WE Magazine 2024

OUT of this WORLD

With surrealism, not everything in the home needs to be purely functional; it can also be fantastical.

ReSourceful inspired solutions

for every designer

CHANGE IS A CONSTANT

As each new season approaches, the seeds planted from one bear fruit in another. Transformation, rejuvenation and change are on the menu for 2024. In this new issue of We World, I’m celebrating the vibrant energy and renewal that spring and summer bring into our lives.

The articles in this edition are meant to inspire small changes that make bold statements at home, in the kitchen and out in the world. We offer tips on building more responsibly, creating fantastical design, redecorating with bold upholstery, integrating robot helpers, dressing in fruit-forward fashion and creating artful culinary boards, to name a few.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, you will discover two of my favorite recently completed projects, as well as an exploration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest collective body of work in Florida; biotech wellness tools that help monitor your health from home; and a profile of explorer yachts that allow travelers to venture to off the beaten path destinations in the lap of luxury. We also explore golf course design, including Nicklaus Design’s new membersonly golf club in the Metaverse.

I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change and foster connection. This issue is meant to spark your creativity and encourage you to embrace life with a renewed sense of wonder and enthusiasm.

Wishing you a season filled with warmth, growth, and endless possibilities.

Forever yours,

Wilfredo Emanuel

WILFREDO EMANUEL DESIGNS

OWNER & LEAD DESIGNER

WILFREDO EMANUEL

CEO

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SOCIAL MEDIA/ MARKETING LEMONADE HYPE

PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN DIPIERO PHOTOGRAPHY

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EDITORIAL & DESIGN

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER STEVE ZEPEZAUER STEVE@FIREBRANDMEDIAINC.COM

CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACY POWELL TRACY@FIREBRANDMEDIAINC.COM

EDITOR

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MANAGING EDITORS SHARON STELLO, ASHLEY RYAN

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DANTE AMODEO, JILLIAN DARA, KELLY GRAY, DALE LEATHERMAN, TERENCE LOOSE, GEOFF NUDELMAN, ELLEN PARIS, ASHLEY WARD

PUBLISHED BY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Tiffany Thompson

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM WE WORLD MAGAZINE. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE

OWNERSHIP OR MANAGEMENT OF THE MAGAZINE OR WILFREDO EMANUEL DESIGNS.

AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT

OF

AND

WILFREDO

Contents features

UNCHARTED WATERS

Explorer yachts allow intrepid travelers to journey to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the lap of luxury.

CLEAN MODERN

DESIGN These two Wilfredo Emanuel design projects, with clean

44 CHILD OF THE SUN Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest collective body of work at Florida Southern College is the state’s best kept architectural secret.

48 DESIGN DOWN UNDER Architects around the world are exploring underground terrain for everything from restaurants, hotel rooms and residences to museums, churches and more.

62 THE COURSE OF ART Golf course design is a delicate balance between bringing out the natural beauty in a piece of land and plotting strategic tests for players to solve.

74 HOUSE CALLS Monitoring your health from home has never been easier with these biotech wellness tools.

34

Design: Out of This World With Surrealism, not everything in the home needs to be purely functional; it can also be fantastical.

26

Style: Fruit-Forward Fashion From juicy pear prints to tart lemon suits, this popular summer trend is proving to be delectable year-round.

80

WE Q & A Ashley Gerry, a philanthropist, wife and mother of five, talks about life, love and inspiration.

36

The Green Room: Building More Responsibly With both the climate and the consumer in mind, builders are turning to materials with less impact on the environment.

RFROM THE SIDEWALK TO THE CATWALK TO THE COUNTERS AT HOME, THIS FIERY HUE IS THE COLOR OF DESIRE FOR 2024.

WHILE BARBIE PINK CONTINUED to be the zeitgeist of 2023, for 2024, runways, led by standout looks from Valentino, were blazing with vibrant, redhot hues. From the streets — in handbags, accessories, eyewear and ready-to-wear — to every red carpet, red took center stage in shows from New York to London.

The timeless, elegant color, which Coco

WILFREDO EMANUEL

“Red is my center. I wear something red for balance and to feel protected. I always like to have a little red somewhere before I leave the house, it is my amulet.” INSPIRATION

Chanel once proclaimed was “the color of life, of blood,” is also showing up at home, with accessories that bring splashes of red to living environments. Red carpets and runways were red hot, with designers like Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Loewe, and Prada are full of desire red. It’s a power color, a retro color and the color of all things love.

MAYSALE MULES

VINTAGE LA BOCCA POP ART LIPS SOFA

Manolo Blahnik debuted his iconic Maysale mules in Isaac Mizrahi’s Spring ‘91 runway collection and they’ve been loved for the signature buckle topper ever since. ($795, marissacollections.com)

“CARRY SECRETS” ROCKSTUD CLUTCH BAG

GIOTTO SETT’ANTA HANDCRAFTED GLASS VASE

Valentino Garavani’s “Carry Secrets” Rockstud clutch bag can be worn as a top handle, clutch or shoulder bag with detachable chain and is made of lacquer plastic, lambskin leather and fabric. ($5,300, bergdorfgoodman.com)

An extraordinary eclectic design of singular charm, this Giotto Sett’anta handcrafted glass vase by Fabio Casali for Casali Home is decorated using a double layer of matte lacquer, combining white and ruby red tones. Founded in 1978, Casali Home is a glassmaking company based in Villalta di Cesenatico, EmiliaRomagna. ($835, artemest.com)

DOLCE&GABBANA’S COATED FAUX LEATHER JOGGING PANTS

Dolce&Gabbana’s Coated Faux Leather Jogging Pants were back on the catwalk for fall in a re-edited collection. ($1.995; us.dolcegabbama.com)

“Lips Sofa”, this restored Vintage La Bocca Pop Art Lips Sofa was designed between 1970 and 1979 and transcends its occupants from a classic living room space into another world completely. ($10,360; chairish.com)

The

LIST

WILFREDO EMANUEL’S FAVORITE THINGS

POWER DYNAMICS

For 2024, designers have continued to reinvent corporate dress, which began its influence with quiet minimalist luxury aka “Sucession’s” Shiv Roy, the HBO show’s ruthless daughter. The collections took their cues for innovative silhouettes from menswear tropes such as polished power suits, pinstripes, blazers over turtlenecks and ties and tuxes. “I always think there is nothing more sexy than a beautiful women inside men’s clothes,” says Wilfredo Emanuel. “It portrays something chic – the contrast of femininity with a menswear influenced line that always makes me smile.”

BOUQAKES

The apothecary aesthetic come to the kitchen with a trend that has people of all ages trading bouquets for “bouqakes” (cakes and breads decorated to look like flowers). And taking online classes to learn how to decorate breads, cakes, cupcakes and cookies “It’s a great way to showcase flowers in a different way,” says Emanuel. “These decorated cakes are the best gift, unifying the aesthetics and the flavor.”

MATCHA MAKEOVER

Matcha, a Japanese superfood green tea, has become the morning energizer of 2024, helping to reduce stress while giving your immune system a boost. “I started drinking matcha a long time ago, because the benefits of the green tea are my favorite,” says Emanuel. “It helps me get ready for the morning and has all the antioxidants I need – which is an incredible bonus.” Replacing your morning Jo with Matcha will still give you that caffeine buzz, but its amino acids, L-Theanine, also provides a sense of focus - why else would monks, for many centuries, drink matcha before meditation?

