From Spain Magazine 14 by Mikel Orbe

from spain 14 furniture, textiles, lighting

Lights or art

Valencia review News and projects Company profiles

Inside

Luziferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bright idea to raise money for a charity

2 contents

From Spain 14

contents 03 News

EDITOR’S LETTER

Interiors from Spain, Rojo, Gandia Blasco, Kanpazar and Santa & Cole

Need new text

06 On their mettle

With best wishes

Comprehensive review of this year’s Habitat Valencia Forward fair

10 Tokyo Designers’ Week Spanish designs prove a big draw in Tokyo

11 Simply marvellous

Luzifer lighting project to raise money for Spain’s Make a Wish foundation

12 Hearts and minds Review of 100 % Design show at Earls Court 2

14 Novelties from Spain Examples of the novelties of spanish companies you can find in the USA

16 Projects Marset supplies lighting to Malaga hotel Stua wins big contract in Paris

18 Modern elegance Profile of Viccarbe, which makes super stylish furniture for contract and home Belén Cristino Trade Commissioner of Spain in Miami

20 Work ethic We meet designer Mario Ruiz, who has put gracefulness into office furniture

22 Bright lights The newest and best lights for inside, outside, domestic and contract use

24 Infinite variety Paco Capdell sings in praise of chairs, our most loved piece of furniture

26 Quirky but practical Profile of designer Martín Azúa

28 Light and shade

On the cover: Some of the 21 lamps designed by different artists for Luzifer’s effort to raise money for a charity.

A look at young Barcelona lighting company Bover

30 Fashion sense Rug company DAC designs to impress

The views expressed in From Spain are not necessarily those of the Spanish Embassy nor of the editorial team. The Spanish Embassy Commercial Office accept no responsibility for the views expressed by contributors to From Spain, nor for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, nor for errors in contributed articles or advertisements. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

From Spain 14

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FEATURED PROJECT

FEATURE

JAIME HAYÓN: AVANT-GARDE SOPHISTICATION Refurbishment of Casino de Madrid Restaurant La Terraza del Casino de Madrid presents a spectacular, new avant-garde, modern space. view feature +

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Image gallery:

On their mettle Spain’s contemporary designers demonstrated their creativity, ingenuity and love of colour at this autumn’s Habitat Valencia Forward furniture fair.

DIARY Trade Fairs

Té wool rug from Gandía Blasco

view feature + Events

1/9/08 - 1/12/08 Frankfurt (Germany) HEIMTEXTIL

NEWS AND TRENDS

DESIGNERS

[+] 12/21/07 Furniture

1/12/08 - 1/15/08 Hannover (Germany) DOMOTEX 1/12/08 - 1/15/08 Hannover (Germany) CONTRACTWORLD

Andreu World wins National Design Prize 2007

[+]

José Manuel Ferrero, created his own study of industrial design and interiors, Estudi Hac.

12/13/07 Lighting

Modiss launches Balbina LED Light

1/14/08 - 1/20/08 Cologne (Germany) IMM- The International Furniture Fair in Cologne [+]

Contact / Suggestions

Estudi Hac, hip styling and humour

Andreu World, Premio Nacional de Diseño 2007

Lighthing company Modiss presents Balbina, its new product designed by Alfonso...

SHOWROOMS

+ STUA IN PARIS

12/10/07 Lighting

New showroom for Fambuena

Stua presents its first retail showroom in Paris

12/4/07 Bathroom

BI accessories range from Cosmic

11/28/07 Lighting

Marvellous Luzifer

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

4 news

From Spain 14

news Seeing Red Held in November 2007 at the Geoffrey Drayton furniture showroom in London, Rojo has been, as its name suggested, all about Spanish interior products. Red because it is the favourite color of Nani Marquina, doyenne of contemporary rug design and curator of the exhibition together with the young and avant-garde designer Luis Eslava. On show, a mix of commercial and experimental products from designers such as Jon Gasca, Jaime Hayón or Emiliana Design Studio, just to put an example, and their manufacturers, like Santa & Cole, Vibia, MO, Viccarbe, and many others. Red was celebrated with the aim of exploring, promoting, rejoicing and, of course, enjoying Spanish design. And… London’s edition may not be the only one…

New looks for Gandia Blasco’s NY Showroom Gandía Blasco is, once more, in the news. This time, because of the restyling of its centric showroom in New York. And with it, they have definitely achieved the company’s soul of transporting you to a pleasant and relaxing outdoor paradise in the heart of the city that never sleeps. But not only has it changed looks, it has also grown in size, reaching already 350 sqm, by opening the basement floor where you may well now admire its new textile proposals. We invite you to come and enjoy it at (No) 59thst (at 2nd Av.).

