From Spain Magazine 18

from spain 18 furniture, textiles, lighting

The power

to surprise

Inside: Valencia review Tokyo Designers Week Company profiles

Inside

25 years later, Stua continues to challenge convention

2 contents

From Spain 18

contents 5

03 News Stua, Porcelanosa, Apartamento, Gandia Blasco, Lladró, Best of the year Awards

8 New products in the US Find the latest

10 Habitat Valencia Review of September’s furniture, lighting and textiles fair

13 100% Design Spanish companies impressed visitors to 100% Design in London

14 Lighting Event

10

Luis Eslava curated a great exhibition of lighting at Kettal’s London showroom

16 Spain Emotion Tokyo Designers Week enjoyed a strong Spanish presence

18 Orgatec

EDITOR’S LETTER It’s hard to know what position to take on the future of the design industry, given the perilous state the global financial system is in. Undoubtedly those companies dependent on access to credit will be feeling the pinch, and that may well result in them having to cut R&D budgets and put aside new product launches for the time being.

But what we at Spanish are very positive about, from a design and innovation point of view, is the strength of Spain’s contemporary design industry. Products at the Fall’08 Habitat Valencia exhibition, for example, offered distinctive designs that showed the firms’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Spanish design kept busy on the international circuit this fall, participating in the 100% Design fair in London, Tokyo Designers Week and Orgatec in Cologne. Visitors at those events saw lighting, furniture and Accessories displayed in beautifully designed sets. We review them in this issue,along with Kettal’s lighting exhibition by Luis Eslava held at their new London showroom.

Also we profile the young design studio Yonoh and their more experienced counterpart CuldeSac;and company profiles on Joquer and Figueras. In our projects section, we review ExpoZaragoza,take a look at the new environmentally-friendly park in Barcelona illuminated by Troll; and visit two restaurants in San Francisco with seating by Stua.

We’re back in the New Year, With best wishes

Review of Orgatec, the office furniture fair held in Cologne

20 Projects Aspen tavern, Expozaragoza, United Nations, Barcelona Park

24 Company Profile: Figueras Profile of Figureras, a global player in public venue seating

Profile of Barcelona furniture company Joquer, which turned 25 this year

16 from spain 18

28 Company Profile: CuldeSac CuldeSac is one of the most exciting multidisciplinary design practices at work

furniture, textiles, lighting

30 Design Profile: Yonoh Meet Clara del Portillo and Alex Selma of design practice Yonoh

The power

to surprise

27

25 years later, Stua continues to challenge convention

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.

Inside: Valencia review Tokyo Designers Week Company profiles

Inside

26 Company Profile: Joquer

Belén Cristino Trade Commissioner of Spain in Miami

Cover: Nube chairs for Stua by Jesús and Jon Gasca.

From Spain 18

news

news Nube by Jesús Gasca and Jon Gasca for Stua

Last 20th of November Design Within Reach Studio of L.A. hosted an event to celebrate STUA’s 25th anniversary and the launch of the Nube armchair. Jon Gasca, art director of Stua presented the new chair, seen for the first time on the West Coast.

Stua was founded by designer Jesús Gasca in 1983 and since then the company has always striven to inject into

Stua in LA its products a fresh approach grounded in a spirit of classic modern design.

25 yeras after, Stua continues to challenge convention.

In its latest design, the Nube armchair, right angles combine with sensuous curves. With contrasting colors and an exposed, chromed steel frame, this startlingly simple and architectural structure can be viewed from any angle.

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

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4 news

From Spain 18

news New Porcelanosa showroom in NYC On November 6th, 2008, Porcelanosa, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of fine porcelain tile, bathroom and kitchen furnishings, bathing systems and accessories, hosted a cocktail reception to celebrate the opening of their new showroom, located in the New York Design Center Building.

For this opening, Porcelanosa partnered, with Fagor, a leading innovator in energy efficient home appliances. The space featured a kitchen installation of Fagor’s bold Black Art refrigerator and innovative Side-Opening Convection Ovens, surrounded by the most innovating Porcelanosa’s products: looking tiles, metallic finishes tiles, wallpaper finishes tiles and glass looking tiles

Gandia Blasco in Art Basel Miami With outdoor furniture company Gandia Blasco at the helm, Spanish design played a lead role Art Basel Miami Beach.