FLOWER POWER Besides reducing your carbon footprint, preserved botanicals require no watering, no pruning and can exist in most areas of your home. From loose dried branches to moss and wood arrangements to flowers preserved in glass, stoneware or paper mache, these no-fuss florals provide a sustainable alternative and unconventional design opportunity for homes and offices. “Preserved botanicals make an elegant décor statement,” says Emanuel, “whether you choose them for an office centerpiece or a statement for your dining table.”

Floral cupcakes from The Bunned Baker, whose founder, Keri Trbovich, teaches online classes on how to decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies. (thebunnedbaker.com)

Luxury Redefined

INSPIRED BY HOSPITALITY

REDIFINING CUSTOM HOMES

award-winning

dedication to superior quality is evident in every aspect of our homes, seamlessly blending the essence of hospitality with the craftsmanship of homebuilding.

Inspired by our legacy of excellence, we infuse each facet of our homes with an unwavering commitment to quality, flawlessly intertwining hospitality with the art of homebuilding. Every space is meticulously curated to weave your own narrative of luxury.

LYNN HURLEY

REALTOR®, New Construction Expert

Sales & Marketing Director, Bonura Custom Homes (p) 239.450.7564

(e) lynn.hurley@premiersir.com

(w) www.bonuracustomhomes.com

325 Vanderbilt Beach Road Naples FL 34108

Bonura Custom Homes is an

homebuilder in Naples Florida. Our

LAYERED JEWELRY

Why wear one necklace when you can wear every necklace you own at the same time? Designers at fashion shows the world over blended different necklace styles to create totally unique works of jewelry art.

“More is more for me all the time,” says Emanuel. “So, if I can accent a good outfit with layering jewelry – why not? I love to see the different movement and contrast of the designs together.”

THE SCHOOLED LOOK

The Kennedys and the royal family may have made preppy cool, but it was the elite, private, prep schools of the east coast in the 1920s and 30s that developed their own style of clothing. The prep-meets-street uniforms seen now from the collections at Gucci and Miu Miu among others offer casual uniforms for work and play, with timeless pieces like loafers, tailored tweeds and classic cable knit sweaters. “Coming from the 80’s, the preppy look brings back a lot of memories,” says Emanuel. “When I decide to wear this look – it’s a very classy and conventional way of living in the Ralph Lauren fantasy world.”

The Spelman Collection Crest Blazer, $598, ralphlauren.com

Gucci women’s thong platform sandal in pink rubber (also available in black and white); $450, bloomingdales.com

FLIP-FLOPS Maybe it’s the cool unbothered look that makes them so chic, but designer flip-flops have been spotted on runways, streets, and on social media from brands like Dries Van Noten, The Row, Gucci, and more. Paired with workwear, eveningwear and everything from cocktail dresses and crocheted gowns to trousers and a white collared shirt, flip-flops are becoming personal signature pieces. “In my younger years, I hated flip-flops,” says Emanuel. “Now, with the evolution of the flip-flop design, I love incorporating a flip-flop with my outfit.”

Wilfredo Emanuel with layers of gold jewelry from various designers.

COURTESY OF RALPH LAUREN

LEATHER

New takes on leather lean on unexpected cuts like patchwork, head-totoe suiting and elevated details, transforming the always in style material from an accent to a full on look. “Wearing leather is to be in control,” says Emanuel. “It feels like authority and security. Wearing head-to-toe leather gives you that presence we are all looking for.”

Wilfredo Emanuel in Dolce&Gabbana

GARY’S

MUST-HAVES

1) WOLF ROCKET TRAVEL WATCH WINDER; $599; WHY YOU NEED IT: “This is a perfect watch travel winder. Because if its aerodynamic design and size, it’s easy to accommodate in your luggage. The Rocket from the WOLF 1834 Brand is sleek and fits in the palm of your hand. 2) L DE LUBIN EAU DE TOILETTE; $150-$200; WHY YOU NEED IT: Lubin Paris is a unique and exceptional fragrance. This line is very exclusive and people are always asking me, ‘What are you wearing?’ 3) BOUNKIT CASCADE STATEMENT EARRINGS; prices vary; WHY YOU NEED IT: I Love the versatility for our clients to have the option of having two looks with one earring. They are perfect for travel, and also a day to night change for those busy working ladies.” ($565) 4) SILVER GEAR STICK ENAMEL CUFFLINKS; $145; WHY YOU NEED IT: These enamel cufflinks have been handmade by artisans in England and feature a design destined to delight. Chic and elegant, this is perfect classy and modern look. 5) ONO CANDLES; $130-$340; WHY YOU NEED IT: ONNO Collection candles are made in Belgium in handmade glass, bringing a gorgeous perfume into your home. The scents are amazing and the vessels for the candles are very attractive for your home. An excellent gift.

All items are available at N.home, which shares a showroom with renowned interior designer Wilfredo Emanuel. Located within the walls of N.color, owned by beauty industry veteran Gary Harlan, N.home features a limited and exclusive selection of candles, home décor, gifts and more, most of which are not available anywhere else in Southwest Florida (ncolorsalon.com/home)

ELLA’SLIST

THIS DARLING DASCHUND AND HER CHARMING BROTHER, HERMES, SHARE THEIR FAVORITE PET TRENDS.

HEXAGON GUCCI PET BOWL

Napoleon once famously said, “If you wish to dine badly, dine with Lebrun; If you wish to dine quickly dine with me; If you wish to dine well, dine with Ella.” A wise human, but not nearly as wise as me. What good is a nutritious meal without artistry to show for it? Hermes and I might as well be eating kibble. For it’s not what, but… how you do something that counts. You may quote that. So, this is why the Hexagon Gucci Pet Bowl gets a spot on my list. Kiln forged ceramic, a beige and ebony canvas (made in Italy) and best of all, it looks like Turkish delight every night. ($1,750, gucci.com)

CUBIX DOG HOUSE

Mid-century modern was originally supposed to be an experiment, homes that were efficient and unobtrusive to the surrounding environment. These case study designs ended up becoming more than just that, they were gorgeous. Why couldn’t we have one? No. Not a Linden Pet Day Bed inside a real mid-century modern home, but one scaled down for us. I couldn’t stop wagging my tail after discovering the Cubix Dog House, with its clear lines, glass cladding, natural lighting, a swanky roof, and best of all, custom made for Hermes and me! The house is innovative and most importantly not intrusive to its surroundings. It’s simple, simply a must have. ($3,995, poshpuppyboutique.com)

VERSACE MEDUSA HOODED DOG COAT

When it rains...I’m adored. But that’s because I know how to stay dry. There’s a reason the phrase you smell like a “wet dog” is so scathing. So, when duty calls and I must strut into the drizzle, I vest myself in the Versace Medusa hooded dog coat. Not only is the shell water repellent, it’s also 100% polyester with adjustable straps and a detachable hood. Practical, chic and poetic; that’s the balance I strive for. Athena wears that silly gorgon on her shield, well, I wear it on my coat for similar rain deflective purposes. ($280, mytheresa.com)

MICHEL’S VIP PARFUM

The most sought-after item on our list, precisely because we can’t have it…yet. We perceive the world through our olfactory nerves. We smell where someone’s been, who they’ve been with, and who they are from a gentle sniff. So if I want to make an olfactory statement, it’s with Michel’s VIP Parfum, with access by invitation only. Ruff, if anyone deserves this, it’s Hermes and me, connoisseurs of the finer things. The unisex fragrance comes in hand-crafted crystal bottles, each numbered and signed. To add to the allure “only once every two years can enough petals of the rare Osmanthus flower be picked and distilled to create this this unique living fragrance crafted in the South of France.” ($120-4,000, new.lespoochs.com).