From Spain 14

news

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Santa & Cole awarded with IDEA 2007 prize Santa & Cole has been awarded with the IDEA 2007 Bronze prize in the urban furniture category for its bicycle-rack KEY, designed by Lagranja (Gabriele Schiavon and Gerard SanmartĂ). These awards are delivered each year by the Industrial Design Society of America and are one of the most prestigious in industrial design throughout the world. Santa & Cole, a company with vision and a strong point of view has been editing elements of domestic and urban furniture and lighting, plant elements, as well as books for the past 20 years. In North America, the company`s urban elements are offered by Landscape Forms, while Ameico offers their lighting products. Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

6 valencia review

From Spain 14

On their mettle

Bob chair and footstool by DD by RESOL

Spain’s contemporary designers demonstrated their creativity, ingenuity and love of colour at this autumn’s Habitat Valencia Forward furniture fair

Oyyo chairs by Nico Smeenk for INDECASA. Made from polypropylene with 10 per cent fibre glass

Text: Abby Trow

ESTOLI’S new Fluo finishes in pink, orange and green from its Modular Modules (MM) storage building collection by Rovira and Torrente

Habitat Valencia Forward is the key home showground for Spain’s top designers and it’s an event the international design community cannot afford to miss. This September’s show unveiled an impressive and vibrant range of furniture. Teys, for example, won much applause for its bright red Cosmo loungers designed by Andreu Belenguer. Made from moulded fibreglass, the loungers follow the contours of the human body while also evoking a futuristic racing car...think Ferrari or Lambourghini. Nueva Línea’s Bulego desk with its scissor shaped silhouette is a truly elegant piece, while Stone Designs’ products – the Nenufar ‘water lily’ table, colourful Sunset shelving and Rita Chairwood table and chair – show they are a design team destined to become a household name. Sancal’s Up chaise longue, the Sis lounger from Punt Mobles, Nube chair from Stua and Oyyo chairs from Indecasa were just a few of the other many newcomer products that impressed.

The red fibreglass Cosmo chaise by Andreu Belenguer for TEYS has a certain Formula 1 air about it

From Spain 14

valencia review

Nenufar table by STONE DESIGNS is inspired by water lilies

Rita chair by Ximo Roca for BONESTIL

PUNT MOBLES’ Perec sloping shelving unit – not great for your best china but ideal for books and records

Opil bed from Apal range by AZCUE

Rita Chairwood wooden table chairs with red legs by STONE DESIGNS Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

8 valencia review

From Spain 14

SANCAL’S sumptuous Up modular sofa system by Rafa Garcia use varying density foam to ensure comfort

Sand table with cut-out design by TEYS

Bulego two-rise bureau made from wood and chair from NUEVA LÍNEA

Té wool rug from GANDÍA BLASCO

From Spain 14

valencia review

Eudos sofa system with buttoned upholstery on the seats by GRASSOLER

Victoria rug by NANI MARQUINA

SIS outdoor chaise by Vicente Martínez for PUNT MOBLES. Made from aluminium and fabric mesh

FACT BOX Exhibitors: Spanish companies: 500 (71 per cent) Foreign companies: 200 (28 per cent) Of foreign companies, 37 per cent were from Italy, 17 per cent from Portugal, 8 per cent from France. Other countries represented included Kenya, Norway, Holland, Israel, Denmark, UK and Turkey. The organizers say the fair has helped to improve the mood of companies finding the present economic climate tough. They say professional visitors at HVF, who made up the majority, were of high calibre with real spending power. These people included interior designers, architects and specifiers, with a large number from Russia. Miguel Angel Giménez, chairman of Habitat Valencia Forward, says feedback from visitors and exhibitors has been positive. ‘And we were pleased to note that professionals from Russia and former Soviet republics made up the biggest sector of overseas visitors.’

Aramis sofa from PEROBELL Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

10 tokyo designers’ week

From Spain 14

conversational spanish news 11

From Spain 14

By Yourself shelving system from STONE DESIGNS

Spain Playtime

V light by ARTURO ALVAREZ juxtaposed against black stripes

Maia chair by Patricia Urquiola for KETTAL

Spanish design was a major draw during Tokyo Designers’ Week, demonstrating that the Far East is fast developing an appetite for European contemporary furniture and lighting

Speaking Spanish

Text: Noah Dugall A new slant on the goldfish bowl from ROGER ARQUER Canvas chairs by MARTÍ GUIXÉ

Eire bar stool by Cul de Sac for BONESTIL

Ego mirror by Martí Guixé for B-SIGN

Spending power is strong in the Far East despite these uncertain financial times and European companies are rightly pushing to get into this market. Spanish contemporary design firms are finding that, in particular, Japanese interest in their products is growing as people develop a taste for Western aesthetics. Because of this, Spanish trade organizations have become firm supporters of the annual Tokyo Designers’ Week. This year several events were held within the two main attractions of the week, Shop Exhibition and 100% Design. Under the slogan Spain Playtime: Fresh Air in Spanish Design, an exhibition of some 50 products was held at the Spanish Embassy in Tokyo, with the aim of conveying the fun and colour of Spanish design. Top designers Jaime Hayón and Martí Guixé exhibited their work, while a group of Spanish companies – Amat, B.Lux, Perobell, Akaba and Martínez Otero – exhibited at 100% Design.