The contemporary art show, organized by Surface Magazine and the Guggenheim Museum, took place at the Hotel Gansevoort from December 4 to 7.

In addition to the Gandia Blasco furniture that always adorns the Gansevoort´s rooftop terrace, a special lounge area was installed on the roof, where VIP´s could relax during the course of the show. On Saturday evening, the rooftop terrace was decorated with flotting sculptures that Surface Magazine commissioned from renowned designers Yves Behar, Dror Benhetrit, Winka Dubbeldam, Juepgen Mayer and Junior. The corian pieces were created especially for Amphibious Design: Sculpture for Land & Water, an installation set up to celebrate the last night of the Art Basel Miami show. The sculptures were auctioned off during the closing night party, with proceeds to benefit the Guggenheim Museum.

From Spain 18

news

Lladró and Jaime Hayón Present “The Fantasy Collection” in New York On November 19th 2008 in New York, Lladró, the decorative porcelain company, and renowned designer Jaime Hayón presented, The Fantasy, one of the most magical and surprising Lladró collections.

The company is continuing to update its product line to appeal to younger, more adventurous audiences with further collaborations with Jaime Hayón, Spain’s boy wonder of contemporary design with a surreal edge.

As you can see from the pieces shown, the collection is designed to elicit strong reactions-and would certainly make any conventional china dogs on granny’s mantelpiece cower in terror. Lladró says The Fantasy Collection demonstrates the “perfect fusion of the brand´s artistic quality and the magic of the unexpected that Hayón injects into his work”. In fact, the original pieces created by Jaime Hayón are a colorful and fantasy-oriented

reinterpretation of the company’s classic themes.

Inspired by themes like love, family, childhood, and the magic of the circus, these creations are, for Hayón, a “positive contamination (adulteration)” from his world to that of Lladró.

The shared drive to innovate has encouraged Lladró and Jaime Hayón to further strengthen a relationship which began in 2005 and was reinforced with his appointment as the brand´s artistic adviser.

With the presentation of The Fantasy Collection in New York, Lladró intends to have a new surge in the United States.

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

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6 news

From Spain 18

news Apartamento, new interior design mag

On November 29, the U.S. launch of Spanish interiors magazine Apartamento was celebrated at a party at Matter, the furniture store in SoHo, New York.

Barcelona-based Apartamento is a recently created biannual publication. The New York Times called it “the interiors magazine post-materialists have been waiting for”. In fact, Apartamento is very different in style from catalogues. According to founders Albert Folch and Omar Sosa, it is

more “a publication of ideas about design, based upon lifestyles It relates informal scenes of the living spaces of real people; and the interviews focus more on personal experiences.

Because of the anticipation surrounding the arrival of the second issue of Apartamento in the United States, the launch party drew a large crowd of a variety of design professionals. This issue keeps the same spirit as the first one and expects to be at least as successful.

From Spain 18

news

7

Three finalists in Interior Design awards Interior Design Magazine’s Best of the Year Awards is a prestigious annual competition recognizing the best products and projects in over 50 categories.

Interior Design Magazine covers the latest interior design trends, ideas, contemporary architecture and design news.

During the month of October 2008, designers and architects voted online for the best products to compete in the Best of the Year Awards. The magazine and a select group of designers will choose the winners from among the finalists.

Three Spanish companies are were finalists this year in Best of Year Designer’s Choice: Graviti Zone Rugs with its carpet Grass by Mariví Varades, Fagor with their side-opening ovens and Amat with its chair Miralook by Javier

Mariscal.

Graviti Zone Rugs was chosen as finalist in the Carpets category, which this year saw 30 contestants including another Spanish carpet, Victoria, by Nani Marquina. The company was created in the beginning of 2008 by Spaniard Monica Ibáñez, and in May was introduced at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York. Since then, the business has been growing in the United States and Europe.

