CONTENTS
3 INTRO
4 NIEUW ZUID
12 MADE IN FRANCE
20 DESIGN EVOLUTION
28 ICONIC FURNITURE
40 ELIZABETH METCALFE
48 DECORATION TIPS
56 BRENDAN WONG
62 MICRO-ARCHITECTURE
66 OURS POLAIRE
70 COFFEE TABLE BOOKS
72 LONDON BY NIGHT
78 TUHURA
86 CLAUDE MISSIR
94 LEMPEREUR
102 ALGUENA MUSIC HALL
108 COIN FURNITURE
112 BALANCED ECLECTICISM 120 ROMAN VLASOV
126 JAKE PHIPPS
132 UPTOWN DESIGN
138 ALYSSA KAPITO
144 KATE TAYLOR
150 DETREMMERIE
154 STEFANO BOERI
160 AMANOI
166 HOTEL LE TOINY
172 FIVE HOTEL
178 ART @ NIEUW ZUID
186 BASQUIAT
194 LAMBORGHINI URUS
200 DAYTONA
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INTRO
DEAR READER, It’s that time of year again: the trees are covered in the most beautiful colours, the sun sets earlier and it gets colder and colder outside. Luckily, Imagicasa is here to keep her readers warm this autumn and winter with a magazine full of surprises. So, get cosy in your sofa with a delicious cup of coffee or tea and this brand new edition of Imagicasa Magazine. For example, we contacted some Belgian top designers for interior and decoration tips, so you can put together a high-end, luxurious and elegant interior yourself. We’ll be talking about iconic vintage furniture that is trending again and we’re also letting some innovative designers like Jake Phipps and Thomas Pheasant tell their story. As you can see, we have once again found many inspiring projects that we happily present to our readers. One of these projects is Nieuw Zuid, where national and international top architects interact with sustainability and biodiversity. On this green city site you will also find two important art galleries amidst some impressive residences and office buildings. In this way, project developer Triple Living not only ensures the integration of more green space, but also of more art in the community. We at Imagicasa can only encourage such initiatives, especially in view of the following surprise we have in store: our magazine is expanding from two to four issues a year. The December issue is an early Christmas present from Imagicasa to her readers. With Imagicasa Art we will take you on an artistic journey through a diverse range of subjects that will leave no one unmoved. Before that, you can already enjoy a little preview in this winter issue in which we will highlight the work of the legendary Jean-Michel Basquiat. Furthermore, in this edition you can of course again dream away at some breathtaking holiday destinations and get a lot of interior inspiration with the projects of designers such as Pierre Yovanovitch, Elizabeth Metcalfe and Claude Missir. Looking for even more inspiration? Know that you can always subscribe to our weekly newsletter on our website. Let me inspire you!
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ARCHITECTURE
Text: Eline De Mont
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NIEUW ZUID
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TRIPLE LIVING VISIONARY URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Nieuw Zuid is a city district with many assets. Located on a prime location in Antwerp, this innovative residential site excels in sustainability. Property developer Triple Living is the mastermind behind this concept for a liveable, green city district that is car-free and has a large central park. It is, as it were, a vibrant village in the city with all the facilities to live and work, for students, families, seniors and professionals. Welcome to Nieuw Zuid!
N
ow that the cities are getting bigger everywhere, green is essential to keep the city livable,” says Bas Smets, the renowned landscape architect who will make Nieuw Zuid the greenest district of Antwerp. One of the priorities of the master plan is therefore to provide sufficient green space and to open it up to the rest of the city. Smets found himself in a unique situation, because he was allowed to design the landscape before the architects could start designing the buildings. “It is the landscape that gives Nieuw Zuid an image and a unity, not the buildings. Usually it is the other way around: when the buildings are there, the landscape architects can fill the empty spaces with greenery.” The result is a site with residential areas, neighbourhoods, courtyards and squares provided with 12 hectares of greenery where quality of life and sustainability are key. All residents will have a beautiful view over the Scheldt, the central park – which covers no less than 6 hectares – or the city. Moreover, the buildings have been designed by top architects from Belgium and abroad such as Vincent Van Duysen, Atelier Kempe Thill and Robbrecht & Daem Architecten. The apartments, offices, commercial spaces, schools, shops and sports facilities are an impressive exposé of contemporary architecture of the highest level. This evidently includes technical innovation and sustainability. Both humankind and nature are thought of here. This also makes Nieuw Zuid a unique project focussed on superior living and working, now and in the future.