Red stripes to showcase Flod stools from Mobles 114 and Campanela lights by Emiliana Design Studio for METALARTE

Noel Hennessy’s showroom played host to Conversational Spanish, an exhibition of modern design held during the London Design Festival Contemporary furniture dealer Noel Hennessy’s West End showroom was transformed into a vortex of colourful stripes during the London Design Festival. The stripification of this normally cream walled emporium was the work of celebrated Spanish designer Héctor Serrano to showcase designs he and his fellow countrymen – Herme Ciscar & Mónica Garcia, Emiliana Design Studio, El Último Grito, Roger Arquer, Ramón Úbeda, Otto Canalda, Azúamoliné and Martí Guixé – have produced over recent years for companies Metalarte, Punt Mobles, B-Sign, Mobles 114, Arturo Alvarez and ABR. Conversational Spanish 2 proved a talking point for the crowds who dropped in as they thronged along the ‘design trail’ – a route that links the modern furniture shops of London. The trail is part of the design festival, which runs in September to coincide with the 100% Design fair at Earls Court.

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

Profile 11

From Spain 14

The lights together could act as a backdrop for a ballet

Simply marvellous Lighting company Luzifer has raised money for a charity. It’s amazing what happens when a group of artists let their imaginations run wild Luzifer found a novel way to raise money for Spain’s Make A Wish Foundation. It gave 21 artists one of its simple wood veneer lamps and asked them to transform theirs into a work of art. The results were utterly charming and proof that, when it comes to art, great minds don’t think alike. The lamps were shown at an exhibition in Valencia called Las Lamparas Maravillosas and were subsequently sold at an auction in October. Artists who took part included: Ximo Amigó, Paula Bonet, Cari Roig, Cuqui Guillén, Antonio de Felipe, Mavi Escamilla, M Granell, Javier Chapa, Xavier Mascaró, Carmen Michavilla, José Morea, Miquel Navarro, Jose Sanleón, Horacio Silva, Joan Verdú, Sebastián Nicolau and Joan Ripollés. Design by Joan Verdú Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

Monochrome design by Xavier Mascaró

Audrey Hepburn by Antonio de Felipe

12 100% design review

From Spain 14

Glass mosaic by ONIX MOSAICO is made from recycled glass

Lulu pendant light by Oriano Favaretto for EVALUZ

Hearts and minds Spanish design impressed the crowds at this year’s 100% Design exhibition held at London’s Earls Court 2 Text: Hari Alexander

Part of the official Spanish design stand

With more than 26,000 visitors, London’s 100% Design has become one of Europe’s most popular contemporary design exhibitions, showcasing products from companies ranging from the global to the one-man band. It’s an excellent vehicle for reinforcing Spain’s credentials as as much a power house of modern design as Italy and Scandinavia and this year seven Spanish companies exhibited. Among them were Martínez Otero, which showed its Pearson Lloyd Horizon storage system for its Mo brand in a host of new colours, and textile company Naturtex, which launched two interesting new products: Tamilux, a wood fibre tatami woven with metallic threads and Canicas, a rug made from colourful wool felted balls. There’s a tendency to think the Italians rule the roost when it comes to glass mosaic, but Onix Mosaico is just one Spanish manufacturer that makes fabulous mosaic tiles. And they’re eco-friendly too, being made from recycled glass.

Mercer table lamp from MARSET Bright new colors in Pearson Lloyd’s Horizon storage collection for MARTÍNEZ OTERO’S Mo brand

100% design review 13

From Spain 14

NATURTEXâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Canicas rug made from colorful balls of felted wool

Stylishly simple new Coma bar stools from ENEA

Inox tiles by APAVISA. Based on the processes of steel manufacture, these special porcelain tiles with particles of metal are available in silver, chrome, copper and gold finishes Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

14 novelties

From Spain 14

Azafran by PEROBELL: THE CONRAN SHOP New York, 407 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022, T: 866 755 9079, www.conranusa.com

Novelties from Spain, always stunning and refreshing

VILAGRASA: MAGNUSON GROUP, 1400 Internationale Parkway Woodridge, Illinois 60517, T: 630 783 8100, custserv@magnusongroup.com, www.magnusongroup.com

Presented in international fairs all over the world, these are some examples of the novelties of spanish companies you can find in the USA

Slim by VIBIA: VIBIA, INC. 272 Fernwood Ave. Edison, NJ 08837. T: 732 417 1700 sales@vibialight.com www.vibialight.com

