protagonist of the dining area, together with the Blau armchairs designed by Fran Silvestre.

Photo © Axel Duhart

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Winter 2024

JAKARTA | LANGHAM RESIDENCE | KREOO

The project signed by Sebastiano Zilio for this apartment, with a panoramic view of the skyline of the Indonesian capital, was inspired by the Rationalist period of the 1930s and 1940s and features Made in Italy furnishings, surfaces, accessories and chandeliers. Among the protagonists of the interior design is Kreoo marble. The Ducale range of flooring - in Persian Grey marble with square brass inlays - stands out among the rooms of the luxurious home, defining decorative surfaces, cladding with the Folium collection in Travertino Titanium, or with a carved finish in a warm shade of Travertino Noce marble, as well as in precious green onyx. All made-to-measure materials and finishes that enhance the know-how of the Decormarmi brand.

Photo © Peter Tjahjadi

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SHORT STORIES

Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES

KIRKLAND, USA | CORPORATE OFFICE KRISCADECOR

Designed by international architecture and engineering firm DLR Group, the American offices of a major technology company are punctuated by Kriskadecor partitions made of dense aluminium chains. Large cylinders in rainbow shades and cloudy monochromes at different heights define work areas where privacy is guaranteed without the need for structural elements. In addition to transforming offices into welcoming and dynamic environments, these installations allow natural light to enter and improve visual comfort thanks to the mix of colours and transparency between the chain elements. The lightweight aluminium structures, which float in the air, fill the gap between the ceiling and the floor, creating new working spaces.

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Winter 2024

ZURICH | MANDARIN ORIENTAL SAVOY | LIGNE ROSET

The Mandarin Oriental Savoy, redesigned by interior designer Tristan Auer, is located in the former Grand Hotel Savoy Baur en Ville, Zurich’s oldest hotel, founded in 1838.

In keeping with the city’s sober architecture, Auer has chosen shades of grey and reinterpreted some of the historic building’s architectural elements - the corridor, the monumental staircase, the wood panelling in the meeting rooms - to integrate them into the new décor. The 44 rooms and 36 suites have been embellished with subtle touches of colour, carpets and bespoke furniture. Ligne Roset Contract interpreted the aesthetic and comfort requirements of the interior design project by creating bespoke armchairs, chaise longues and daybeds for the rooms. The furnishing of most of the public areas (restaurant, bar, rooftop) is completed by Valmy, Soufflot and Lap armchairs.

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SHORT STORIES

Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES

BUDAPEST | DOROTHEA HOTEL | LIVING DIVANI

Designed by Lissoni Associati, the Dorothea Hotel project in Budapest brings together three adjoining buildings in a single courtyard with a covered garden overlooking Budapest. The interior design reinterprets the historical context in a contemporary key, introducing several Living Divani elements designed by Piero Lissoni. In the public areas, the Lipp sofas update the capitonné finish, the Confident armchairs, with their rounded and enveloping lines, are proposed in both pure and rattan shell versions, while the Maja D armchairs respond to the increasingly specific needs of the hospitality industry. For outdoor use, the Filo Outdoor sofa and armchair have a tubular steel frame, an Iroko wood shell and soft upholstery to make the most of the view.

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Winter 2024

MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE VILLA | MOROSO

The Victorian and contemporary eras come together in the Adelaide Villa extension project in Brighton, south of Melbourne. Designed by Mim Design, the project takes full advantage of the proportions of the original villa and its gardens. Each room overlooks its surroundings through large windows, linking interior and exterior, light and space. Some of the furnishings are designed by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso: the Gogan sofa, which owes its name to nature and in particular to Japanese stones polished by time and water; the Pacific sofa, whose enveloping shape evokes the atmosphere of the American west coast from which it takes its name; the Ruff armchair, with its wide armrests; the Clarissa relax armchair; and the Getlucky table armchair, with its harmoniously interwoven seat and back.