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SURROUNDED BY NATURE Property developer Triple Living gave Bas Smets and his team the opportunity to develop their ideas for the landscape in complete freedom before the architects would start working on certain parts of the site. Smets drew up a sophisticated landscape design for Nieuw Zuid that is based on the concept of ‘living in the park’. On the east side this is expressed in a large, slightly sloping park that flows through the site, as it were. To the west, the park faces the Scheldt and throughout the park you will find playgrounds, footpaths, cycle paths and various courtyards. One of the buildings in Nieuw Zuid is Zuiderterras, designed by the Italian architect Stefano Boeri. In an interview with Imagicasa he tells us the following about the quality of life and the green character of the site: “I think we have succeeded well in creating a lively place where you live in the middle of a trendy and modern city, while maintaining an unrivalled connection with nature. (Further on in this magazine you will find the full interview with Boeri and you can read more about his impressive portfolio and design philosophy.) All this is in line with the immediate surroundings, which are also becoming increasingly greener. For example, there is the Masterplan Kaaien in which the quays of Sint-Andries and ‘t Zuid will be transformed into a wide and green walking zone. On the Gedempte Zuiderdokken the parking spaces will in their turn disappear into an underground car park to make room for a large park.
© TRIPLE LIVING
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STATE-OF-THE-ART ARCHITECTURE The area of Nieuw Zuid and ‘t Zuid will become the greenest district of Antwerp, which was not only good news for the landscape architect. For the architects who were chosen to design the individual buildings, the incorporation of all that greenery and the promising location with beautiful views was also an interesting assignment. The master plan for Nieuw Zuid was developed by the renowned agency Secchi-Viganò from Milan, which had previously worked on the Park Spoor Noord site in Antwerp. Here they once again laid the foundation for a sustainable and diverse urban environment. Each individual building is designed by its own architect, within the outline of the master plan, but with the clear signature of the individual architect. Johannes Norlander, the Swedish architect who designed the HÅVN apartment building, tells us the following: “The Scheldt played an important role in the design process. The view of the water is unique. Transparency and light form the starting point of his design.” The orientation and large windows ensure that each apartment has a maximum view of the water. Daniel Rosbottom of the international DRDH Architects office was also inspired by the surroundings: “ZICHT changes as you walk around the building. With shades that change with the light, making the tower almost part of the sky.” By always prioritising environmental characteristics and the view, each and every design has a minimal impact on nature, but ensures maximum results for the residents. That is also the philosophy of Vincent Van Duysen: “I love eliminating, piercing out certain forms to the essence. Schelde 21 also radiates serenity through the use of quiet materials.” Not only does the formal aspect of these constructions limit the impact on nature. Technically, Nieuw Zuid is equally innovative and respectful of the natural surroundings. PIONEER IN SUSTAINABILITY Triple Living is known for investing in new forms of living and for promoting green, pleasant living environments. Sustainable materials and techniques invariably ensure that their projects are developed to suit the natural environment and future residents. Nieuw Zuid fits in perfectly with Antwerp’s ambitious plan to become a climate-neutral city by 2050. Gabriëlle Van Zoeren, project manager sustainability for the green residential site, says the following about this: “Nieuw Zuid must become the primary example for sustainability and smart technologies. It is a mixed green residential area where we apply the strictest criteria”. These measures will therefore greatly improve the residents’ quality of life. This part of 8 | IMAGICASA
the city will not only be a great place to live now, but will continue to be for many years and generations of residents to come. And how exactly is this made possible? Innovative measures include a large network of ditches, green beds, wells and underground buffer basins and reservoirs that gradually return rainwater to the ground and nature. This stimulates natural plant growth and has a cooling effect during the warm summer months. In addition, all homes are equipped with the best heat recuperating ventilation system on the market and because Nieuw Zuid has its own central heating network, the classic individual central heating boilers
“IT IS THE LANDSCAPE THAT GIVES NIEUW ZUID AN IMAGE, NOT THE BUILDINGS�
are superfluous. The result: affordable and energy-efficient heat for the occupants. What all buildings and designs for the new residential area have in common are the well-thought-out implantation, large windows and many terrace rooms. This way the sunlight is optimally captured, which makes the rooms not only light and spacious, but also energy efficient. Because of the radiant heat and optimal insulation, residents will be able to lower the temperature inside buy a few degrees without feeling colder. The many roof gardens also provide natural insulation. Moreover, they purify the air and are just beautiful to look at and stay in. IMAGICASA | 9
VIBRANT DISTRICT Besides being a beautiful place to live and work in, life in general is pretty good here. ‘t Zuid in Antwerp has been known for years as the place to be for trend spotters, shoppers, design fans and gastronomes. As a cultural hotspot and hospitality heaven, this is the place where tourists – as advised by just
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about every travel guide – and locals like to come and soak up the cosmopolitan and artistic atmosphere. The neighbourhood is now expanding with the equally enticing site Nieuw Zuid. For example, you can visit the newly opened second location of the leading Gallery Sofie Van de Velde, which has just won the prestigious Innovation and Creativ-
ity Award at the Swiss art fair Art Basel. The Tim Van Laere Gallery also saw the charm of Nieuw Zuid and will bring even more art to the neighbourhood. Foodies and coffee lovers will also find something to their liking here at various bars and restaurants such as the all-day food bar Barchel, and Zouterover by grillmasters Nick and Kevin.