Neoromantico by SANTA Y COLE. Indoor: AMEICO, 1 Church Street, New Milford, CT 06776, T: 1-860-354-8765, usa@santacole.com. Outdoor: ANDSCAPEFORMS, 431 Lawndale, Kalamazoo, MI 49048, T: 1-800-5212546, specify@landscapeforms.com, www.landscapeforms.com

low res Twister by LUJĂ N Y SICILIA, THE BASIC SOURCE: 655 CARLSON CT. , ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928, T: 800 428 0044, sales@thebasicsource.com, www.basicsourcelighting.com

Naos by ENEA: MAGNUSON GROUP, 1400 Internationale Parkway, Woodridge, Illinois 60517, T 630-783-8100, custserv@magnusongroup.com, www.magnusongroup.com

novelties 15

From Spain 14

low res

Laszlo by FAMBUENA: THE BASIC SOURCE, 655 Carlson, CT., Rohnert Park, CA 94928. T: 800 428 0044, sales@thebasicsource.com, www.basicsourcelighting.com

ARTURO ALVAREZ: THE BASIC SOURCE, 655 Carlson, CT., Rohnert Park, CA 94928. T. 800 428 0044 sales@thebasicsource.com www.basicsourcelighting.com

Biarritz by AMAT-3: Various distributors in the USA. Contact Spain headquarters for more information. AMAT-3 INTERNACIONAL S.A.,Cami Can Bros, 5, 08760 Martorell, Barcelona, Spain T: 011 34 937 755 651, www.amat-3.com, amat@amat-3.com

Wok by ANDREU WORLD: ANDREU WORLD AMERICA 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 10-132, Chicago, IL 60654, T: 312 464 0900, info@andreuworldamerica.com, www.andreuworldamerica.com

Reclinable daybed by GANDIA BLASCO: GANDIA BLASCO USA, INC., 217, East 59th St., New York, NY 10022, T: 212 421 6701, www.gandiablasco.com, info-usa@gandiablasco.com

Antonnio Mir贸 shower by SUPERGRIF: Supergrif USA, INC. 14230 Lochridge Blvd-Unit E, Covington, GA 30014 T: 888-742-5131, usa@supergrif.com, www.supergrif.com

J light by MODISS: IMAGINATIVE CONCEPTS, INC. 15 Old Sherman Turnpike - 06801 Danbury, CT P: 203 791 0348, info@nalights.com, www.nalights.com

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

16 projects

From Spain 14

projects Figueras to the White House Figueras International Seating – a leader in the design and manufacture of public seating – has won the contract to furnish the White House press room. The prestigious contract was won by the company’s Miami-based US arm, which has been successful in pushing Figueras into the American market. Other US companies that have bought from it include Yahoo, Ericsson, Sony, Capital One and Lockheed Martin. The seat selected for the White House press room – from where American presidents have made world-changing statements – is Flame (pictured), designed by Portuguese architect Filipe Oliveira Dias. The seat is finished in beech wood and leather with an aluminium pedestal. The chair also stands out for its acoustic properties, and has special fire retardancy features to meet stringent safety standards. Other major buildings that have Figueras seating include the Khalifa Stadium in Qatar, Gateshead’s The Sage and the Shanghai Museum.

Marset for Malaga hotel Lighting company Marset has provided an array of lights for the Barceló Malaga hotel. The hotel, in one of Spain’s most famous holiday destinations, has a highly contemporary interior, which has been designed by interior designer Jordi Torres, as well as architects Bartolomé Cursach. One of the main innovations in this project is the use of fluorescent light, an RGB system and the Axis spotlight in the meeting rooms and restaurant. This allows the luminaires to change colour, achieving striking effects, (pictured left is the dining room, where different colours have been set to create a theatrical atmosphere.) Other products used are the Ledpipe LED fitting, Axis and Akira lights in the bedrooms.

projects 17

From Spain 14

Stua IN US Stua has supplied a wide range of its seating to the Maison de L’architecture in Paris, the headquarters of France’s professional association of architects. Products chosen include: the Malena armchair for the reception area; the Globus chair and Deneb table and bench for the gardens; the Gas chair for the cafe and the Egoa chair for the offices. The furniture was selected because the interior design team, led by Karine Chartier and Thomas Corbasson, wanted vibrant, modern contract pieces that would demonstrate just how stunning the juxtaposition of the very old and the very new can be. The Maison de L’Architecture, which dates back to 1604, is located in the enclosure of the Recollets, an old convent near the Gare de L’Est in the 10th arrondissement. This historic building had slowly fallen into disrepair and was derelict by the early Nineties. It was then occupied by a group of artist squatters who called themselves Anges and they covered the walls with graffiti art. They were evicted in 1999 and the authorities began to restore the building. The restoration work was completed in 2003 and part of the complex was taken over by the architects’ association. The interior designers wanted to respect the history of the Recollets and so left the stone interior walls bare – which in turn meant leaving in situ the graffiti-style paintings. It is this artwork that contributes to the character of the building.