MICHEL’S VIP PARFUM

VERSACE MEDUSA HOODED DOG COAT

CUBIX DOG HOUSE

HEXAGON GUCCI PET BOWL

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AT EVERY LEVEL

On Point Construction, Inc. prioritizes integrity, safety, and client needs, resulting in significant growth and success in South Florida. Our expertise and commitment to excellence have established us as a reputable and dependable construction company.

On Point Construction, Inc. President Christopher Berg is a 3rd generation General contractor who has set the standard for integrity in the South Florida construction industry for over 18 years. Our company boasts a team of highly skilled professionals who take pride in their work and are committed to delivering exceptional results. As the most reliable commercial and residential General contractors in Florida, we are equipped with cuttingedge technology and an in-depth understanding of industry best practices to ensure that every project we undertake is completed to perfection. We offer turnkey design build with our in-house architect/engineers and top-tier interior designers to ensure quality control and expedited turnaround for a fast permitting process. Our passion for excellence and meticulous attention to detail has earned us a reputation as the go-to contractors for complex, high-profile construction projects in the region.

By ASHLEY WARD

Fruit-Forward Fashion

FROM JUICY PEAR PRINTS TO TART LEMON SUITS, THIS POPULAR TREND IS PROVING TO BE DELECTABLE YEAR ROUND.

When most people think of fruit, they think of summer; a crisp slice of watermelon, a zesty lime for your margarita, or even a sweet strawberry-print dress for your next garden party. Despite the light and airy appeal, many designers today are proving that fruit-forward can work year-round.

It’s designers like Dolce&Gabbana and Jil Sander that are bringing the taste with juicy looks fresh off the runway, and we certainly have a sweet tooth for it.

FROM LEMONS TO LEMONADE

The obvious question beckons: “Why fruit?” The past few years have been little bitter, to say the least. It makes sense why many have been craving the care-free and

creative spark encapsulated by fruit-filled designs: a Kate Spade crossbody in the shape of a clementine, or a classy Louis Vuitton pineapple print can’t help but churn a smile on the heels of a heavy time in history. In essence, what designers are doing is turning lemons into lemonade by reminding us of the abundance, fertility, and vitality growing underneath our very own shoes. So, the real question for designers and fashionistas alike becomes less about the reason for fruit in fashion and more about its fleeting cycle: Why should we only feel so alive one season a year?

A STYLE TO SAVOR

BODE MEN’S FRUIT BUNCH APPLIQUE CAMP SHIRT:

This refreshing and refined button-up by Bode bares an airy sophistication that’s holds its flavor well past the summer months.($550; bergdorfgoodman.com)

Like a rich Bordeaux, fruit-forward fashion adds a touch of sweetness and complexity that holds its ripeness well past the spring/ summer season. Designers are reimagining the trend by incorporating richer color palettes and subtler fruit motifs to match this season’s ambiance. Warm burgundy cherries, deep olive figs, and golden pears grace everything from elegant button-ups to a sophisticated sleeveless set, evoking an autumnal warmth and elegance. Moreover, the use of fruit prints aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry. Extending the life of juicy summer patterns encourages us to embrace a more versatile and conscious approach to our style, expression, and ultimately, our everyday lives: we are getting back to basics. In times when it feels like everything is so fast and consumable, it doesn’t hurt to slow down. Just because something is sweet, does not mean it can’t be savored.

BAG: With a playful and juicy homage to the 90’s, this beaded vegan bag by STAUD will have you in vacation mode all year round. ($110; saksfifthavenue.com)

JIL SANDER CHERRY PRINT SWEATER: Indulge your insatiable appetite for whimsical fashion with this sweater knit from rich wool in an oversized fit with roomy dropped shoulders and a step hem. ($1,580; nordstrom.com)

STAUD TOMMY BEADED VEGAN LEATHER SHOULDER

WILFREDO EMANUEL IN DOLCE&GABBANA MAJOLICA COTTON LEMON-PRINT JACKET, PANTS, ESPADRILLES AND POUCH

FARMRIO LIGHT PINK STAR FRUIT MIDI SKIRT AND CROP TOP: This delicate print has the best of Brazil’s nature elements to give your look a tropical twist ($140; farmrio.com).

Dolce&Gabbana printed charmeuse palazzo pants: Crafted in charmeuse, these “breezy” palazzo pants by Dolce&Gabbana embody elegance and carefree design with vibrant colors and this zesty choice of print ($1,291; mytheresa.com).

Sensory Overload

Botanicals are all the rage at bars across the country, pushing boundaries and flavor expressions in sought-after libations.

ALTHOUGH THE CRAFT COCKTAIL movement has staked its claim, there is perhaps no better time to be an adventurous drinker than right now. The country’s best bars and bartenders are pushing new flavors and dimensions, especially through the use of botanicals in ever-artful drinking creations. Below are a few examples of where tradition has given way to innovation with flavors and notes seldom found on the cocktail cart … until now.

PASIÓN POR LA TIERRA

INGREDIENTS: Mezcal, tomato, white pepper, basil, lime, habanero bitters, Apo libido bitters, sea salt

This cocktail aims to create a savory mixture of earthy, vegetal and smokey flavors, with a bit of spice to round out the palate. The heavy texture of puréed San Marzano tomatoes provides a great backdrop to allow for several different botanical notes to work in harmony. The smokey and earthy mezcal pairs with the sweet, pungent basil as the herb’s peppery notes come to life with white pepper. A bright touch of acidity from the lime juice balances the cocktail and provides a fresh pop.

Apotheke’s own house Libido bitters are an infusion of eight botanicals, amping up all those vegetal flavors. “And the whole profile is punctuated with the lingering spice of habanero,” says Nicolas O’Connor, Apotheke’s director of mixology.

APOTHEKE NOMAD (New York City)

DAYDREAM

MULTNOMAH WHISKEY LIBRARY (PORTLAND, ORE.)

INGREDIENTS: Roku Gin, hakutake shiro shochu, rose petal haku vodka, pamplemousse, mancino sakura vermouth, orgeat, lemon, egg white

Inspired by spring’s blooming cherry tree, bartender Destiny Gonzalez had been thinking of a way to welcome the season with a fruity and floral cocktail. “One of my favorite parts of the season in Portland is watching all of the cherry blossom trees emerge around town, only lasting for fleeting moments,” Gonzalez says. Working with lead bartender Cody Mulcahy through a few iterations, they landed on using Roku Gin, which features six Japanese botanicals. The duo also wanted to incorporate rose, but found most scents too strong, throwing off the cocktail’s balance. That’s when Mulcahy realized the Whiskey Library would need to make its own infusion in-house. The bar sourced dried rose petals to infuse in vodka, introducing just the right amount of rose.

EVERGREEN

LINDEN ROOM (SAN FRANCISCO)

INGREDIENTS: Botanist Gin, Sweet Japanese Bermutto Sake Vermouth, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Brucato Amaro Chaparral, 5 dashes of shiso bitters from The Japanese Bitters company

General manager and beverage director Ron Boyd also cites those first aromas of spring as inspiration for this cocktail. He adds that it’s super light and elegant with “a burst of the flavors and aromas of the wild bloom of our California hills,” provided by the Brucato Amaro Chaparral. Best of all, it’s a drink that’s easy to replicate at home.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

REBECCA’S (NAPLES, FL)

INGREDIENTS: Mezcal, tomato, Gray Whale Gin, Tattersall Fleur Liqueur, butterfly pea flower, lavender, scratch sour, fresh lime juice

“Botanical Gardens was one of the first cocktails I developed for Rebecca’s,” says beverage director Matt Johnson. “This recipe has been in my bag for a while now but I wanted to find the right placement for it.” He explains the drink was inspired by the Naples Botanical Gardens, replicating the bright, refreshing and magical nature of the locale. Johnson adds that the Botanical Gardens cocktail is a botanical, lemon forward spin-off a Gimlet that’s finished with a splash of Butterfly Pea Flower Tea that changes color from an indigo to pink. “I wanted to source a gin that highlights botanicals and flavors of southwest Florida,” he says. “The Sea Kelp featured in the Gray Whale gin brings a nice salinity and texture that harmonizes the lavender, jasmine and citrus featured in the Tattersall Creme de Fleur.”