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INTERIOR
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© FRANCOIS JAUSSAUD
Text: Caroline Meeusen
MADE IN FRANCE
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Extreme luxury and reserved pure sensitivity make the ‘Made in France’ stamp that Pierre Yovanovitch leaves around the world. A Pierre Yovanovitch interior is characterised by strength and modesty through a masterly play of harmonious volumes and strict lines, softened by lighting and authentic materials like wood, stone, metal and marble. His eclectic couture approach, balance, comfort and modernity make Yovanovitch the ultimate perfectionist who sees every project as a work of art.
S
ince 2001, the interior designer has his studio Pierre Yovanovitch Architecture d’Intérieur in Paris, where he realised many projects. He also finished projects in New York, Brussels, the Provence, London and Switzerland. Each project is custom designed for the space, personality and lifestyle of the client. His work stands out through a refined sense for architectural scale, splendour and unpredictable design trends. He accomplished private and public projects and even designed a collection of furniture and objects. This ‘Oops’ collection as well as the ‘Kering’ and ‘Maison 1910 Bruxelles’ project caught our eye. A PERFECT HARMONY OF VINTAGE AND MODERN DESIGN One of Yovanovitch’s public works is the ‘Kering’ project in Paris. Kering is an international luxury group that owns luxury brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. Yovanovtich designed the Kering offices in Paris, where authentic materials delivered by the best craftsmen stand next to furniture creations from the 20th and 21st century in an ensemble that preserves a sparkling dialogue. ‘Maison 1910’ in Brussels is a private residence by Yovanovitch. Again, his vintage style is incorporated in this project. The residence dates from 1910 and was built for an aristocratic family. Fifty years later, it was turned into offices. Yovanovitch has turned it into a sophisticated residence for a refined couple. The most striking element is the spiral staircase leading up to three stories and above which a stunning stained-glass skylight flaunts. Yovanovitch exceeds with his use of intriguing materials; oak doors and walnut bookshelves, beautiful fabrics and textured plasterwork of the library fireplace. Each project represents Yovanovitch’s talent and distinctive style, in which he combines vintage and modern design. FAIRYTALE-LIKE FURNITURE Yovanovitch brought his minimalist vintage style together in a collection of furniture, objects and lighting. He created the ‘Oops’ collection for an exhibition with the same name in the R & Company art gallery in New York. The collection was showcased in 2017 – this was his first show in the US – and earlier this year, in June, Yovanovitch showed new additions to the collection in the same gallery. The name might suggest that the pieces are frail or created by accident, but that is definitely not the case. Yovanovitch worked really hard on these pieces. He started designing the collection in 2016, but has actually been working towards it for the last twenty years. The designer has worked with French artisans his whole career, customizing the techniques that underpin his timeless collection of playful pieces. He chose fun names for his designs, because according to him, you shouldn’t be too serious in your job and you should have fun. The cuddly bear-shaped sofas are definitely the eye catchers of the series. The design of the ‘Bear Armchair’ was already a staple in Yovanovitch’s portfolio, but the ursine shape and sheepskin upholstering were added for the show and it was produced in three shapes: ‘Papa Bear’, ‘Mama Bear’ and ‘Baby Bear’. The names remind you of the fairytale of Goldilocks and the designs set the tone for the rest of the collection. The series exists of more imaginative pieces. Yovanovitch designed a
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donut-shaped couch, tables that look like gigantic pebbles and fluffy ‘Monsieur’ and ‘Madame’ dining chairs. Some of his lamps refer to movies. He created the ‘James’ and ‘Marsha’ floor lamps that refer to the fictional president and first lady in the movie Mars Attacks!. And then there is the ‘ET’ lamp, with a spherical head and shroud-shaped base, that of course looks like Steven Spielberg’s alien. Yovanovitch hopes that people discover something meaningful in his designs. It is a very playful and imaginative, but also elegant and refined collection with a vintage look that unites the unexpected, old and new. Imagicasa spoke with him about his passion and his studio. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY? “I believe in intuition and vision rather than a carefully constructed set of principles. Often, I have an almost instant vision of what I