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

18 viccarbe

From Spain 14

viccarbe 19

From Spain 14

MASS daybeds

Shape stools by JORGE PENSI

Modern elegance A wonderfully pure aesthetic characterises Viccarbe, a company that blurs the boundaries between contract and domestic furniture

HolyDay seats by JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD

Text: Catherine Barritt LEVITT sofa and armchair

Window coat stands by VINCENT VAN DUYSEN

Wrapp chairs by MARC KRUSIN

Viccarbe is a company that describes its clientele as being ‘people who live in the present and think of the future’. And while its furniture is far from space age, it does have a quality that makes you think it won’t look dated 100 years from now. Viccarbe is a new millennium baby – a surprising fact when you consider the reputation it has achieved in just six years. It was launched in 2001 by Victor Carrasco, who, during his final project as part of his industrial design degree, made a case study of ‘the creation of a company’. That student project made him go ahead and do just that. Carrasco wanted from the outset to produce versatile, timeless furniture that could be used both in the home and the workplace. People often lament that residential furniture is nowhere near as interesting or stylish as that designed for the modern office – well, Viccarbe took that on board and addressed the issue by metaphorically tearing down the barrier between the domestic and contract markets. Carrasco has done that by putting design at the heart of the company. Not that Viccarbe functions in an ivory tower. It must make products that

Davos bench by JEFFREY BERNETT

sell and for that reason undertakes extensive consumer research to keep abreast of changing attitudes and so ensure its collections are commercially viable. The company also has its VIABLE projects division, which produces bespoke products for clients including NH and Marriott hotel groups, the retailer Burberry, Madrid’s T4 Barajas Airport and the Reina Sofia museum. It collaborates with architects on these projects, such as Santiago Calatrava, Richard Rogers, Luis Vidal, Dominique Perrault and Vincent Van Duysen. Viccarbe also works with internationally-renowned furniture designers including Patricia Urquiola, Jean-Marie Massaud, Mark Krusin, Arik Levy and Ludovica + Roberto Palomba.

Best selling Leg-In table by FRANCESC RIFÉ

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

18 viccarbe

From Spain 14

viccarbe 19

From Spain 14

MASS daybeds

Shape stools by JORGE PENSI

Modern elegance A wonderfully pure aesthetic characterises Viccarbe, a company that blurs the boundaries between contract and domestic furniture

HolyDay seats by JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD

Text: Catherine Barritt LEVITT sofa and armchair

Window coat stands by VINCENT VAN DUYSEN

Wrapp chairs by MARC KRUSIN

Davos bench by JEFFREY BERNETT

Best selling Leg-In table by FRANCESC RIFÉ

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

20 mario ruiz profile

From Spain 14

mario ruiz profile

Domo telephone for Siemens/Telefónica – COSTA DESIGN

Flat outdoor lounge beds for GANDÍA BLASCO Frame outdoor light fittings for B.LUX. Frame is a device that illuminates the floor and produces crossed light beams

Work ethic

Award-winning So Line speaker for Vieta Pro, work done by Costa Design

Mario Ruiz is one of Spain’s most prolific designers. But it’s his office furniture that has made his name and earned him prestigious awards. Text: Abby Trow

Dis chair for DYNAMOBEL. Lightweight with fluid lines

Part of BO4 office furniture range for BORDONABE

It is often said that no one lies on their death bed wishing they’d spent more time at work. Well, Mario Ruiz might beg to differ. ‘All we really want to do is work. The more, and the more varied, the better,’ he says. And it is the working environment in particular that interests him, as is evident from his comprehensive portfolio of signature office furniture for companies including Dynamobel, Bordonabe, Citterio and Castelli. ‘I don’t feel comfortable if my designs don’t help someone to do their job well. And just like any designer, I always strive for beauty and try to bring something interesting and different to each project,’ he says. Ruiz, 42, is based in Barcelona and his studio has two divisions: Mario Ruiz, which is devoted to furniture and lighting design (contract and domestic) and Costa Design, which he founded in 1995 to specialize in products linked to technology and industry. He switches effortlessly between the two and relishes their respective challenges. ‘The more sectors you embrace, the more you learn and the Mario Ruiz runs COSTA DESIGN and more enriching your experience as a his eponymous Mario Ruiz studio designer. What is most interesting is the variety of perspectives you have to take on.’ And what he learns from a Costa project he will apply to a Mario Ruiz one, hence he may use an industrial material in a domestic product.