Bold Patterned Upholstery

IN THE EVER-EVOLVING WORLD OF INTERIOR design, personal tastes are soaring, leading to bolder and more inspiring living spaces each year. As we step into 2024, furniture trends are revealing a newfound confidence of homeowners’ and designers alike.

These bolder design choices are allowing much-needed breathing room for home dwellers’ unique style to shine through in the form of unexpected focal points and captivating motifs; bold colors, bold upholstery patterns, and even bolder personalities.

Gone are the days of playing it safe with neutral colors and conservative designs. From intricately detailed florals to dynamic geometric prints, furniture pieces are now dressed with lively patterns that demand the attention of the room. Much like their designers, these bold patterns are a sight to be seen and adored for their irreplaceable features that liven up the space in their own authentic way.

With the influx of colorful patterns, homeowners now have the opportunity to design unconventional focal points within their spaces. By incorporating striking upholstery furniture, such as a brightly patterned armchair or a vividly printed sofa, they can draw the eye to specific areas of the room, transforming them into statement pieces that may not otherwise be noticed. These focal points not only anchor the design, but also become conversation starters, sparking more curiosity about the person in the chair and less about the fabric dressing it.

2024 MARKS THE RISE OF AN ERA WHERE VIBRANT AND EYE-CATCHING PATTERNS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN INTERIOR DÉCOR.

Bold upholstery fabrics offer a unique opportunity to breathe personality and life into any living space. The right fabric choice can instantly transform a room, turning an average, dull dwelling into a spectacular space that mirrors the homeowner’s energy and spirit. While a colorful, eclectic pattern may reveal an adventurous and free-spirited soul, modern geometric patterns might speak to a refined and sophisticated taste. The fabric we choose becomes a language through which we communicate our personalities to the world. That, itself, is something worth being bold for.

While vivacious patterns are a trend to be celebrated, bold choices don’t have to lead to dizzying headaches. Interior designers are mastering the art of marrying eclectic patterns with colors and existing decor elements cohesively, ensuring that the space remains easy on the eye. The result is a home that is harmonious, alive, and unique, just like the person inhabiting it.

The FORSYTH EERO SAARINEN Womb Chair and Ottoman in Pierre Frey Wokabi fabric supports countless positions and offers a comforting oasis of calm. This upcycled Womb Chair and Ottoman can be made to order with a favorite Pierre Frey fabric; $16,800; 1stdibs.com.

A contemporary chair designed in Denmark, this MOMA43” Fabric Chair is inspired by the architecture of San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art building. Defying gravity, the generously padded chair seat was designed to deliver the comfortable experience of floating in space; $1,098; kardiel.com.

Blending a retro silhouette with a bold tropical pattern, this upholstered ALAPAHA BENCH by Mistana mixes a nod to mid-century designs into your space; $529.99; wayfair.com.

This eye-catching POP MISSONI SOFA by Piero Lissoni for Kartell will add a burst of fun to a modern living area with a playful floral pattern that brings a touch of nature inside; $4,955; roomservice360.com.

CULINARY + By JILLIAN DARA

Smooth Spreads

SWEET AND SAVORY BUTTER BOARDS ARE MAKING A UNIQUE STATEMENT.

WHEN TIKTOK CREATOR

AND recipe developer Justine Doiron took the culinary world by storm with her butter board last fall – a serving tablet with thick smears of butter – the internet exploded with chefs, foodies and content creators all putting their spin on the lard-filled display.

Though the original board from Doiron was inspired by chef Josh McFadden and featured beginner variations with fresh herbs, dried flowers, honey and sea salt — as the seasons changed, so did the garnishes. Similar to a charcuterie board, a traditional arrangement of cured meats and cheeses spruced up with modish accouterments like berries in the summer and figs in the winter, the butter board has evolved and now it’s all about the display.

London-based content creator Ana Jarrett, better known by her Instagram handle @fromanaskitchen, shared her rendition of the butter board, using roasted garlic bulbs, sun dried tomatoes, charred artichokes, chopped pecans, thyme leaves and flaky sea salt (see photo, far right).

Dorset Sea Salt showcases their beetroot infused salt over a prosciutto and pickletopped butter board with scallions, walnuts and a balsamic drizzle.

There are also sweet versions, like Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission’s marionberry compound butter creation; a delightfully colorful board with mint, pistachios, fresh blackberries, blackberry jam, honey and chamomile flowers (see photo, right).

Don’t forget the best of both worlds: sweet and savory combinations like a butter board from Snejana Andreeva, @ themodernonna on Instagram, who layers fig preserves with fresh fig slices, hot honey and crushed walnuts for crunch.

+ Serve it with hunks of crusty bread like sourdough, focaccia, grilled baguette or any slice that’s sturdy enough to slide along the board and collect enough butter for a creamy bite. Keep it on the side so as not to get soggy.

+ Let the butter come to room temperature to allow for easy spreading.

+ If you’re planning on savory toppings like prosciutto and additional salt, use unsalted butter for the base. It may seem counterintuitive but using salted butter for a sweet board balances the garnishes for a perfect sweet-savory bite.

TIP

TIP

OUT OF THIS WORLD

WITH SURREALISM, NOT EVERYTHING IN THE HOME NEEDS TO BE PURELY FUNCTIONAL; IT CAN ALSO BE FANTASTICAL.

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA IN interior design has arrived, ushering in a surrealist perspective that not only challenges the way we experience our homes, but reality itself. Imagine a brass hand for a dining chair, a set of crimson lips for your living room sofa, or even an office clock that melts into your desk.

Drawing inspiration from visionaries like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, interior designers have been able to borrow similar techniques that continue to ignite our imagination, break boundaries, and transcend us to a parallel universe where creativity knows no bounds.

NOVEL MELTING CLOCK

Novel Melting clock Drawing from the surrealist mind of Salvador Dali, this Novel Melting Clock is inspired by the artist’s world-famous painting, “The Persistence of Memory.” (artzmiami.com)

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire to escape from reality and enter a dreamlike realm of imagination has become increasingly in-demand. At it’s crux, surrealism not only offers an escape from our everyday mundane environment; it gifts us with the opportunity to explore what’s yet to be imagined.

Now more than ever, designers and homeowners alike are incorporating whimsical elements into their spaces, such as distorted furniture shapes, floating objects, and even illusionistic paintings on walls and ceilings. In doing so, they become free to experiment with mind-

MELTING BRASS CONSOLE TABLE

Hauntingly beautiful by design, Zhipeng Tan’s brass console table uses lost-wax-casting to melt our expectations of functional furniture. ($34,500; 1stdibs.com)

MOROSO SHADOWY ARMCHAIR

bending combinations they wouldn’t otherwise think of. Skylights with the skies painted in, neon bathtubs you can see through, and sofas that climb walls become stand-alone art pieces that beg the question: “Did I ever wake up or am I still dreaming?”