want to achieve and I communicate that to the talented people I work with. They translate it into a carefully constructed design that we then further develop until it meets my vision.” HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? “Even though I try to think afresh for every project, there is clearly a recognizable style I’ve developed. I believe it has to do with balance. There is a boldness to my projects, but I strive to make it an understated boldness and at the same time to always add an unexpected element to destabilize the onlooker a little.” WHAT INSPIRES YOU? “Above all, the strength of a design. I look at many objects, places, houses, whether in real life or in the form of images. Some of what I see, 16 | IMAGICASA
I will use for the drafting and execution, but what inspires me and makes me evolve invariably has strength and boldness. My preferred sources are contemporary art, vintage design and architecture and the opera! I have been a long-time collector and general fan of contemporary art and vintage Scandinavian and American furniture design which I incorporate quite a bit in my interior projects. I also draw inspiration from set design as it’s so innovative. I’m particularly passionate about the opera so I pay quite a bit of attention to the set design each time I go.” YOU ACCOMPLISHED A LOT OF DIFFERENT STYLES OF PROJECTS, FROM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC AND ALSO COLLECTIONS. HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE YOUR PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE IN THESE DIFFERENT PROJECTS? “I start with the building and the people who will live in it. I don’t work in a vacuum. I pay a lot of attention to the building and its surroundings and let my intuition guide me on the needs and desires of its inhabitants.” WHAT DISTINGUISHES PIERRE YOVANOVITCH ARCHITECTURE D’INTÉRIEUR FROM OTHER INTERIOR DESIGNERS? “All of my projects feature custom build pieces that are created specifically with the client and space in mind. In most cases, I work with contemporary artists to create site-specific art pieces, as well. Giving each project a fully custom approach is very important to my practice.”
YOU REALISED SOME PROJECTS IN BELGIUM, WHY DO YOU THINK BELGIANS REACH OUT TO PIERRE YOVANOVITCH ARCHITECTURE D’INTÉRIEUR FOR THEIR HOME? “I’ve loved doing Belgium-based projects. Often my projects come about based on word of mouth recommendations, so once I begin doing projects in a certain region it typically leads to other projects in that area.” WHAT KIND OF MATERIALS, COLOURS AND EYECATCHERS DO YOU LIKE TO USE? “I tend to work with angles and proportions in a space as a means of catching the eye. I also like to play with hints of bold colours throughout a space so as not to overwhelm a room but to add playful colour accents here and there.” WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PROJECT SO FAR? “I don’t recall a project that was not a challenge. Neither my clients nor I are interested in run-of-the-mill projects so if there is a challenge it’s a sign that we are on the right path and being inventive.” IMAGICASA | 17
BALANCE AND UNDERSTATED BOLDNESS WITH AN UNEXPECTED ELEMENT
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Custom made cabinets
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MERKSEM
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INTERIOR
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© MAX KIM-BEE
Text: Eline De Mont
DESIGN EVOLUTION
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© MAX KIM-BEE
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“A truly creative spirit can never be satisfied, the yearning is a constant,” says American furniture and interior designer Thomas Pheasant. This is why after about four decades in the business, he is still working and is continuously looking for new ideas, developments and opportunities. Imagicasa had the privilege to sit down for an interview with the creative spirit and got to know the man and the story behind his designs.