Fagor America, a leading manufacturer of appliances, submitted their innovative side-opening convection ovens that were chosen in the Kitchen Appliances & Cabinetry category from among a group of prominent brands in the appliance and kitchen cabinetry marketplace.

Amat presented in the Seating/Contract/Guest category, Miralook, the first armchair by Javier Mariscal for this company that designs, manufactures and markets furniture for facilities and collective areas.

The 2008 winners were announced at the awards ceremony on December 4, which took place at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and was attended by industry personalities and the finalists in each category.

Grass by Mariví Varades for Graviti Zone Rugs

Side Opening Oven by Fagor

Miralook by Javier Mariscal for Amat Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

8 new products

From Spain 18

New products in the US

Dojo for Metalarte, www.metalarte.com Hinson Lighting, 718.482.1100 (x 312), aburchak@hinsonandcompany.com

Infiore T-5805 for Estiluz, www.estiluz.com Estiluz, Inc USA, +1 (201) 641 1997, estiluzinc@estiluz.com

Dr. Moreau for Uno Design, www.uno-design.com Silver Associates, 914-285-0200, patty@silverassociatesny.com

Plis for Vibia Inc, www.vibialight.com Vibia inc, 732 417 1700, miquel.colet@vibialight.com

IZ for Samoa Design, www.samoadesign.com Jane Hamley Wells, 773-227-4988, info@janehamleywells.com

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new products

Atmosphere for Kettal, www.kettal.com Grupo Kettal North America, 786-552-9002, info@grupokettal.com

Ados for Hurtado, www.hurtadomuebles.com Hurtado USA, Inc., 336-885-6660, hurtado@hurtadofurniture.com

Doppia T-2557 for Estiluz, www.estiluz.com Estiluz, Inc USA, +1 (201) 641 1997, estiluzinc@estiluz.com

Quadrum for Difasa, www.difasa.net Difasa USA, Inc., (786) 303-8459, parus@difasa.net Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

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10 valencia review

From Spain 18

Full of surprises Habitat Valencia 2008 saw the unveiling of wonderfully creative, exuberant new products

Valeria chair by Estudio Andreu for Andreu World

Rossana pendant lamp by Alfonso Fontal for Modiss. It has an inner diffuser made from ribbed sanded-blasted Venetian glass and an outer shade made from lace

Air chairs by Ebualá for Expormim, for interior and exterior use

Eclipse bed by Jorge Pensi for Punt Mobles. Headboard has integral LED lighting. Bed has a wooden frame with metal legs and a metal inner structure

Hawai lamps by Jorge Vega for Almerich

Black and white Dunes rug by Yolanda López-Araquistain for La Alpujarreña

valencia review 11

From Spain 18

Books by Jose Gandía for Gandía Blasco

Self lights by Luis Eslava for Almerich. Lights are made from copper tubing and are available in five colors

Black Widow lamp in new colors, by Herme Ciscar & Mónica García for Lampister.

The lamp is made out of 5,000 paperclips and crystal drops

Lif by Iban Ramon for Gandía Blasco

Caos table by Miguel Herranz for Manufacturas Celda

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

12 valencia review

From Spain 18

Anfora pendant by Miguel Herranz for LZF

Gandia Blasco’s Ensombra parasol by Odosdesign was unveiled in new bold colors Global Warming by Nel Colectivo for Nani Marquina

Garabatos circular rug by fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada for AB21

Adiantino chairs and rockers by Ximo Rocahe designed for Teys.

Red Lineal sofa by Rafa GarcĂ­a for Sancal. Cushions on the back rest are part of the structure

100% design 13

From Spain 18

100% design

Waterdrop installation by Héctor Serrano Studio for Roca

A group of 12 Spanish companies exhibited at this year’s 100% Design fair, where they impressed the crowds with their wide range of stylish designs.

Umbrella floor lamp

by Wis Design for Leds-C4

The stand from Roca, the bathroom company, proved to be a huge draw with its mesmerizing Waterdrop installation by Héctor Serrano Studio.