Photo © Timothy Kaye

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SHORT STORIES

Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES

ORANGE, AUSTRALIA ROSEDALE FARM | PERENNIALS

Renowned Australian interior designer Steve Cordony chose Perennials to enhance the perimeter of the pool house at Rosedale Farm, his luxurious country home and event venue in Orange, Australia. In keeping with the lush greenery surrounding the property, Cordony chose Perennials’ Go To Stripe pattern in Emerald. This is a reinterpretation of the classic stripe, featuring a subtle weave and available in a wide range of colours from neutrals to bright colours. All Perennials 100% solution dyed acrylic fabrics are guaranteed to be colourfast. Founded in 1997 by David Sutherland in partnership with his wife Ann, the brand’s fabrics and rugs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, easy to care for and bleachable.

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Winter 2024

TAPALPA, MEXICO | SPA 28.0855 | PORCELANOSA

The design by Van Van Atelier for the Tapalpa Spa in Mexico is a project that evokes peace, tranquillity, privacy, rest and contemplation, combining traditional Japanese architecture with Mexican vernacular architecture. The main element is stone: the name, Spa 28.0855, comes from the atomic weight of silicon, the basis of most naturally occurring stones. The space of the indoor pool blends in with the landscape thanks to the versatility of Porcelanosa’s Bottega Caliza cement-effect porcelain stoneware, laid on the floors and walls with a non-slip finish. Bottega Caliza colours were also chosen for the interior flooring to match the shades of the furniture. The project was awarded Best Design of the Year at the XV Porcelanosa Awards.

Photo © César Bejar

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SHORT STORIES

Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES

TALLIN | NOBE TERRACE | PRATIC

Thanks to the design of the Estonian company Ulaelu OÜ, the outdoor space on the 11th floor of the headquarters of Nobe, a specialist in building construction, has been transformed into a relaxation area. Pratic’s Connect pergola, with its Spy Glass windows, becomes an extension of the building. Equipped with an aluminium roof and adjustable louvers, it controls lighting (with LED Line RGB technology around the perimeter) and ventilation, allowing the terrace to be used all year round. Self-supporting and with a width of approximately 10 square metres, Connect comes complete with a Set platform that can be installed even on uneven terrain and allows for customised flooring, in this case wood. The uprights and slats match the colours of the building, thanks to the patented pergola profiles on both sides.

Photo © Federico Fringuelli

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Winter 2024

DUBAI | ONE&ONLY ONE ZA’ABEEL HOTEL | PRECIOSA

One&Only’s vertical urban resort is located in Dubai, close to the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the airport. The interiors, designed by Belgian JeanMichel Gathy, feature a color palette that is a nod to the white sands of the desert. Preciosa designed and produced 95 percent of the decorative lighting throughout the property, and used this inspiration to decorate the hotel’s 70 exclusive rooms with 300 pieces of hand-blown Bohemian crystal. These include the forest of 18 hanging trees, composed of nearly 7,000 crystal rods, that greets guests in the hotel lobby.

And 9 installations of Pearl Drop opal spheres, one of which is the longest (45 meters and nearly 900 hand-blown pearls) ever made by Preciosa.

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SHORT STORIES

Winter 2024

SHORT STORIES VENICE | RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL, PALAZZO NANI | VIMAR

The new Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani is located in a 16th century Venetian residence overlooking the Cannaregio Canal. The result of a restoration project by Studio Marco Piva for the interior design and Venice Plan for the architecture and construction management, it has 52 rooms and suites and 3 private apartments. Every detail is integrated into the context, such as the Vimar Eikon Exé series devices with traditional controls, anthracite grey in colour, which combine the finish of the control with that of the panel. They are placed in every area of the hotel: on the headboards of the upholstered beds, on the mantelpieces of the bathrooms and in all the common areas. On the door of the external façade, there is also the Patavium external plaque of the Elvox video door entry system. A contemporary touch that respects history.