B
orn in Washington D.C., Thomas Pheasant grew up surrounded by the greatest and best examples of classical architecture and design. A school outing to the National Gallery of Art made such a huge impression on a young Pheasant that it has left him with a lifelong connection to architecture. He began his studies at the University of Maryland, but the focus on architecture quickly shifted to interiors, furniture making and decoration. “I soon realized my true fascination with interiors and the ability to create spaces that could connect to people, much the way I connected to the grand buildings of Washington as a child,” explains the designer to us. After all, an interior has to be the extension of the (future) inhabitants. This philosophy resulted in the opportunity to gain experience during his studies at an interior design firm specialized in high-end residential projects. Here, Pheasant was able to complement his theoretical knowledge with practical insight in how to set up contracts, deal with clients and the art of presenting his ideas. This experience was the foundation of what would result in founding his own company in 1980. Aside from his work as an interior designer in 2013, Pheasant also launched his own furniture collection with timeless objects showcasing craftmanship and pure beauty. Imagicasa is thrilled to present these fascinating design to her readers. A CONSTANT EVOLUTION Characteristics such as simplicity, balance and serenity are the common threads in Pheasants work. Something he has also always remained true to is his initial affection for classical design. He sees his career as a journey and a personal evolution in which these classical ideas evolve into his own vocabulary, and is therefore always looking ahead. “All that I do is a result of everything I have experienced over my lifetime.” And for Pheasant, this is the beauty of creating. He also tells us that the designs he produces to-
day could not have happened ten years ago. This way of thinking keeps him excited to continue his journey and embrace the future wholeheartedly and with open arms. “The excitement is in not knowing what is next. I expect that there will never be that final design that satisfies me enough to close the door.” We can only encourage this attitude and are already looking forward to the marvelous future designs by Pheasant because we are sure they will continue to intrigue and inspire us. SOPHISTICATION THROUGH SIMPLICITY One thing is certain: inspiration to
continue, is something the designer himself will always find. Whether this is in travel, art, fashion, people or history, Pheasant is open to these encounters. At the same time, he makes the interesting remark that inspiration and influence are not the same as reproduction. He likes to let experiences settle in to be able to fully understand them so that when they reappear, he can use them to create something even more unique. With this approach, there’s no question of copying. The new creation is something that could have only existed because Pheasant has let the experience be ‘absorbed’, as he puts is. Similarly, when he is influenced by IMAGICASA | 23
others this doesn’t mean a literal reproduction, but rather a way of approaching his environment and the design process. Thomas Pheasant mentions John Russell Pope, the American architect who designed the neoclassical building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, as the first architect who touched him with his work: “[He] initiated my connection to how a space can touch you on a human level.” Also artists like Richard Serra, Ellsworth Kelly and Tony Smith are a great source of inspiration to him. Their way of working with minimalistic forms that evoke sophistication, is similar to his own preference for simplistic furniture that still leaves a powerful impression on anyone who beholds his designs. THOMAS PHEASANT STUDIO: PURE CRAFTSMANSHIP Five years ago, Thomas Pheasant Studio was launched as a collection in which all ideas of this renowned designer come together in a limited series of extremely personal and unique designs. Although he says to have always been comfortable creating collections for other companies and custom-made furniture for clients, he increasingly felt the urge to create beautiful objects without a specific purpose or destination in mind. The studio’s mission is to work only with the best craftsman and to develop products resulting from the pure understanding of these artists’ trade. “It is a way for me to separate myself from the business of design and work in a purely creative manner.” Pheasant also tells us that it is both a dream and a luxury to be in the workrooms of these amazing artists, learn from them and stretch his imagination. Furthermore, this collection is not only inspired by the knowledge and practice of these craftsmen, but also on history and nature. Pheasant explains how these two aspects come together by telling us about a recent trip to Italy, a country where history and traditional techniques are still very much kept alive: “I have spent time in Florence working with a very small workroom whose specialty is working with bronze. They are masters at the techniques of bronze casting and I am taking their artistry into the creation of modern pieces of lighting.” What we see recurring here is Thomas Pheasant’s emphasis on the importance of experience and evolution: “The value of any piece of art is found within the ability of an artist to reveal both where he has been and where he is going.” He gives the example of the ‘Willow’ chandelier that would not have seen the light of day without a very specific experience he had in Paris, where he was inspired by the way the sunlight was 24 | IMAGICASA
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sipping through the hanging branches of a willow tree. This resulted in the idea of creating an organic bronze chandelier made with several hanging crystals resembling the enchanting rays of sunlight. 26 | IMAGICASA
At Imagicasa, we are extremely fascinated by the work of Thomas Pheasant. We certainly hope the designer has many more inspiring experiences ahead of him that in due course will result in equally unique objects.