Created as a tribute to the beauty of water, it invites people to enjoy and explore water but without using so much as a drop. The high-tech installation brought to mind the ripples formed by a bed of water falling into a pool.

Yo Yo table light from Estudio Almerich

Chair from Vondom’s Jut collection. Vondom manufactures outdoor furniture, lighting and planters

Amanita outdoor light by Joan Verdugo for Marset Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

14 spanish light

From Spain 18

See the lights An installation of Spanish lighting impressed visitors during the London Design Festival

Guau Light by El último Grito for Arturo Alvarez

Everyday light

by JBA Design for Leds-C4

Discocó by Christophe Mathieu for Marset

Designer Luis Eslava was in London for the London Design Festival to curate an extravagant installation of modern lighting at the new Kettal showroom in Chelsea.

Spanish Light featured the best in contemporary lighting – including some of Eslava’s own pieces – with commercial and experimental designs by an illustrious group of his fellow countrymen. The show featured products by Martí Guixé, Herme Ciscar & Mónica Garcia, Wis Design, Burkhard Dämmer, Bang Design, Ray Power, Christophe Mathieu, El último Grito, Jonathan Daifuku, JBA Design, Jon Santacoloma, Antonio Minervini, Alfonso Fontal, Martin Azúa and Admir Jukanovic. Products were supplied by diverse manufacturers including LZF, Marset, Lampister, noonbarcelona, Leds-C4, Modiss, Fambuena, Metalarte, Carpyen, B-Lux, Arturo Alvarez and luján+sicilia.

Eslava, 32, let his imagination run wild, indulging his humor by creating a path of light made from strips of coconut fibre. Winding its way from floor to ceiling in a series of elaborate loops that stretched right across the three-torey showroom, the installation played on the theme of continuity and allowed people to walk among the products. Spanish Light was sponsored by ICEX, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade.

From left: Kanpazar by Joan Santacoloma for B Lux; Lua by Martin Azúa for Arturo Alvarez;Lite Cube by Jonathan Daifuku for Carpyen

spanish light 15

From Spain 18

Book lamp by Marti Guixé for luján+sicilia

Grace lamp by Antonio Minervini for Fambuena

Coco lamp by Luis Eslava for ABR

Lesslamp by Jordi Canudas for Metalarte

Link light by Ray Power for LZF Face to Face Velcro light by Luis Eslava for Almerich

16 tokyo design week

Spain emotion tokyo designers week 2008

Spanish design took center stage during Tokyo Designers Week with a stimulating exhibition

by Héctor Serrano Studio The Spain Emotion exhibition – held in the Spanish Embassy as part of Tokyo Designers Week – was designedby Héctor Serrano Studio to surprise, seduce and entertain.

Serrano displayed the imaculate white products inside hexagonal-shape modules. The use of light created a scenographic and changing atmosphere which reflected the originality and energy of spanish design.

The show featured some 50 products from companies including ABR, Vibia, Samoa, Amat, Ofita, Almerich, Stua, Tagar, Gandía Blasco, Roca and RS. Seminars included ‘Offices shaped by Spanish Sunlight’ with designer Mario Ruiz and an exhibition, Hotel Room 00, by Martí Guixé.

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tokyo design week 17

From Spain 18

Tree Series light

by Werner Aisslinger for DAB

Con-o-vela by Causas Externas for The Original Chá Chá

Mimosa chair by Ofita

Gracia stools by Massana, Tremoleda & E Juanola for Mobles 114

Break light by Xuciá & Alemany for Vibia Centre

V lamp by Hector Sérrano Studio for Arturo Alvarez

On the Road bench

by Stone Designs for RS

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

Janet by Ramón Úbeda and Otto Canalda for BD

18 orgatec

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Office politics Thirty Spanish companies exhibited at Orgatec in Cologne at the end of October.

Here are some of the highlights.