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

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Design Inspirations

titolo On the following pages, we will guide you through a refined selection of ideas and inspirations, in which color plays a leading role: vivid, fresh, invigorating. Gardens, urban terraces, swimming Modularity, soft lines, and pools and verandas, where we generous can disshapes are the strengths of thedécor new cover enveloping sofas, irresistible sofas, becoming features living accessories, shadykey pergolas andinmodern spaces adapting to the design and carpets, all ready to complexity make outof endless domestic panoramas thanks door life into an authentic oasis of calm to flexibility. All collections invite andtheir wellbeing. comfort and relaxation, encouraging one to let go and take time for oneself through their rounded designs.

On cover: Falésia Parka byD’El Poltrona Rey House Frau, design Óbidos,Draga Portugal & Aurel - Photo © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

The shape of relaxation

discover more

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Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

POLIFORM | JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD | ERNEST

Modularity is the strength of Ernest, a sofa that allows the creation of a domestic landscape dedicated to tranquil living. With Ernest, Jean-Marie Massaud reinterprets the theme of relaxation for Poliform in a radical way. The result is a sofa with soft and deconstructed volumes, inspired by a feather cushion, for natural comfort.

By combining different elements, small or large, linear, or L-shaped sofas can be created without losing the project’s expressive strength.

CANTORI | MAURIZIO MANZONI | CLOUD

The essential tubular metal frame combines with soft, light, and compact elements that resemble fluffy clouds, creating the Cloud sofa.

Designed by Maurizio Manzoni for Cantori, Cloud is a modular sofa and coffee table system, set like clouds on a T-shaped metal structure, positioned to allow for modularity. The outdoor version features fabrics and padding specifically designed for outdoor use, with a steel frame.

FRAG | WERNER AISSLINGER | HUG SOFA

With high, enveloping backrests and slightly outward-curving armrests, Hug is a versatile sofa perfect for furnishing contemporary living rooms. Designed by Werner Aisslinger for Frag, Hug Sofa features simple yet classic lines. Its fundamental element is modularity, allowing for different compositions: an interlocking plate system enables the attachment of various modules to the base structure, creating personalized setups.

176 | IFDM

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

POLTRONA FRAU | DRAGA & AUREL | PARKA

Parka best reflects the interests and passions of Draga & Aurel, the creators of this vintage-inspired sofa. In their first collaboration with Poltrona Frau, the duo Draga & Aurel conceptualized a modular seating system that pays homage to a quintessential streetwear garment from the ‘90s. Parka is an all-purpose sofa with soft lines and generous volumes, padded down to the ground. The distinctive elliptical shape of the back creates a concave or convex space, at once bold and welcoming.

IFDM | 177

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

MERIDIANI | ANDREA PARISIO | MAX

Pure and rigorous geometries characterize the Max sofa, whose modular elements are available in linear and asymmetrical forms. Functional beauty. Max, by Andrea Parisio for Meridiani, is a modular sofa system that allows for different configurations thanks to the collection’s modular elements, offered in both linear and asymmetrical versions.

The project is enriched with occasional tables.

GALLOTTI&RADICE | STUDIOPEPE | STAMI SOFA

Like the sepals of a flower, the curved wood structure opens up to welcome the seating of the Stami Sofa. Studiopepe, inspired by the sinuous movements of curves in nature, designed the Stami sofa for Gallotti&Radice. The sofa, with a base in open-pore black stained ash and bright brass details, is also available in a matte lacquered version in numerous colors. The two cylindrical end armrests, in feather, are upholstered in the same fabric/leather as the sofa.

FLEXFORM | ANTONIO CITTERIO | CAMELOT

A welcoming sofa, Camelot is designed with modularity in mind, allowing for highly personalized configurations. Antonio Citterio’s Camelot seating system for Flexform features large and embracing backrests. Visually, it presents an intriguing contrast between the formal rigor of its structure, made of metal brackets and a wooden or leather cylindrical bar, and the inviting softness of the padded elements.