With its avant-garde approach, surrealism has become a means of liberating the subconscious mind from the shackles of the rational world (and the conventional home). The surrealist trend invites us to experience a colorful world without boundaries or rules, where scale becomes exaggerated and sentience reigns supreme: It’s a space to just play.

Tiny home accents loom large and colossal furniture pieces shrink to minuscule sizes, instilling a sense of fun, wonder, and intrigue. Likewise, designers use mirrors and geometric shapes to create the illusion of space. By challenging the boundaries of scale, these interiors invite dwellers to explore a dreamlike environment where imagination takes priority, and the extraordinary becomes reality. If our homes could, indeed, be so surreal, we may just never want to leave.

This “M’Afrique” masterpiece harnesses designer Tord Boontje’s dreamlike vision with the help of African craft weavers using the yarn of fishing nets and a handmade touch. ($2,000; 1stdibs.com)

SALVADOR

DALI CHAIR

An ode to Salvador Dali and his 1935 “Singularities” painting, this eerie armchair entitled “Invisible Personage” was crafted as a limited-edition design, with only 20 of its kind available in the world. ($103,950; 1stdibs.com)

BUILDING MORE

RESPONSIBLY

WITH BOTH THE CLIMATE AND THE CONSUMER IN MIND, BUILDERS ARE TURNING TO MATERIALS WITH LESS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

RECLAIMING COMES FIRST

By far, the most environmentallyresponsible path of building is by using something already harvested or something that came from a prior build. While reclaimed wood has long been a favorite choice, builders are looking at metal, brick and other pre-loved materials that add a certain character just not possible with fresh product. It’s still popular to source some of these products overseas, but due to the intense energy and cost of transportation, more homebuilders are looking closer to the build site. With so many good building materials ready for a second life, they can certainly add another layer to the new home’s story.

Originally designed by famed Laguna Beach Fred Briggs, this A-frame home with sweeping views of the Pacific had a makeover in 2006 when architect Anders Lasater, known for his attention to light, space, proportion, and material, renovated the original Bauhaus-style with steel, wood and glass. “The building seems to respond to the natural environment and when you see the wood on the exterior which has now been mated with corrugated metal, stainless steel and glass handrails and exposed steel structural I-beams, it becomes a composition of different materials that are all pointing in the same direction,” says Lasater.

ESPECIALLY IN LUXURY custom homes, the ethos is shifting away from wood and concrete, and more towards innovation. Advances in engineering and science mean there are more ways than ever to make home feel like home, whether using more from nature or more of what’s already in circulation.

FABULOUS FUNGI

While we’re all accustomed to the health benefits of mushrooms, the root structure underneath the hearty plant shows real potential as an interior material with a range of net-positive uses. The fermented and treated form of the root is already being used as a packaging substitute due to its insulating and water-resistant properties, all with no added chemicals. Inside the home, architects and interior designers are already looking to companies making finishes and fixtures out of the material.

This Grow Pendant lamp, a simplified version of the MushLume cup light series, is grown, not manufactured, from mushrooms. Combining mushroom mycelium with local hemp, the natural, sustainable, and biodegradable lampshade is grown over the course of four to 10 days after which it is molded and dried. The mushroom material is naturally white, and may take on golden tones over time. (grown.bio)

WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN: CHARRED TIMBER

This sustainable design practice started off in Japan in the Edo period (1603-1867) and is also often called “shou sugi ban.” Charred timber cladding is extremely durable and resilient as a material – it can resist flames, ward off insects, and can become waterproof through carbonization.

Delta Millworks began burning wood in 2000, beautiful textures and grain patterns achieved by taking torches to timbers and boards to preserve it. In a world where intense weather, fire, and climate change continue to impact the strength of build environments, the heavily-charred surface of the board makes the wood fire retardant as well as resistant to rot, insects and decay

YOUR NEXT HELPER AT HOME MIGHT BE A ROBOT

THE ROBOTS ARE COMING … FOR YOUR TEDIOUS CHORES.

TECH COMPANIES ARE working arduously to develop a capable and economically viable robot that can do a variety of daily tasks such as laundry, dishes and more. While we’re still a few years away from something ready for the larger market, robots are finding their way into a number of daily tasks outside the home and testing inside our own walls.

PROSPER ROBOTICS

“Alfie,” a quad-wheel robot currently in development, is being set up to run a variety of household tasks and has already proven some proof of concept in initial trials. While most early versions of potential household robots are exorbitantly expensive, Prosper is working to make its version a bit more attainable, using as many off the shelf electronic and mechanical parts as possible. Prosper says it has 20 “early adopters” ready to begin testing an alpha model. The goal will be to amass enough data on household tasks to create something more viable moving forward from there.

HOSPITALITY ROBOTS

Perhaps the closest thing the world currently has to an at-home robot helper are the robot-assisted restaurants and bars popping up around the country. Nevada-based Richtech Robotics is supplying a programmable barista to coffee shop Boltbar in New York City, with claims of producing up to 50 drinks an hour. Silicon Valley’s Relay Robotics’ Relay2 Service Robot is in handling some basic services across hospitality, healthcare and commercial real estate. Certain high-end resorts are employing the robot to support housekeeping and deliver room service. In hospitals, these bots help move lab samples and other supplies through crowded hallways. In other parts of the country, servers are loading dishes onto robots that haul food to customers in the dining room. While human intervention is still very much needed, expect to see more automation coming soon.

TESLA OPTIMUS BOT

This is probably the most widely-anticipated version of a home robot, although the project has largely stalled from a prototype unveiled in late 2022. As with most Tesla products, there’s great promised potential both in capacity and price, with an eventual cost of around $20,000 in the works for the bot. Much speculation remains around what exactly Optimus will be able to do (and when), but much more info should become available in the next 3-5 years as the EV giant hopes to begin taking and fulfilling orders in that timeframe.

CLEAN MODERN DESIGN

THESE TWO WILFREDO EMANUEL DESIGN PROJECTS, WITH CLEAN MODERN LOOKS, SHOWCASE CONTEMPORARY LIGHTING AND MODERN FURNISHINGS THAT CREATE BEAUTIFUL LIVING SPACES. IMAGES BY MEGAN

DIPIERO PHOTOGRAPHY

BONITA BAY HOME, BONITA SPRINGS

This home features a striking modern design characterized by high ceilings adorned with captivating ceiling details and innovative lighting. The interior palette harmoniously blends neutral tones with bursts of vibrant colors, creating a contemporary ambiance. Unique elements such as contemporary wallpapers, intricate tile work, and artistic light fixtures contribute to an exceptionally distinctive and stylish living space.

INSPIRATION

“Being a part of this project from the beginning allowed me to showcase my design from the ground up, including everything from the walls to the ceiling details to the tabletop décor,” says Wilfredo Emanuel. “I used furniture that created a white canvas to accentuate the pops of colors from the accessors and featured rich textures through the use of wallpapers and window treatments. The overall design is a clean, modern space that creates a well-balanced & beautiful home.”

WILFREDO EMANUEL

PHOTOS BY HARRY DE ZITTER

TERRACES AT PARK SHORE, NAPLES

This stunning condo boasts a contemporary design characterized by clean lines and modern furnishings. The entire space is illuminated with modern ceiling lighting, completing the look and creating an inviting, upto-date atmosphere.

WILFREDO EMANUEL

INSPIRATION

“With this condo I wanted to use a neutral color palette to accentuate the breathtaking Naples water views that serve as a captivating backdrop to the home”

PHOTOS BY CRAIG HILDEBRAND

DOWN

DESIGN UNDER

Subterranean architecture is not just utilized when building above ground is not an option; architects around the world are exploring underground terrain for everything from restaurants, hotel rooms and residences to schools, museums, churches and more.