ALBERTPLEIN 6, 8300 KNOKKE-HEIST 050 61 25 71 — www.christophecolpaert.be
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INTERIOR
Text: Caroline Meeusen
ICONIC FURNITURE FROM THE 50’s
Mid-century modern furniture pieces are permanently finding their way into our interiors. More and more people are opting for an eclectic style, mixing vintage and contemporary furniture based on designs from the fifties. Even if the names Le Corbusier, Jourdain or Eames don’t ring a bell, you’ll probably recognize their iconic furniture designs.
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hat exactly is mid-century modern style? The term ‘mid-century modern’ is not so easy to define. In a broad sense, it describes the architecture, furniture and graphic design from the fifties and sixties. The baby boom and the damage after the Second World War led to an increasing demand for furniture. Designers were inspired by these events and created avant-garde furniture. Sofas and chairs with geometric shapes were very popular and also coffee tables had irregular forms. The designers mainly used materials such as steel, wood and leather. New materials were also invented: instead of filling cushions with horsehair or straw, an inexpensive ductile polyurethane foam was used, which made it easier to produce cushions and furniture on a larger industrial scale. The combination of wood, metal, glass and new materials resulted in striking pieces. 28 | IMAGICASA 1A
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Most of the designs from the fifties were out of fashion by the late sixties, but from the eighties onwards, people got interested again. The pieces are simply well-designed, with a timeless look. The most popular pieces that are finding their way back to us are mainly chairs, sofas and coffee tables. Familiarity also plays an important role in the ongoing popularity. The so-called baby boomers who grew up with the mid-century designs certainly are a distinctive part of the market for the original pieces and reproductions. For this generation, the designs form a direct connection with their youth. These modern pieces of furniture were beautiful and innovative in their time and still look beautiful in a contemporary interior. Nowadays, the price tag is quite serious, but such a timeless piece makes your interior complete. PIONEERS OF MODERN DESIGN Many talented furniture designers were active in the middle of the twentieth century. Here, we discuss some of the most important and influential modern designers, for mainly these names are found in contemporary interiors, galleries and auction houses. Francis Jourdain (1876-1958) French painter, interior designer and furniture maker Francis Jourdain was a pioneer of the Art Nouveau style. He started a small
furniture factory in 1912, Les Ateliers Modernes, followed by the Chez Francis Jourdain furniture shop in 1919. He designed modular furniture for the working class. With his built-in furniture and storage systems, he made small spaces look larger. Jourdain also published many articles on modern art and aesthetics, in which he attacks the ostentatious luxury that was typical of French design at the time. His own designs were rather simple. Le Corbusier (1887-1965) Le Corbusier (10) is one of the biggest names — if not the biggest — in modern architecture. The Swiss-French architect, designer and painter was born as Charles Jeanneret and is sometimes even called ‘the architect of the twentieth century’. Signature to Le Corbusier are furniture pieces of cheap materials, suitable for mass production. He mainly worked with steel and leather, creating designs that are minimalistic, economical and efficient, but also provide a lot of comfort. Le Corbusier labelled chairs as ‘architecture’ and sofas as something ‘civic’. His most iconic designs are the ‘LC2 Grand Confort’ armchair and the ‘LC4 Chaise Longue’. Jean Royère (1902-1981) French designer Jean Royère (8) started making furniture when he was 29 years old. He worked on a much smaller scale than most industrial designers. The rarity of the
pieces is therefore reflected in the price tag. His ‘Ours Polaire’ sofa is undoubtedly one of his best-known designs, but we should not forget his beautiful lighting designs either. For instance, the ‘Pensane’ lamp, which is available as a wall and floor lamp. This lamp can be found at the Phillips auction house, which has offices all over the world. Their expertise is evident in all aspects of their business, from the size and quality of their catalogue, events and exhibitions, to a superior level of individual customer service. You can read more about this designer further on in the magazine. Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) The French designer Charlotte Perriand (6) was a pioneer of Modernism in France. She studied furniture design at the Ecole de L’Union Centrale de Arts Décoratifs and worked with great names such as Le Corbusier and Jean Prouvé. In her creations, Perriand encompasses the fundamental meaning of daily life with new aesthetic values. According to her, modularity, the most important language of modern design, is never strict or aseptic, but always a combination of functionality and aesthetics. One of her most famous designs is the ‘Nuage’ (book) cabinet. This design is an extreme example of free modularity. The bookcases are an interplay of shape and coloured geometry, meeting the different requirements of space and emotion. Absolute intelligent simplicity.