178 | IFDM

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

MINOTTI | GIAMPIERO TAGLIAFERRI | SUPERMOON

The lunar phase becomes the stylistic signature of Supermoon, where the shapes of backrests and armrests are welcomed and partially concealed within the upholstered base resting on a floating metal frame. Designed by Giampiero Tagliaferri for Minotti, Supermoon is conceived as a single nomadic piece, capable of multiplying and evolving into a modular system. In addition to terminal and central elements, sofas and chaise lounges, there are tables, benches, and an original lacquered base armchair that endows spaces with a strong identity.

B&B ITALIA | PIERO LISSONI | DAMBODUE

With softness in its forms and a solid frame, Dambodue reveals itself to be welcoming, while maintaining a seating depth that remains contained. Designed by Piero Lissoni for B&B Italia, the Dambodue sofa system features richly padded backrests and armrests, with a seat resting on the ground, highlighted by a bronzed nickel-painted profile at the base that gives it a particularly strong character. The range includes a linear two and three-seater version and a variety of elements to create different compositions.

MARAC | ENRICO CESANA | ALAND

Harmonious, enveloping, and soft, the Aland sofa is an island of relaxation at home. The Aland sofa by Marac, designed by Enrico Cesana, offers substantial personalization. The collection consists of numerous elements that, when combined, allow Aland to be configured according to personal needs and preferences. The model is available only in non-removable fabric, characterized by its rounded shape that invites pure comfort.

IFDM | 179

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

NUBE | FABIO FANTOLINO | BOLD

Informal elegance characterizes the Bold sofa, inviting comfort and conviviality. Compact, padded, and cozy, the Bold sofa by Fabio Fantolino for Nube features soft and full-bodied lines. Its sophisticated cartoon-like references are emphasized by the metal tubing that highlights its shapes and reveals its structure, making it a standout piece in living rooms.

CAPITAL | BOATTO MARTINO STUDIO | MON ALLURE

A sinuous curve outlines the shell, embracing the Mon Allure sofa and defining its internal padding. Designed by Boatto Martino Studio for Capital, Mon Allure includes seating and two or three-seater sofas, available in fabric or leather versions. The shape of the seating and the new horizontal seam detail on the cushion give the entire collection a soft appearance, akin to a shell that gently protects.

CALLIGARIS | STEFANO SPESSOTTO | FAVOLA

Echoes of the Japanese world define the Favola sofa, with its movable backrest serving as an excellent ergonomic support for the back.

Designed by Stefano Spessotto for Calligaris, Favola is a program of modular components inspired by the Japanese futon. The movable backrest mechanism serves as a support element for the seating surface, and can be positioned in two settings. Featuring mid-century styled wooden feet and original modules, Favola optimizes space.

180 | IFDM

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

ANDREU WORLD | PIERGIORGIO CAZZANIGA | SIR MODULAR SOFA

Sir stands out for its attention to detail and softness in form, as well as for its great adaptability. Versatile is the adjective that best suits the Sir sofa designed by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Andreu World. It is a modular sofa suitable for different compositions, designed to meet any domestic or public use need. Available in different versions: an armchair, a 2-seater sofa, and a 3-seater sofa, along with a wide variety of modules, with 30, 60, or 90-degree curves, straight segments, and chaise longue modules.

IFDM | 181

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

ELIE SAAB MAISON CARLO COLOMBO | LEGACY

Part of the “Nights of Wonder” collection, the Legacy sofa showcases its elegance through sculptural armrests.

Designed by Carlo Colombo for ELIE SAAB Maison, the Legacy sofa is available in fabric or leather configurations, with various seat depth options. Its structure ensures durability, while bronzed or polished nickel metal armrests, adorned with leather accents, highlight the meticulous attention to detail.