By JUSTINE AMODEO

With land becoming a limited resource, urban planners have been building into the sky, creating massive high rises that can house a constantly growing population. While skyscrapers are becoming larger and more impressive in their use of space, a number of intriguing underground structures are gaining attention in the world of architecture and design. Those spaces, with a rich natural shelter history going back to cave dwellers, integrate accessibility, ventilation, light and water into their design solutions, making use of elements only found beneath the earth.

According to Newport Beach architect Brion Jeannette, building a home, or portions of a home, underground as a subterranean space, “provides a variety of benefits both environmentally and for practical living opportunities. Rock, concrete, and soil are all great elements for sound attenuation and energy efficiency,” he says. “In a hot dry climate, these elements keep the interior space cooler, in a cold wet environment they offer dense protection and reduce heating requirements.”

Additionally, says Jeannette, zoning and codes governing square footage, setbacks and density are often waived if the square footage is fully subterranean, “allowing for more livable area than would be possible if the entire structure was built above ground.”

Here are some of our favorite examples of subterranean architecture from around the world.

CASA BRUTALE / FAQRA MOUNTAIN, BEIRUT, LEBANON

Casa Brutale was originally conceived by Dutch firm OPA and project architect Laertis-Antonios Ando Vassiliou as an innovative vision that went viral on the internet in 2015 and will soon be a reality. The future owner is Alex Demirdjian, CEO of Demco Properties, and the construction, scheduled to begin soon, will be supervised by LAAV Architects after the OPA partnership dissolved.

Located on Faqra Mountain outside Beirut at an altitude of 1,969 feet, the concept of Casa Brutale began as a 1,938 square-foot residence but has now expanded to 2,906 square feet and will be able to accommodate up to six people. The residence is slated to be constructed with simple materials: wood, glass and concrete. The landscape is integral to the underlying concept since elements penetrate and prevail over the construction. The roof, a glazed bottom swimming pool, is a continuation of the Aegean Sea and in perfect communication with the vast blue of the sky.

When complete, after descending 50 stairs to the Aegean under the shadows of epic concrete beams, the entrance (also accessible by elevator) will be reached. The tall, rotating door of aged wood will open to a sea view through the glass façade. A concrete cast dining table will be combined with concrete benches, clad with warm wood. An inner staircase will lead to the mezzanine floor, where the master bedroom is exposed to the same overpowering vision of the Aegean.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT (OPA): “Casa Brutale redefines the harmonious coexistence of human and nature in a poetic homage to pure Brutalism. In literal groundbreaking integration, Casa Brutale penetrates the landscape. The underground building benefits from a perfect homeostatic mechanism with thermal insulation from the surrounding ground, and the cooling properties of the swimming pool. The optical impact of the building on the landscape is minimal, with only one façade on the cliff side and no volume extruding from the ground level.”

ROCK HOUSE / LAGUNA BEACH, CAL.

JERI

KOEGEL

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “The Rock House is an example of governing codes and restrictions inadvertently working to the benefit of the owner’s environment,” says Brion Jeannette.“ (The home was built) inside the rock, providing sound attenuation from Pacific Coast Highway traffic, reducing energy costs, provide direct access to the beach . . . and met the requirements of the city’s height limit.”

Designed by Newport Beach architect Brion Jeannette in 1996 for the late software entrepreneur Dennis Morin, this threebedroom home evokes the whimsical work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, whose free-flowing organic forms come from nature and integrate ceramics, stained glass, wrought ironwork forging and more.

The Rock House, built within a natural rock landform along the coastline of Laguna Beach, has unique features that include a round kitchen with black terrazzo floors inlaid with abalone shells, a floating ceiling cove around the living room skylight and a creek that runs through it.

Opening wide from an under the earth shelter that surrounds it onto the sand and sparkling waters of the Pacific, the 3000-square-foot home’s energy-efficient design strategies enhance the ocean and sunset views while providing natural light and fresh ocean breezes, with rock walls and an earth roof that provide quiet, natural insulation from summer heat.

Building a house within a boulder required two years of public hearings, which included approvals from environmental groups and the Coastal Commission. After construction got underway, the top of the rock and the plants were removed. Later, when the home was built, the top part of the rock was reassembled and the plants were replanted.

PIAGGESALSE / LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES NATIONAL PARK, BRAZIL

This kite surfing housing structure designed by Italian architects David Cirocchi and Plinio Vanni is rooted in the water in the Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, just east of the Baía de Sao Jose. Lencois Maranhenses gets about 47 inches of rain each year, and from the months of January to June, the area is inundated with torrential rainstorms that pools in the valleys between the dunes, creating thousands of crystal-clear lagoons.

In July, some reach over 300 feet long and ten feet deep. But during the dry season in the months of October and November, powerful winds whip the sand back inland, carrying it as far as 30 miles and creating the vast, sculpted sand dunes for which the park is famous. That

infinite labyrinth of dunes and lagoons, created by the east trade winds, is a true paradise for kitesurfing. The water in the lagoons is crystal clear and even drinkable.

Piaggesalse appears to the visitor like an oasis within white sheets of sand and blue shapes. The three fragments by Cirocchi and Vanni appear to be separated but are united by sand. Through a sandy descent, visitors are led down to the level of the seabed, arriving at the courtyard that lights up the lodgings, ending with a covered area that houses the common areas. The path climbs up to the level of the water above a sandy platform from which it is possible to start kitesurfing.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “ The designers’ architectural research and work are focused on an essential spatiality, free of excesses, where lights and materials give life to the interior space. the concept of ‘empty space’ is re-interpreted as a space awaiting the measure of the man who will use it.”

ANTINORI WINERY / SAN CASCIANO VAL DI PESA, ITALY

Buried in a Tuscan hillside, halfway between Florence and Siena, huge terracotta wine vaults are concealed beneath a vineyard at Antinori Winery. Completed at the end of 2012, the 12-acre winery, conceived by the Florentine architecture and design firm Archea Associati as an invisible building whose body merges with the folds of the hillside, has a tiered roof covered with farmland and a pair of sliced openings filled with glass that reveal the presence of the structure.

The subterranean structure, culminating in a corkscrew staircase, houses a museum, shop, restaurant and winery whose interior is divided into two stories. The lowest levels are dedicated to the storage and production of wine, while the upper level contains visitor facilities that include a museum, a library, an auditorium and areas for wine tasting and shopping.

The production process of the grapes shows them descending—from the point of arrival to the fermentation tanks to the underground barrel vault—while visitors ascend from the parking area to the winery and the vineyards, through the production and display areas with the press, the area where vinsanto is aged, to finally reach the restaurant and the floor hosting the auditorium, the museum, the library, the wine tasting areas and the sales outlet.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “The physical and intellectual construction of the winery pivots on the profound and deep-rooted ties with the land, a relationship which is so intense and suffered (also in terms of economic investment) as to make the architectural image conceal itself and blend into it.”

SANCAKLAR MOSQUE / ISTANBUL

Built into the craggy outcroppings of Buyuk Cekmece, a suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of Istanbul, this unorthodox place of worship, designed by Emre Arolat Architects in 2012, combines raw nature with vivid elegance.

Located in a prairie landscape that is separated from the surrounding suburban gated communities by a busy highway, the high walls surrounding the park on the upper courtyard of the mosque depict a clear boundary between the chaotic outer

world and the serene atmosphere of the public park.