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THE MOST ICONIC SOFA EVER
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The Italian company Cassina specialises in the creation of high-end and designer furniture. They reproduced the ‘Nuage’ pieces for the ‘Cassina I Maestri’ collection. Perriand’s ‘Les Arcs’ chairs with steel and leather were — and still are — very popular. Charles (en Ray) Eames (1907-1978) Charles Eames (4) was one of the most influential designers of the twentieth century. Together with his wife Bernice ‘Ray’ Kaiser Eames (1912-1988) he created modern furniture. This design duo used revolutionary materials in their designs, such as fibreglass, plastic and wire mesh. Their best-known design is the ‘Eames Lounge Chair’. This is perhaps the most iconic sofa ever. The armchair was designed in 1956 and is combined with the ‘Ottoman’ footstool. This was their first design for the high-end market. Therefore, it is no surprise that we often find this design in interiors of luxurious penthouses, lofts and villas. Marcel Gascoin (1907-1986) Marcel Gascoin also played an important role in post-war design. He specialised in modular storage units and matching furniture sets. In 1945, he founded Comera, still existing today as Comera Cuisines. Gascoin was one of the first to create furniture sets, making this his signature design. The furniture sets were mobile, modular, elegant, well-built and ergonomic, in other words: a model of modernity. Naval furniture and nautical design were his greatest inspiration and his designs always followed the practical and functional basic conditions. His best-known designs are the ‘Chaise C’, the ‘Trèfle Stool’ and the iconic ‘LC1’ armchair. Finn Juhl (1912-1989) This Danish designer (5) and modernist pioneer focused on organic and natural shapes in his designs. The potential power of the material was optimally used, just like constructions in nature. His ideas were expressed in daring, flexible designs in which each element merges seamlessly into another. Finn Juhl mainly used teak and other dark woods. In 2001, 32 | IMAGICASA
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his widow Hanne Wilhelm Hansen granted the House of Finn Juhl the exclusive right to reproduce her husband’s furniture designs. Juhl’s ‘48 Chair’ and ‘48 Sofa-Bench’ were launched at the Salone Del Mobile in Milan earlier this year. Reproductions of his designs are still in full swing and very desirable, but the original pieces can also be found in contemporary interiors, though at a slightly higher cost. Hans Wegner (1914-2007) ‘Master of the chair’, that is how this Danish designer was — and is still — called. He didn’t get this name by chance: he had a passion for designing chairs and is known for his perfect seams and refined shapes. Hans Wegner (2) was
wire mesh were very inventive at a time when most of the chairs were made of rigid wood. The chairs are even more beautiful with cushions and provide an industrial touch to your interior. Jean Rispal (1920-1966) Jean Rispal (11) was a French designer who gained fame in the 1950s for his work with lighting in organic shapes. He mainly used teak, braided wire and folded paper. His creations found their way into the history of international design, including one of his best-known designs: the ‘Mante Réligieuse’ lamp. As the name indicates, the design is inspired by a praying mantis. It is seen as one of the most beautiful creations of French lighting in the
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constantly curious about materials and had a deep respect for wood and its natural characteristics. According to the designer, chairs don’t need to have a back, because they should be beautiful from all angles. Wegner created minimalistic designs with an organic and natural softness. One of his most famous pieces is the ‘Wishbone Chair’. Carl Hansen & Son reproduced the ‘CH22’ and ‘CH23’ chairs. Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) “The desire for good design is the same as the desire to live,” Harry Bertoia (3) once said. The Italian-born American was an artist, furniture designer and sound artist. He also focused on jewellery for a while and even created wedding rings for the famous Eames couple that we mentioned earlier. His furniture designs are sensual and sculptural. He designed the famous ‘Bertoia (Diamond) Chair’, an iconic 1952 design with geometric shapes. Bertoia was fascinated by the sculptural forms that metal wires could take on. This design and his other pieces of 34 | IMAGICASA
fifties. Rispal Paris still makes reproductions of these pieces and they are still high in demand. It’s impossible to discuss all the talent from this period here, since there are so many, but some names and designs are still worth mentioning. That definitely goes for Kai Kristiansen (14). This Danish designer is known for his flexible, multifunctional furniture. His fellow-countryman Niels Otto Møller (13) also released a few memorable designs worth mentioning, such as the ‘Model 77’ chair. More notable talents from Scandinavia include furniture designer Frederik A. Kayser (1), who is best known for his chairs, Kurt Østervig with his ‘Gateleg’ table and Sven Ivar Dysthe. The ‘Cube’ chair by the Austrian designer Josef Hoffman (7) is still popular because of its timeless and beautiful design, and also the ‘Barcelona’ chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich is a desirable vintage piece.