SANCAL | RAFA GARCÍA | MOMIC

Mid-Century style characterizes the Momic sofa, offering a vast modular program. Designed by Rafa García for Sancal, the Momic sofa collection reinterprets the classic forms of the ’50s. Delicate lines, soft curves, and organic shapes define this family of seats, including various configurations such as sofas, chaise lounges, and poufs, adaptable to both small and large spaces.

BERTO | CASTELLO LAGRAVINESE STUDIO | IGGY

Twenty-five modular elements, including seats, backrests, and armrests, make up the Iggy sofa, allowing for infinite combinations. Signed by the designers Castello Lagravinese Studio, IGGY is Berto’s sofa with a wide selection of fabric and leather coverings. Representing a technological breakthrough, it is made without metal tips, completely removable, and assembled with an innovative bonding machine that respects the environment.

182 | IFDM

Winter 2024

DESIGN INSPIRATIONS

Living in the present

ACTIU | RAMÓN ESTEVE | MEETIA

Meetia is a collection promoting well-being and comfort, ideal for contract, corporate, public, and private environments. Actiu launched the new collection of armchairs and sofas, Meetia, designed in collaboration with Ramón Esteve. With carefully crafted upholstery and a perimeter steel structure that lends it a unique character, Meetia uses sustainable materials and optimizes production processes to reduce its ecological impact.

DE PADOVA | PIERO LISSONI | ALBERESE

Harmonious, linear and flexible: Alberese is a set of modular sofas designed by Piero Lissoni for a contemporary, individual and welcoming living space devoted to Made in Italy’s superior design. A collection of upholstered sofas with sloping armrests on which to unwind, read and spend time together. All the system’s components feature a deep seating – single elements, the modern corner sofa, as well as chaise longues and designer ottomans – creating solutions that are always different, where the big and small stories of everyday life unfold.

DE SEDE | YONOH STUDIO | DS-909 FLOW

The DS-909 Flow is the new sculpture from Swiss craftsmanship masters, perfectly embodying the concept of flexibility. Reinventing spaces frequently is de Sede’s goal with DS-909 Flow, created in collaboration with the team from Yonoh Studio. The modular elements can be combined in various ways to create new formations according to one’s needs. The backrests are positionable, providing support and structure while remaining mobile.

IFDM | 183

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 | 185

Winter 2024

VIENNA | THE RESIDENCES AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL BRISEN GROUP | GODDARD LITTLEFAIR

Set to open in Q2 2025, The Residences will transform the top three floors of the hotel which is housed in a century-old former courthouse within the Ringstrasse into 25 serviced apartments, including 11 penthouses. The project’s design is a testament to the art of adaptive reuse, seamlessly fusing the building’s Secessionist and Art Nouveau roots with modern luxury. Goddard Littlefair’s approach involved reinterpreting historical details – such as turning painted dado rails into moldings with integrated lighting – and incorporating handcrafted elements like starburst flooring, intricate plasterwork, and bespoke mirrors. Each residence is designed to enhance both comfort and luxury, from spacious living rooms and state-of-the-art kitchens to elegant dining areas framed by floor-to-ceiling windows.

186 | IFDM

NEXT

Winter 2024

NEXT

DUBAI | PALM FLOWER ALPAGO PROPERTIES | FOSTER + PARTNERS

This 12-storey building will rise on the last undeveloped “trunk” plot of Palm Jumeirah, featuring a glass core flanked by round, cantilevered terraces that cascade resembling overlapping white petals. Each full floor residence, bathed in natural light and accessible by private lifts, are framed by the backdrop of ocean and sky. The main living areas boast double-volume ceilings, glass walls, a mezzanine library, and personal pools on each balcony. The design studio, in partnership with NEUTRA, has sculpted the bathtub, basin, and wall-hung shelf from Bianco Covelano marble, drawing inspiration from the Palm Flower’s architectural silhouette.