Tram by Joan Gaspar for Vilagrasa

Bloc by Gabriel Teixidó for Vilagrasa

Plek by Alegre Industrial for Actiu

TNKID by Alegre Industrial for Actiu

Únita by Estudio Lamela for Imasoto

orgatec 19

From Spain 18

Seza by Ron Arad for Amat

Hanka System by Estudi Blanc for Sellex

Touch by Lluscรก Design for Forma5

Cappa by Josep Lluscรก for Forma5

O banca, Iris Collection for Ofitres

Nova by Mario Ruiz for Dynamobel

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

M3 for Novoforma

20 projects

From Spain 18

projects Fambuena warms up Aspen Situated at the base of Aspen Mountain, the Ajax Tavern at the Little Nell Hotel just underwent an extensive renovation that brings the space into present day, while retaining the traditional tavern feel. The project fell onto the shoulders of Aspen`s Rowland + Broughton Architecture and Urban Design, led by principles Sarah Broughton and John Rowland, along with designer and project manager Jason Goldberg.

Lighting company Fambuena’s Dress pendants, are the signature pieces in a design in whcih red is the predominate color-way, accented by deep brown wood finishes.

The space is enriched with leather upholstery, refurbished millwork and reclaimed oak floors, and is punctuated by a series of pendants sporting drum shades hand-wrapped in red ribbon. The interior design reflects a classic tavern aesthetic with a modern sensible feel, transcending time and design trends.

PHOTOS BY ŠBRENTMOSS.COM

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projects

ExpoZaragoza: focus on sustainable development Many thousands of people from around the world visited the ExpoZaragoza 2008 international exhibition, held between June and September in the northern Spanish city of Zaragoza. The project focused on water and sustainable development.

The striking Spanish Pavillion was designed by architect Patxi Mangado. He clad outfitted the building in with 750 ceramic pillars, which made it look as if it were surrounded by trees. The pillars, which were manufactured by Ceramica Decorativa, were themselves covered in a staggering 25,000 pieces of ceramic pieces in natural yellow, red and ochre tones.

Products used in and outside the Pavillion included signage and waste baskets from VilagrasaSignage and waste baskets from Vilagrasa were used in and outside the Pavillion, while Punt Mobles won the contract to supplysupplied its SIS tables and benches for the restaurant terraces, offering dining space for 5,560 people. The furniture was designed by Vicent MartĂ­nez and manufactured from extruded aluminium profiles with Keraon ceramic tops from tile manufacturer Tau. This combination of materials makes the furniture impervious to wear and tear theyby meeting the criteria for sustainability and so met the sustainability criteria due to its durability and recyclability. Akaba supplied seating for the Pavillion, including its E-motive and Gorka T chairs, while B.Lux supplied its Tubular, its outdoor illumination system.

Restaurant terraces featured SIS tables and chairs by Punt Mobles

Akaba supplied seating for the Pavillion

B.Lux supplied 300 meterres of its Tubular outdoor lighting system

Signage and waste baskets came from Vilagrasa

The Spanish Pavillion

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

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22 projects

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projects

Spanish design at United Nations

Nani Marquina and Miquel Barceló

Nanimarquina and Figueras Seating have participated in the renovation of the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room at the UN (United Nations Organization) in Geneva.

Almost 2,150 square feet of nanimarquina rugs cover the walls of the room that lies beneath Spanish artist Miquel Barceló’s gigantic dome. The dome emulates an underwater cave, and the design of the rugs plays with volume to emulate drops falling from the stalactites of the dome. To achieve maximum quality, the 76 hand knotted carpets were made in India.

The room has also been outfitted with 758 Figueras chairs and technical tables. The model selected to furnish the room was the Bonamusa chair, with pastel-coloured natural leather finish to set off the already extraordinary dome. Seat finishes were customized and chairs were modified to adapt them to the concave floor surface. The design of the technical tables is completely original and takes into account strict safety and environmental codes, as well as the need to house the latest audiovisual systems.

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Troll illuminates Barcelona’s new environmentally-friendly park Celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel has worked with lighting company Troll to create a beautiful new environmentally-friendly park in Barcelona.

Nouvel designed the 13.5 acre Parc Central de Poblenou and he put sustainability at the core of his plans. The park uses special irrigation systems that require only limited amounts of water and plants that will create their own microclimate – for example, it has been planted with 1,000 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 5,000 cacti.