Solid collection for ESTOLI. Support products for the bathroom for elderly or disabled people

Panama illuminated products for METALARTE

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

From Spain 14

mario ruiz profile

Domo telephone for Siemens/Telefónica – COSTA DESIGN

Award-winning So Line speaker for Vieta Pro, work done by Costa Design

It is often said that no one lies on their death bed wishing they’d spent more time at work. Well, Mario Ruiz might beg to differ. ‘All we really want to do is work. The more, and the more varied, the better,’ he says. And it is the working environment in particular that interests him, as is evident from his comprehensive portfolio of signature office furniture for companies including Dynamobel, Bordonabe, Citterio and Castelli. ‘I don’t feel comfortable if my designs don’t help someone to do their job well. And just like any designer, I always strive for beauty and try to bring something interesting and different to each project,’ he says. Ruiz, 42, is based in Barcelona and his studio has two divisions: Mario Ruiz, which is devoted to furniture and lighting design (contract and domestic) and Costa Design, which he founded in 1995 to specialize in products linked to technology and industry. He switches effortlessly between the two and relishes their respective challenges. ‘The more sectors you embrace, the more you learn and the more enriching your experience as a designer. What is most interesting is the variety of perspectives you have to take on.’ And what he learns from a Costa project he will apply to a Mario Ruiz one, hence he may use an industrial material in a domestic product. Prizes he has won include the Delta de Plata ADI-FAD and Red Dot awards – the latter three times, with one for the Dis office chair for Dynamobel. A book of his work has published by Actar. Recent projects include the Pausa lamp for Mario Ruiz runs COSTA DESIGN and Blauet and bathroom support products his eponymous Mario Ruiz studio for Estoli.

Solid collection for ESTOLI. Support products for the bathroom for elderly or disabled people

Panama illuminated products for METALARTE

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

22 lighting

From Spain 14

lighting

Aitana suspended light by Gabriel Teixidó for CARPYEN.

Tekno recessed stair lights by Josep Lluscá for BLAUET

Ona undulating wall light with metallic finish from ESTILUZ

Axis white suspended light by MARSET

Bright lights Lighting innovations continue apace at Spanish manufacturers, which are marrying the latest technology with sleek design to produce a new generation of products

Mini Blow table lamp by Claudio Zappone & Giorgio Palermo for ALMERICH – a small version of its majestic Blow parent

Stage directional light from VIBIA

E-Llum standard lamp with glass shade by King & Miranda for INLIGHT!

Ona exterior lights by MILAN ILUMINACÍON Mojón light-seat by Miguel Angel Ciganda for B.LUX. Zinc-finished metal body with polyethylene seat. Requires two 26w fluorescent bulbs

GEA floor light by ARTURO ALVAREZ is made from silicone. In white, black, orange or blue Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

22 lighting

From Spain 14

lighting

Aitana suspended light by Gabriel Teixidó for CARPYEN.

Tekno recessed stair lights by Josep Lluscá for BLAUET

Ona undulating wall light with metallic finish from ESTILUZ

Axis white suspended light by MARSET

Bright lights Lighting innovations continue apace at Spanish manufacturers, which are marrying the latest technology with sleek design to produce a new generation of products

Mini Blow table lamp by Claudio Zappone & Giorgio Palermo for ALMERICH – a small version of its majestic Blow parent

Stage directional light from VIBIA

E-Llum standard lamp with glass shade by King & Miranda for INLIGHT!

Ona exterior lights by MILAN ILUMINACÍON Mojón light-seat by Miguel Angel Ciganda for B.LUX. Zinc-finished metal body with polyethylene seat. Requires two 26w fluorescent bulbs

24 paco capdell profile

From Spain 14

paco capdell profile 25

From Spain 14

Infinite variety Paco Capdell remains as inspired by the chair as it was when it started in business 40 years ago Text: Hari Alexander Bat chair

The hugely successful Regata chair, made from polypropylene

Ask people which item of furniture they like most and the answer tends to be chairs. Ask designers what they never tire of designing and a good many will answer chairs. Look back in history and some of the most iconic pieces of furniture are chairs. Countless books devoted to the chair have been published. Without doubt, our – mostly– four-legged friend is one of the most designed, written and talked about and sought after products. Which explains why Paco Capdel, based in Valencia, continues to be unashamedly one-dimensional in its product line, remaining as excited by the chair as it was when the company launched in 1967. Some of its designs are already modern classics, heading for iconic status. These include the Xuxa chair, designed by Vicente Soto, which recently reached the landmark figure of 150,000 units sold. Paco Capdell’s skill lies in its unerring ability to produce designs that don’t date, that rise above trend and fashion. It works with the best designers, who develop designs through inspiration. Merche Beltrán’s starting point for her Duna chair and stool, for example, was dunes in the desert. The chair has a wooden structure and a gently sculpted form and is smartly casual, ideal for restaurants and bars. Other key products are the Regata, which is made from polypropylene. It has recently been updated to include a version with an upholstered seat. The Kalida easy chair has a metal structure and an upholstered seat and back rest. A surprising feature is an almost complete lack of curved forms. Hit displays sharp lines and has a youthful spirit, while Liberty, a dining chair, again by Vicente Soto, gives a fresh interpretation of minimalism using a combination of chromed steel, wood and upholstery.