The long canopy stretching out from the park becomes the only architectural element visible from the outside. The building is located below this canopy and can be accessed from a path from the upper courtyard through the park. The building blends in completely with the topography and the outside world is left behind as one moves through the landscape, down the hill and in between the walls to enter the mosque.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “The interior of the mosque, a simple cave like space, becomes a dramatic and awe-inspiring place to pray and be alone with God. The slits and fractures along the Qiblah wall enhance the directionality of the prayer space and allows daylight to filter into the prayer hall.”

POSTOJNA CAVE POST OFFICE / SLOVENIA

Deep inside Slovenia’s Postojna Cave, the first underground post office building in the world, is a retail pavilion designed by Studio Stratum, who in 2011 built the project using only materials small enough to be shipped down on Postojna’s cave train.

The entire project is designed to create the smallest impact possible on nature, and sustainability is also reflected in the heating system, ventilation and the first underground biological treatment plant in Slovenia.

The exhibition and retail pavilion are designed in two parts. The pavilion is a transparent, passable area with four entrances/exits, designed within a longitudinal volume in the form of the letter S, reflecting the wall of the underground and directing the flow of visitors, pointing to entrances and exits.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “ The interior of the structure functions as a uniform, flexible space with installed floor plugs for plug-in exhibits and movable equipment. The volume of the exhibition and retail area is transparent throughout the entire interior height, functioning as an extension of the concert hall.”

GARDEN SANTA FE, / MEXICO CITY

Built on the space formerly occupied by a parking lot, Garden Santa Fe, a seven-story-deep underground shopping mall in Mexico City—considered the first underground mall in Latin America—is a peculiar hybrid of basic infrastructure needs and a re-envisioning of contemporary retail.

Designed by architects Arquitectoma and KMD in 2014, the multi-use Garden Santa Fe buries over 64,000 square feet of shopping and entertainment facilities and three levels of parking space without impacting the city’s green lung above ground.

Thanks to deep, glazed conical skylights, plenty of natural light and

warmth is funneled to the sprawling underground mall. The structure’s three subterranean atriums resemble glass whirlpools that connect the sky to the underground. Above ground, revelers enjoy Santa Fe’s green roof park complete with water features, trees, a jogging track, grass and a performance area. The park acts to insulate the building and reduce the need to air-condition the facility. Natural ventilation ensures superior air quality and temperature, which combined with on-site solar electric facilities, create one of Mexico’s most sustainable buildings. It also features a detailed rain collection system and has an onsite grey water restaurant.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “By promoting energy conservation and creating spaces and environments which improve human health and performance, the project brings nature and sustainability into everyday public experience.”

HANNA ARENDT SCHOOL / BOLZANO, ITALY

The underground sections of this school in Bolzano, Italy were added in 2013 by architects Cleaa Claudio Lucchin & Architetti Associati to an existing school complex, which was protected by Italy’s National Heritage Association. The school needed more space, but expansion above ground was not an option.

The idea of not altering the ancient architectural context of the Capuchin friars convent, protected by the national heritage association, gave the architect the opportunity to create a “subterranean school appendix”: four levels excavated 55 feet underground on which nine classrooms, six workshops, a winter garden and a utility room are distributed.

The four underground floors were built after the area was stabilized with micro poles and a reinforced concrete structure. Light was one of the major challenges for the project, so glazed surfaces, large skylights and glass walls of the rooms were used to flood the internal spaces with natural light.

Thanks to glass walls, there are many ways to view the depth of the building. A central court and exposed concrete walls are connected by elements such as a large yellow staircase and walkways punctuate the whole space; alongside the paths, numerous niches have been created as small private rooms for studying.

EARTH HOUSE / SOUTH KOREA

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “This project highlights the unexpected potentialities of underground architecture, challenging the limits of sustainability culture as we thought so far, as well as contemporary design in historic (centers).”

Built in honor of Yoon Dong-joo, a Korean poet who wrote about the sky, earth and stars, this subterranean house, built by Byoung Cho architects in 2009, is actually more about the sky than it is about the ground. Set in woods and rice fields an hour east of the South Korean capital of Seoul, the subterranean house is made up of six small and unadorned rooms: a small kitchen, library, two bedrooms, a bathroom with a wooden tub and a courtyard.

Focused on the primal relationship between man and nature, the concrete box is buried in the ground and open to the courtyard which is open to the sky. The rooms are all adjacent to each other and open directly to the earth filled courtyard. Connecting rooms can be joined to create a bigger room.

ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECT: “As Yoon’s poetry expresses hope for the future from times of great peril, which he tried to achieve through self-restraint and self-reflection, our hope is that this Earth House would be a house where we can reflect on ‘ourselves’ while living in the present era.”

SLEEP, DANCE AND EAT UNDER THE SEA

DANCE: NIYAMA SUBSIX, NIYAMA ISLAND, MALDIVES

Off the coast of the private Niyama Island in the Maldives is the world’s only underwater nightclub, Subsix, which is submerged 18 feet and features floor to ceiling views of the coral reef and marine life beyond the windows. To reach it, guests arrive by speedboat and descend a three-tier staircase. When not dancing, grab a drink at the clam inspired bar or settle into an anemone chair during a Champagne brunch, subaquatic lunch, or gourmet dinner underneath a ceiling of dangling strands of shells. (niyama.com)

SLEEP: MANTA RESORT PEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR

Within Manta Resort’s conservation area lies the floating Underwater Room, where shoals of reef fish swim by. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels; above the water clad in local hardwood is a landing deck lounge and bathroom. The top floor has daybeds and shades for relaxing during the day and watching the stars at night. Below sea level is the submariner room, a bedroom bubble where fish glide past your window. The room is located in a “blue hole” in the middle of a living coral reef, so it is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

A small percentage ($45 per person per night) of the $1,100 price per person per night goes to the Kwanini Foundation Community Conservation. (themantaresort.com)

EAT: ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT, HILTON MALDIVES RESORT AND SPA, RANGALI ISLAND, MALDIVES

Also in the Maldives is the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, with panoramic coral garden views and fusion menus matched with fine wines. To enter, visitors climb down a spiral staircase in a thatched pavilion at the end of a jetty. Secured 16 feet below sea level, the restaurant is a mostly acrylic building that seats 14. Offering a 270-degree panoramic view to its customers, who enjoy contemporary fusion Maldivian cuisine with Western and Asian influences. Designed by the Kuala Lumpur National Science Center, the building qualifies as the world’s largest aquarium tunnel. After completion in 2004, Ithaa was taken to the Maldives on the back of an ocean-going barge. It took 16 days to arrive. It is estimated that the restaurant, which is placed in extreme conditions, will only last for 20 years. (conradmaldives.com/dine/ithaa-undersea-restaurant)

UNCHARTED WATERS

EXPLORER YACHTS ALLOW INTREPID TRAVELERS TO JOURNEY TO OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DESTINATIONS IN THE LAP OF LUXURY.

By DANTE AMODEO

From his rolodex of destinations, Rob McCallum, founding partner of EYOS Expeditions, a Divemaster and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London, suggests a couple of ideas: Antarctica, Seychelles, Arctic Canada, Papua New Guinea, a traverse across Melanesia, or the fjords of Chile. “Patagonia is a hidden treasure,” he says, adding that these are just a few locations only accessible by an explorer yacht, a repurposed or custom designed vessel built to travel vast distances, often 5,000 miles, without needing to refuel or port.