But while most parks close at night after dark, this one comes to life at night thanks to advanced low energy lighting that has beenwas installed to create a play of light and shade and achieve a magical atmosphere. Nouvel designed the Riddle light – a perforated metal sphere – for Troll and this has been placed throughout the park, both on the

ground and suspended from overhead arms.

Light filters out hrough the holes, emitting a soft glow, while light pollution is kept to a minimum.

The other model used is Troll’s Unipod (pictured centerre, far right), which again reduces pollution by emitting light horizontally.

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

24 company profile

From Spain 18

Sensó seat

Comfortably ahead Figueras is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of public seating. And it’s arguably the best Visit prestigious public venues around the world and chances are their seating will have come from Figueras. Figueras International Seating is a truly global company and since it was founded 75 years ago, it has installed around eight million seats in buildings ranging from theatres and corporate headquarters to sports stadia and cinemas.

The company’s success is due to its on-going commitment to innovation and engineering.

Auditorium seats, for example, need to fold up and down silently, should be as space-saving as possible, must be immensely hardwearing – and must be comfortable because people won’t return to a venue that gives them back ache. Figueras has its own engineering and consulting

department (FEC) which develops engineering solutions for each project. It has won countless awards for its work, such as the International Delta de Plata award for industrial design.

Figueras works with outside designers and is delighted that Francesc Rifé has become a consultant to its design centerre. He will be concentrating on developing new products and will also advise on the the company’s own visual identity.

Over recent years, Figueras seats have been installed in a wide variety of buildings such as the The White House, the Lasalle College of Arts in Singapore, the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Barcelona International Airport, the Yahoo! Center in Santa Monica and the IMAX cinema in London.

Mauro bench seat

by Marta Vilallonga

Bonamusa chair by Antonio Bonamusa

Sensó seat by Marta Vilallonga of Ricardo Bofill architects

Flame by Felipe Oliveira Dias

26 company profile

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Creative high

From modular seating by Francesc Rifé

Joquer believes furniture should have personality and stand out from the crowd. But it must also be comfortable, functional and beautiful

Oslo by Jordi Busquets

Nineteen-eighty-three was clearly an auspicious year for starting a contemporary furniture company in Spain. For Joquer – as with fellow class of ‘83-ers Stua and Nueva Línea – has become a hugely successful brand, with its new collections eagerly awaited by design aficionados around the world.

Joquer, based at Viladecans near Barcelona, was set up by a group of designers who wanted to create products that were modern but also had a Mediterranean energy. Since its inception, the company’s driving force has been to search for, and achieve, ‘harmony between discipline, creativity, quality and elegance’ and so offer products ‘that are objects of desire’.

Joquer, which exhibited for the first time this year at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, likes to work with outside designers. It has built up strong relationships in particular with Mario Ruiz, Francesc Rifé and Ramón Esteve and this trio of super-designers have launched innovative new products for 2008. Rifé’s Mural sofa, for example, has a simple rectilinear shaped frame that is lent a softness by a huge pile of different-sized cushions. Joquer unveiled the lightweight Deck sofa by Mario Ruiz at this year’s Milan furniture fair, as well as the ADN design from Ramón Esteve. Other designers who collaborate with Joquer include Gabriel Teixidó, Carlos Riart and Ingo Krapf.

Joquer manufactures chairs, sofas and beds and as well as its main lines, also offers its B for Basics catalogue. It is expanding its bed line and is presently working on a new collection of upholstered beds.

It also undertakes major projects in Spain and overseas. It supplied furniture for the Hotel Palacio de los Patos in Madrid, part of the Hospes group, as well as Hospes’ Villa Paulita boutique hotel in the Pyrenees.