Kalida chair. It has a metal structure and upholstered seat and back

Hit chair gives a stylishness to public spaces

Duna high chair by Merche Beltrán

Stool version of Hit Multicolored Señorita chairs with their distinctive triangular shaped legs Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

24 paco capdell profile

From Spain 14

paco capdell profile 25

From Spain 14

Infinite variety Paco Capdell remains as inspired by the chair as it was when it started in business 40 years ago Text: Hari Alexander Bat chair

The hugely successful Regata chair, made from polypropylene

Kalida chair. It has a metal structure and upholstered seat and back

Hit chair gives a stylishness to public spaces

Duna high chair by Merche Beltrán

26 martín azúa

From Spain 14

Quirky but practical Martín Azúa pays attention to the small things in life. After all, the devil is in the detail. Text: Abby Trow

Red Simplex basin with hose and laundry basket stool by Azúamoliné for COSMIC

Martín Azúa is a designer who thinks about the small picture as well as the big. Because daily life is enhanced by having little things that work well. And if they are multifunctional and don’t take up much space, so much the better. Take his picture frame coat hangers. Such a simple idea – a colourful plastic circle that you put over a picture that you can also hang a coat or teatowel over. Or his instant breadbasket that requires only a napkin and two metal rings. And why do medals have to bulky things hanging from a ribbon when a piece of metal you can clip to your jacket will suffice. A look through his portfolio tells you he

Lightweight Flod stools for MOBLES 114

Dolce textured rug for NANI MARQUINA by Azúamoliné

must be a very thoughtful, sensitive, and unusual man. Azúa, 42, studied design and fine arts at Barcelona University, and he continues to live and work in the city. In 2004 he started the design studio Azúamoliné with fellow industrial designer Gerard Moliné. Azúa has won awards for his experimental work and his designs are regularly exhibited in cities around the world, including London, Milan, Vienna and New York. You could give him any object, confident that he’ll improve it. Cooking pans – his version for Faces Kitchenware concertina down into one neat package. His Flod stool for Mobles 114 is so light you can pick it up with one hand. His laundry basket for Cosmic is also a stool. Other companies that have benefited from his approach include the now global shoe brand, Camper, jewellery firm Karatnia and rug manufacturer Nani Marquina. Yes, Azúa is a gem. A definite one-off. We all benefit from his input into daily life.

From Spain 14

martín azúa

Kitchenware and utensils for chef Ferran Adria, commissioned by FACES from Azúamoliné

Clip-on medal - far less cumbersome that hanging something round your neck

Take one napkin and two metal rings and hey presto! a breadbasket. Don’t get it? Just follow the diagrams.

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

28 bover profile

From Spain 14

Flexo by Joana Bover

Light and shade Bover produces timeless lighting made to exacting standards Text: Jo Mead

Peana 02 table light by Carlos Riart

Despite being just over a decade old, Barcelona-based Bover is firmly established as one of the leading names in high quality contemporary lighting. The company was set up in 1996 by Joana Bover who wanted to make beautiful, timeless products that combined innovative design and cutting edge manufacturing processes. - and she’s been successful in staying true to her founding principles. Bover’s design team is led by creative director Joana Bover. The company produces a wide range of products for the contract and residential markets and all of its manufacturing is done in Barcelona. It exhibits at the major European trade fairs – Habitat Valencia Forward, Construmat in Barcelona, at Frankfurt and Milan – and it now exports to some 60 countries. Indeed, 45 per cent of its sales are made overseas. Other key members of the design team are: Christophe Mathieu: designer of the Silantra collection, which won a Design Plus award at Frankfurt’s Light and Build exhibition last year. Mathieu has worked extensively for Bover, which welcomes his fresh approach. His Rolanda lamp is another a great success, standing out as a tribute to the 1957 Coderch lamp, considered a Spanish design classic. Rubén Saldaña: he will be presenting shortly his Eos luminaire, an outdoor fitting made from silicone. Carlos Riart: responsible for the Peana table/light, a versatile luminaire that doubles up as a piece of furniture. The Peana Fonda Europa version has been designed specifically for the Fonda Parellada hotel group. Lluís Porqueras: a top name who has designed for Bover since ‘03.

bover profile

From Spain 14

Mei 90 pendant by Joana Bover

Mei oval table lamp by Joana Bover Rolanda pendant by Christophe Mathieu

Spock desk lights by Christophe Mathieu

Silantra collection by Christophe Mathieu

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

30 dac profile

From Spain 14

Fashion sense DAC is a rug company dedicated to producing idiosyncratic designs for modern urban interiors Text: Noah Dugall

Bouquet of Roses by Jordi Labanda

Modern rugs, while increasingly thick on the ground, so to speak, are often disappointing. Overly busy designs, in garish colours, they can prove hard to live with. The companies that produce them also often fail to think about their end users and the types of homes they have. DAC is a company that when it launched three years ago, addressed these issues. Founders Ignacio Curt and Alfredo MuiĂąos had previously worked for rug company Basarabian and spotted a niche in the market for carpets that would fit into metropolitan homes, particularly loft style apartments that have a lot of open, monotonous floorspace.