IFDM | 187

Winter 2024

FLORENCE | MANIFATTURA TABACCHI GRUPPO CASSA DEPOSITI E PRESTITI AND AERMONT CAPITAL | QUINCOCES DRAGÒ & PARTNERS

After the Anilla and Puro residences, Zenit is the new residential project included in the restoration scheme of the urban historic industrial area. Covering an area of 4,800 m2, plus 1,530 m2 of rooftops, garden loggias and terraces, the redevelopment project preserves and enhances the original architecture, reinterpreting it in a contemporary and sustainable way. The building’s distinctive features, impressive volumes, exposed reinforced concrete structures, large windows, will be preserved introducing design solutions geared towards comfort and elegance in 34 lofts and apartments. Most of the apartments have private garden loggias and terraces and future residents will have access to exclusively accessible amenities, including a fitness area, a bike maintenance workshop, a pet-care zone and a furnished condominium rooftop of about 400 m2.

188 | IFDM

NEXT

Winter 2024

NEXT

CASABLANCA | STADE HASSAN II | POPULOUS | OUALALOU + CHOI

The design for the 115,000-capacity stadium draws inspiration from the traditional social gathering of Morocco known as a ‘moussem’, with the stadium structure set under a grand tented roof, made from a unique aluminium lattice, that emerges as a dramatic intervention in the forested landscape. Supporting the geometry of the roof and the bowl is a ring of 32 stairways, creating monumental gateways that feature lush gardens positioned on raised platforms, each 28 meters from the ground. At both ends of the stadium bowl, three steep, compact tiers ensure a spectacular atmosphere.

Each ‘end’ of the stadium holds 29,500 general admission spectators. Five levels of hospitality along each of the main stands at the side of the pitch welcome 12,000 VVIP, VIP, Hospitality and Box users, in addition to the Royal box. The stadium will be fully compliant for FIFA competitions.

IFDM | 189

Winter 2024

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MALDIVES | SAMANA OCEAN VIEWS SAMANA DEVELOPERS | ELIE SAAB MAISON

Samana Ocean Views will feature 190 units, including beach villas, water villas, and residential and poolside apartments. “The interiors of Samana Ocean Views will feature the ELIE SAAB Maison furniture and home décor collection, crafted with Italian craftsmanship. Every piece is designed with a deep understanding of the Maldivian environment, ensuring that the elegance and quality of the collection harmonize perfectly with the unique beauty of the location.” Massimiliano Ferrari, CEO of Corporate Brand Maison, WW Licensee ELIE SAAB Maison.

190 | IFDM

Winter 2024

NEXT

BERGEN | GRIEG QUARTER | GRIEGHALLEN UDBYGGING HENNING LARSEN

Bordering historic center, the ‘Kontrapunkt’ project is a 17,500m² music and conference hall featuring a theater and orchestra pit, an exhibition venue, a café, multipurpose rehearsal spaces that will turn into a venue for performances, conferences, and events and the revitalization of the surrounding outdoor square. An addition to the existing Grieghallen, initially crafted by the Danish architect Knud Munk, The Grieg Quarter will establish a cultural venue, elevating the city’s artistic character while preserving the rich identity of the present building. The concert hall will encourage unrestricted movement, exploration, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The hall will be built to accommodate 1000 spectators alongside an additional 145 seats extending over the orchestra pit. Under the northern expanse of Edward Grieg’s Square, new exhibition areas spanning 3570m² will offer a dynamic canvas for cultural exploration and engagement.