Joquer is distributed in the US by Jane Hamley Wells.

company profile 27

From Spain 18

Para Collection by Ram贸n Esteve

Colorful trio of Par chairs by Ram贸n Esteve

The Modo sofa by Ram贸n Esteve

From system in monochrome by Francesc Rif茅 Trade enquiries to Trade Commission of Spain in New York: ph 212.661.4959 fax 212.972.2494 e-mail: newyork@mcx.es

28 company profile

From Spain 18

Left: Interior design for Roca showroom in Madrid. Below: Neos watch for Lorenz. It won the Compasso D’Oro ADI award last year as well as a Red Dot design award

Group dynamic Their name suggests they play safe and don’t get out much. But CuldeSac take their clients on exciting journeys – and it looks like they have a lot of fun in the office too

Award-winning Whisper chair for US company Bernhardt

For anyone who abhors the idea of wearing a suit to work and struggles with the the rules of convention, CuldeSac looks like an appealing company to join – certainly if the office photograph is anything to go by. Not many firms set themselves up to look like a the set for of a spoof sci-fi suggesting there’s a lot of fun to be had here, and the name shows a nice line in irony.

But don’t be fooled by zany appearances because CuldeSac is one of Spain’s most prolific and multidisciplinary design studios. Based in Valencia, it was launched in 2002 as a creative space where designers from different fields could meet and join forces. It now has three divisions: Creative Space, led by company founders Alberto Martínez and Pepe Garcia; Experience, led by Sophie von Schonburg and Garen Moreno and Communication, led by Juan Poveda and Xavi Sempere. The divisions they have expertise in are, respectively, product and interior design; PR and event production, and strategic branding and communication. The company’s ability to handle diverse projects has led to diverse clients, such as porcelain company Lladró, Lorenz watches, olive oil producer Mil del Poaig, Swarovski, Moooi, Tiffany & Co and LZF (see installation for LZF p11). CuldeSac has undertaken a major

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company profile

29

Sofa lamp by CuldeSac and Héctor Serrano for Moooi

La Siesta terracotta water bottle by CuldeSac and Héctor Serrano for La Mediterránea

Do they really all wear white? do they really do gymnastics and strum guitars in the office? is life at CuldeSac a non-stop barrel of laughs? quite possibly yes to all...but the team still manages to be prodigious in their output, so why not...

Light and nature installation for LZF

project to interior design Lladró’s stores in Madrid, New York and LA and has was also been chosen to create a new logo for the Madrid Justice Campus. No stranger to accolades, last year it won the Compasso d’Oro ADI award for its Neos watch for Lorenz. This is the most prestigious industrial design award, given by the Italian Association for Industrial Design.\ ’An exciting freestyle lab for observation, investigation and project development’ is how the team describe themselves, adding that they have ‘an institutionalized open-mindedness.’ They are indeed a breath of fresh air.

Recyclos collection by CuldeSac for Lladró

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

30 designer profile

From Spain 18

Icara tables with storage slots for Tadel Group

In tune with the times Yonoh Design Studio may be the new kid on the block but it’s already made a strong impression

Track table collection for Sancal

Lunatica chairs for Perfect Ebano

Design is a notoriously hard industry to break into, let along establish a viable business with long-term potential. So to have a busy studio before they’re even 30 is a considerable achievement for Clara del Portillo and Alex Selma, the designers behind Yonoh.

Industrial designers by training, the pair launched their creative studio in Valencia in 2006. They do industrial, interior, web and graphic design and their order books are looking very healthy, as clients look to a new generation of designers for inspiration. Samoa, for example, is delighted with their Nenúfar tilting parasol, and Sancal is launching Yonoh’s Track range of tables.

Recently back from Tokyo Designers Week, Portillo and Selma say their approach to design is to keep it simple. ‘Our work is based on simplicity and individuality,’ says Clara, 28. ‘We see ourselves as tools that our clients can use to improve Clara del Portillo and Alex Selma are the their product lines. Before we put pen duo behind Yonoh to paper, we are rigorous in establishing exactly what they need. And we are realistic – we can’t achieve the impossible and wouldn’t want to try!’

Their commitment to designing products that meet the client’s brief means they are not striving to develop a signature look. ‘We don’t think we have a particularly defined or characteristic style,’ says Clara. ‘We don’t follow trends either, rather we’re influenced by everything around us.’