Rabbit rug by David DelfĂn

Manton de Manila floral design by Victorio & Lucchino

30 dac profile

From Spain 14

dac profile

Fashion sense DAC is a rug company dedicated to producing idiosyncratic designs for modern urban interiors

Jordi Labanda’s striking Damasco rug in black and ecru New Zealand wool. Hand-tufted and hand-knotted.

Text: Noah Dugall

Bouquet of Roses by Jordi Labanda

Modern rugs, while increasingly thick on the ground, so to speak, are often disappointing. Overly busy designs, in garish colours, they can prove hard to live with. The companies that produce them also often fail to think about their end users and the types of homes they have. DAC is a company that when it launched three years ago, addressed these issues. Founders Ignacio Curt and Alfredo Muiños had previously worked for rug company Basarabian and spotted a niche in the market for carpets that would fit into metropolitan homes, particularly loft style apartments that have a lot of open, monotonous floorspace.

Rabbit rug by David Delfín

Manton de Manila floral design by Victorio & Lucchino

Stamp rugs by David Delfín

So in 2004 they decided to open their own business in Barcelona, with the objective of offering distinctive designs made from the highest quality fibres, both natural and man-made. To achieve their goal, Curt and Muiños worked from the outset with top designers. They have two brands: BSB, a range of rugs by international designers, and DAC, which manufactures rugs designed only by Spanish fashion designers and interior designers. These include well-known names such as Ailanto, David Delfín, Jordi Labanda, Jaime Beristain and Victorio & Lucchino. Labanda has created the Damasco rug for the coming season. Precisely drawn faces of women are his inspiration and he has created a piece that features women’s profiles, some with headscarves and sunglasses to give the effect of a life of ease on a sunny riviera. In his trademark black and ecru or black and green, the rug is made-to-measure from New Zealand wool. In addition to commissioning striking design, DAC offers customers a bespoke service that includes advice on the care and conservation of rugs.

Elipse by Ailanto

Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

contacts NOTE: Please be advised that the majority of products featured in the magazine are available in US. If you are interested in purchasing them, please contact directly the manufacturers listed below or the Spanish Trade Commission in New York.

EVALUZ

MODISS

www.evaluz.com

www.modiss.com

www.andreuworld.com

ARTURO ALVAREZ

A ANDREU WORLD

FAMBUENA

NANI MARQUINA

www.arturo-alvarez.com

www.fambuena.com

www.nanimarquina.com

ALMERICH

FIGUERAS

NATURTEX

www.almerich.com

www.figueras.com

www.naturtex.es

APAVISA

FACES

NUEVA LÍNEA

www.apavisa.com

www.facesdesign.com

www.nuevalinea.es

AZCUE

GANDÍA BLASCO

ONIX MOSAICO

www.gandiablasco.com

www.onixmosaico.com

GERARD MOLINÉ

www.azcue.com

B B-SIGN www.b-sign.es

www.gerardmoline.com

BD EDICIONES DE DISEÑO

GRASSOLER

www.bdbarcelona.com

www.grassoler.com

BLAUET

www.blauet.com

B.LUX

Definir qué imagen va

www.grupoblux.com

www.perobell.com

PUNT MOBLES www.puntmobles.com

INLIGHT

www.bonestil.es

BOVER

PEROBELL

www.indecasa.com www.inlight.es

www.bordonabe.com

www.pacocapdell.com

INDECASA

BONESTIL BORDONABE

PACO CAPDELL

KETTAL www.kettal.com

ROGER ARQUER www.rogerarquer.com

S SANCAL

www.bover.es

LUZIFER

SELLEX

wwwluziferlamps.com

www.sellex.es

www.carpyen.com

STUA

COSMIC

MARIO RUIZ

CARPYEN

www.icosmic.com

www.marioruiz.es

MARSET

DAC www.alfombrasdac.com

DD BY RESOL www.by-dd.com

DYNAMOBEL www.dynamobel.com

E ENEA www.eneacontract.com

ESTILUZ www.estiluz.com

ESTOLI

www.sancal.com

www.stua.com

STONE DESIGNS www.stone-dsgns.com

www.marset.com

MARTÍN AZÚA

TEMAS V

www.martinazua.com

www.temasv.com

MARTÍNEZ OTERO

TEYS

www.mozoo.es

www.teys.com

METALARTE

TROLL

www.metalarte.com

www.troll.es

MILÁN ILUMINACIÓN

www.milan-iluminacion.com

MMSIE7E www.mmsiete.com

MOBLES 114

VIBIA www.vibia.es

VICCARBE www.viccarbe.com

www.mobles114.com

www.estoli.com

Someone you know wants to find out more about Design From Spain? It's easy. You may get this newsletter simply by contacting the Trade Commission of Spain in New York, attention Habitat Department, at newyork@mcx.es and requesting your free copy!!

from spain 13 furniture, textiles, lighting

Recline in style A taste of Valencia

Valencia review Fabrics special Company profiles

Inside

Trade enquires to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es