IFDM | 191

NEXT IN THE WORLD

Winter 2024

Overview

Hospitality: Europe and Asia set new records

A

top hotel

cross Europe and Asia, encompassing both Near and Far East regions, the number of hotels being planned and constructed is on the rise. This expansion, which hasn’t been seen in several years, indicates a strong recovery in real estate investments aimed at the hospitality sector. Europe’s growth is robust, with 2,616 hotels under construction compared to 2,334 at the same time last year. Germany maintains a clear lead, attracting the majority of investments with 630 projects, followed by the UK with 487. The surge in Southern Europe is noteworthy, starting with Spain, which ranks third with 227 projects underway, up from 144 in 2023; Italy is fourth with 152 projects compared to last year’s 113; and Portugal has increased from 61 to 99 projects, either underway or planned. In the Middle East, there is a vigorous resurgence in new hotel construction following a period of stagnation or slight decline. There are 834 ongoing projects, marking an increase of over 42% since 2023. Saudi Arabia strengthens its historic leadership in this area, growing from 224 to 299 projects. However, this year’s boom is almost entirely attributed to Turkey, which has nearly quintupled its projects and constructions to 187, surpassing the United Arab Emirates (130) in the region. The Far East and Asia Pacific also see substantial growth, with 2,871 projects underway, up by over 400 from last year. Although experiencing a slight dip, China still firmly holds the lead with 1,342 constructions. However, India is experiencing the most significant growth, doubling its projects to 390 compared to last year. Thailand also shows a major uptick, increasing from 110 to 159 hotels being planned.

ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS

Marriott International ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 1,092 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: USA: 359 - CHINA: 249 - INDIA: 48 GERMANY: 21 - TURKEY: 20

NEW

NEW

NEW

2,616

834

2,871

EUROPE

MIDDLE EAST

FAR EAST

IN

IN

IN

Hilton Worldwide

STATUS

STATUS

STATUS

ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 802

VISION 80 PRE-PLANNING 406 PLANNING 1,085 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 886 PRE-OPENING 159

VISION 13 PRE-PLANNING 163 PLANNING 169 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 425 PRE-OPENING 65

VISION 67 PRE-PLANNING 388 PLANNING 608 UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1,565 PRE-OPENING 243

NEXT OPENING

NEXT OPENING

NEXT OPENING

BY 2025 899

BY 2025 348

BY 2025 864

ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 687

PROJECTS IN TOP CITIES

PROJECTS IN TOP CITIES

PROJECTS IN TOP CITIES

PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES:

GERMANY 630 UNITED KINGDOM 487 SPAIN 227 ITALY 152 PORTUGAL 99 SWITZERLAND 86 AUSTRIA 84 FRANCE 81 IRELAND 79 POLAND 74

SAUDI ARABIA 299 TURKEY 187 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 130 ISRAEL 69 GEORGIA 40 OMAN 36 QATAR 26 BAHRAIN 13 IRAQ 11 KUWAIT 6

CHINA 1,342 INDIA 390 AUSTRALIA 172 VIETNAM 162 THAILAND 159 INDONESIA 149 MALAYSIA 75 PHILIPPINES 64 JAPAN 61 MALDIVES 32

PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: USA: 314 - CHINA: 138 - UNITED KINGDOM: 25 GERMANY: 13 - MEXICO: 11

InterContinental Hotels Group

CHINA: 192 - USA: 110 - INDIA: 35 THAILAND: 28 - UNITED KINGDOM: 24

AccorHotels ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 591 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: CHINA: 107 - SAUDI ARABIA: 30 - INDIA: 25 GERMANY: 21 - UNITED KINGDOM: 18

TOP PROJECTS

Hyatt Hotels Corporation ONGOING HOTEL PROJECTS: 435 PROJECTS IN TOP COUNTRIES: CHINA: 154 - USA: 87 - INDIA: 39 CANADA: 21 - MEXICO: 15

source: TopHotelProjects.com

192 | IFDM

EUROPE Pearl Hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia Phase: Planning 5,000 rooms

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

FAR EAST Clinique La Prairie Tri Vananda in Phuket, Thailand Phase: Under Construction 29,840 rooms

EUR 35.00 | USD 45.00 | wonder.ifdm.design

NEXT ISSUE: Spring 2025

Spring 2025

In March, the Spring Spin-Off Projects & Hospitality by IFDM: you will discover the new 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.