With their industrial design training, Clara and Alex are very interested in new materials and manufacturing techniques. ‘From that perspective our work can be experimental,; says Clara. ‘But generally, I would not label us an experimental practice. We are not creating works of art. Our designs are to be used, not put on a pedestal to be admired.’

news 31

From Spain 18

An example of the stylish, minimalist yet warm stands Yonoh create at design exhibitions NenĂşfar parasols for Samoa

Dueta chair for NOW by Comersil Bottom

Alexandra storage unit for Bianca Mobilario

Velvet lightweight seating, designed for J&M Interiorisme

Glace light for Almerich

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.

AB21

www.ab21.es

FORMA 5

www.forma5.es

G

O

ODOSDESIGN

www.odosdesign.com

GANDÍA BLASCO

OFITA

ACTIU

GRAVITI ZONE RUGS

OFITRES

AKABA

H

P

www.hayonstudio.com

www.porcelanosa-usa.com

ABR

www.abrproduccion.com www.actiu.com www.akaba.net

AMAT

www.gandiablasco.com www.gravitizonerugs.com

JAIME HAYÓN

www.ofita.com www.ofitres.com

PORCELANOSA

HURTADO

PUNT MOBLES

www.almerich.com

J

R

ANDREU WORLD

www.jminteriorisme.com

www.roca.com

www.amat.com

ALMERICH

www.andreuworld.com

APARTAMENTO

www.apartamentomagazine.com

ARTURO ALVAREZ

www.arturo-alvarez.com

www.hurtadomuebles.com

J&M INTERIORISME

RS

K

S

www.kettal.com

www.samoadesign.com

www.joquer.com

KETTAL

L

www.grupoblux.com

www.alpujarrena.com

LA ALPUJARREÑA

BD

LAMPISTER

MIQUEL BARCELÓ

LLADRÓ

C

LEDS C-4

www.bdbarcelona.com www.miquelbarcelo.info

CARPYEN

www.carpyen.com

CULDESAC

www.culdesac.es

ROCA

JOQUER

B

B.LUX

www.puntmobles.es

www.lampister.com www.lladro.com www.leds-c4.com

LUIS ESLAVA

www.luiseslava.com

www.rs-life.com

SAMOA

SANCAL

www.sancal.com

SELLEX

www.sellex.es

HÉCTOR SERRANO

www.hectorserrano.com

STUA

www.stua.com

T

TAU

www.tauceramic.net

LUJÁN + SICILIA

TEYS

LZF

THE ORIGINAL CHÁ CHÁ

www.difasa.net

M

TROLL

DYNAMOBEL

www.manufacturascelda.com

D

DAB

www.dab.es

DIFASA

www.dynamobel.com

E

ESTILUZ

www.estiluz.com

ESTOLI

www.estoli.com

EXPORMIM

www.expormim.es

F

FAGOR

www.fagoramerica.com

FAMBUENA

www.fambuena.com

FIGUERAS

www.lujan-sicilia.com www.lzf-lamps.com

MANUFACTURAS CELDA MARSET

www.marset.com

METALARTE

www.metalarte.com

MOBLES 114

www.mobles114.com

MODISS

www.modiss.com

N

NANI MARQUINA

www.nanimarquina.com

NOVOFORMA

www.novoforma.com

www.figueras.com

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SPANISH DESIGN? Visit the website interiorsfromspain.com and find out about Spanish interior design products and designers. You can also subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and keep up to date with the latest news.

If you want to receive a free copy of this magazine or have trade enquires, contact the Trade Commission of Spain in New York.

www.teys.com www.cha-cha.es www.troll.es

U

UNO DESIGN

www.uno-design.com

V

VIBIA

www.vibia.es

VILAGRASA

www.vilagrasa.com

VONDOM

www.vondom.es

X

XIMO ROCA

www.ximoroca.es

Y

YONOH

www.yonoh.es

from spain 16 furniture, textiles, lighting

Light and shade Sensational modern lighting to set the mood

Inside: Milan review Light+Building Company profiles

Inside

A