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GALLERIES AND AUCTION HOUSES By the mid-1990s, the collector’s market was raising prices of original mid-century designs. Some furniture designs, like the well-known ‘Eames Lounge Chair’, remained in production, but many others temporarily disappeared from the scene. Even the pieces that were still being manufactured were difficult to obtain without an architect or designer. But don’t worry, original pieces are still available today. There are some galleries and auction houses where you can find furniture from the iconic 1950s: Gallery Bouvier Le Ny in Paris is one of them. They sell French furniture from 1945 to 1955 and own some beautiful pieces of big names such as Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Marcel Gascoin and Jean Prouvé. Galerie Downtown in Paris also has furniture like this. Even in Antwerp you’ll find some businesses and galleries selling original pieces and reproductions: at Modest Furniture on the Mechelsesteenweg, you’ll find lighting, decoration, art and furniture from the fifties, sixties and seventies. They specialise in Danish design, and Scandinavian pieces in general. City-furniture on the Britselei offers vintage furniture, lighting and objects in their store and online. You can also get vintage items online. Take a look at pamono.com, 1stdibs.com and phillips.com for instance. Some of the companies that reproduce well-known modern furniture are Cassina, House of Finn Juhl, Carl Hansen & Son and Modern Source. We would definitely want some vintage touches in our interior to really complete it! IMAGICASA | 35 11G
MOGENS KOCH’S ‘MODEL 51’ CHAIR AND ‘MODEL 52’ SOFA BY CARL HANSEN & SON Vintage furniture and iconic pieces from the 1950s are trending again. If you are still looking for a stunning, timeless, mid-century piece, Carl Hansen & Son is the place for you. This furniture company has been producing classic Danish furniture for the last hundred years. They also make pieces by Danish architect and furniture designer Mogens Koch. Koch worked with fellow-countryman and architect Kaare Klint for five years, and he was professor at the Kunstakademiets
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Arkitektskole in Copenhagen from 1950 until 1968. There has always been a special interaction between Koch’s personal life and his furniture designs. None of his pieces came about as an artistic manifest, but each piece came to life as an assignment and was created for a specific goal. Koch is best known for his classic furniture pieces like bookshelves and his ‘Folding’ chair, but his other chairs are also beautiful and timeless. Imagicasa chose two stunning pieces by Koch from the Carl Hansen & Son collection to finish your interior with a vintage eyecatcher: the ‘Model 51’ chair and the ‘Model 52’ sofa.
KOCH DIDN’T LIKE IT WHEN LEGS SEEMED TO COME OUT OF NOWHERE 14G
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© IMAGES: A: MODEST FURNITURE - B: CARL HANSEN & SON - C: MARRIEKKE - D: MIDORI - E: LAFFANOUR GALERIE DOWNTOWN - F: JUST DESIGN CLASSICS - G: DESIGN MARKET
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THE ‘51’ CHAIR AND ‘52’ SOFA The ‘Model 51’ chair, designed in 1936, is part of a small series of upholstered furniture, which also includes the ‘Wing 50’ chair and the ‘Model 52’ sofa. Koch prevented the problem of the transition between the hidden frame and the legs with his innovative and elegant new formula. He didn’t like it when legs seemed to come out of nowhere. The visible wooden frame is typical for the Danish functionalist ideal to separate the supporting parts — the frame of the chair — from the rest. The construction becomes part of the design and shows the attraction of natural materials. The frame is made of solid wood and the back and seating area are furnished with leather. In the same series as the ‘Model 51’ chair and with the same principles, Koch designed the ‘Model 52’ sofa.
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