EYOS, one the world’s premier expedition companies, charters (or consults owners of) these dynamic vessels to send its clients to virtually inaccessible destinations that blend off the beaten path adventure with luxury. “We’re primarily operating in remote areas that don’t have any infrastructure,” says McCallum. “So, an expedition yacht provides transport, and a safe, stable operating platform from which to launch each day’s adventures. All from vessels that are designed with luxurious levels of comfort.”

But it’s not as straightforward as purchasing or renting one of these vessels and deciding to set sail for the Drake Passage. Executing these voyages are challenging for most, which is where EYOS steps in, obtaining tedious permits, helicopters, submersibles, craft itineraries and ultimately offer a world class staff of sailors, divers, climbers, pilots and explorers to ensure

voyage seeking clients can safely reach the frontiers of Earth. All it takes is a little, or more specifically, a lot of planning. From delivering high-end provisions, engaging with local communities to respectfully access delicate spaces, to accounting for the unexpected, EYOS has cultivated a process that enables infinite possibilities. “You need a plan, a fallback plan and an encyclopedic understanding of the destination and its weather,” says McCallum. “There’s a saying that ‘Anyone can work Plan A. Plan B is where we go to work, and Plan C is where it gets interesting.’ A detailed process enables you to develop alternate options in real time when the variables in weather, ice, and social temperature pop up along the route. Luck is equal parts preparation and opportunity.” Luckily, while McCallum strives for safety, he and his team aren’t afraid to test uncharted waters.

Clockwise from left: The yacht Legend in Antarctica; yacht Nansen Explorer in Greenland; Hanse explorer in Antarctica; exploring Antarctica

EYOS/MOSAIC

EYOS/ROB MACALLUM

Though EYOS has carved out marque experiences like circling Greenland to climb and ski untouched faces and harnessing icebreaker yachts to get up close to Antarctic wildlife, clients are free to bring custom, novel experiences to the table. Simply put, if one can imagine the journey, EYOS can deliver it. “We absolutely love the ideas our clients come up with. We thrive on challenge and believe that so long as it doesn’t break a law of physics, anything is possible,” McCallum says. “Many of the world records and ‘world firsts’ we have enabled and curated are for clients who had been told it could not be done. There is always (always!) a way. These are our people.”

So, while chartering an entire private yacht from New Zealand to Honolulu is certainly possible, EYOS also offers flexibility to charter yachts “by the cabin.” Essentially, these astounding destinations can be enjoyed alongside likeminded explorers while softening the extensive cost to actualize the trip. In either case, the sorts of opportunities and destinations attainable through chartering an explorer yacht through EYOS are spectacular.

Top: Arctic in French Polynesia; bottom: La Datcha in Antarctica

WHERE NEXT?

HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS TO INSPIRE THAT ANSWER. AND REMEMBER, WITH A LITTLE PLANNING, NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE.

DESTINATIONS

ANTARCTICA

To experience Earth’s mighty desert tundra, it’s best to venture to Antarctica during the warmer Austral summer (December-February). This allows adventurers to weave through towering icebergs, explore penguin colonies, and gaze upon the southern frontier with days of prolonged sunlight.

SEYCHELLES AND MADAGASCAR

Two delightful outposts in the Indian Ocean, these enchanting islands inhabited by prehistoric flora host some of the most dazzling creatures, from lemurs to Chameleons and giant tortoises. While isolated and off the beaten path, tranquil beaches and pristine snorkeling are still on the cards.

GREENLAND

With a scarcity of roadways, an explorer yacht is the most optimal path to search for polar bears, walruses, narwhals, giant whales, as well as peruse ancient fjords, tackle summits and ride down untouched slopes.

NEW ZEALAND

The tip of Earth’s lost underwater continent, New Zealand also (known as Aotearoa to the indigenous Maori) offers a kaleidoscope of adventure and breathtaking sights, from unspoiled beaches to coastal canyons and a staggering diversity of wildlife.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

In the 1940’s, American and Japanese soldiers compared this terrain to “heart of darkness” boasting a unique combination of dense jungle terrain and towering alpine ranges that eclipse all islands on earth. But in times of peace, this island’s awe-striking views, lush vegetation, coral reefs, and wonderful indigenous population take center stage giving it its rightful title of paradise.

THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE

This iconic waterway was once coveted by explorers seeking the path to traverse from the Atlantic to The Pacific, and it still is. To this day, only 300 vessels have slalomed through these titanic mountains and ice slots, lit by a sun that never sets.

VANUATU

Most go to Fiji and Tahiti when cruising around the South Pacific, but few know of the hidden gem that is Vanuatu. Surrounded by pristine snorkeling and diving opportunities and perched on the slopes of mighty

volcanoes, this overlooked archipelago along the ring of fire could be place for anyone curious to see Melanesia.

THE KIMBERLY, AUSTRALIA

Vast adventure, danger, and mystery summarize the essence of Australia. That’s what one will find here on the far side of Australia, save for the danger with a proper team. Only accessible by boat or helicopter, this is a relatively unknown destination to experience ancient aboriginal artwork, rugged wildlife, and pouring streams from the outback surging down terra cotta faces.

Nosy Iranja, Madagascar

Sermersooq Municipality, Greenland

Clear water on a lava beach in tropical Tanna, Vanuatu

A peaceful bridge at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course.

THE COURSE OF

art

GOLF COURSE DESIGN IS A DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN BRINGING OUT THE NATURAL BEAUTY IN A PIECE OF LAND AND PLOTTING STRATEGIC TESTS FOR PLAYERS TO SOLVE.

By DALE LEATHERMAN

“The chief object of every golf architect … worth his salt is to imitate the beauties of nature so closely as to make his work indistinguishable from nature itself,” wrote renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie.

MacKenzie was a pioneer in taking on the challenge he describes. Considering the way golf began—on stretches of links with wildflowers, waving grasses, burrows for small animals, sea birds soaring overhead and sheep sheltering in dune-side lees that would become bunkers—it’s worth noting that early architects like him often had fine canvases to work with.

Today’s reality is different. Architects are often faced with pieces of land bearing no hint of potential as golf courses, with real estate needs and environmental restrictions to be considered. The irony of modern golf design is that architects must use all their skills and imagination to make it look as if they did very little.

Jack Nicklaus, arguably the best golfer to play the game, has said that he used to mentally redesign holes as he played them. While Nicklaus was dominating the PGA TOUR in the 1960s, Pete Dye asked him to consult on a course he was creating in Columbus, Ohio. The experience

piqued his interest in course design, which led to a collaboration with Dye on Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina and, ultimately, to the forming of Nicklaus Design.

Nicklaus once told Golf Course Architecture magazine that his philosophy is “to try to do as good a golf course as you can as naturally as you can,” adding that “the average golfer is interested in how pretty a place is.” One classic expressions of his design ethic is the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, Florida. Like Nicklaus, the late Larry Packard was a prolific architect with a portfolio of courses all over the world. He made his home at Innisbrook Resort, the site of four of his designs, until his death in 2014 at the age of 101. Unlike Nicklaus, Packard was educated as a landscape architect and did not take up golf until he was in his 30s. He never became an exceptionally skilled golfer, but when his work for a Chicago architectural firm included golf course design, he found his calling. A staunch minimalist, he teased scenic layouts from sites with as little earth moving as possible and made sure the route was visually inviting and fun to play. Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course embodies his design principles.

COPPERHEAD COURSE AT INNISBROOK RESORT, PALM HARBOR, FL

“Florida is typically pretty flat,” says Bobby Barnes, director of golf at Innisbrook Resort. “Rolling hills and lots of trees are not normal in this region. Packard was blessed with a perfect canvas. When you have a beautiful piece of land and are artistic enough to sculpt holes around a little bit of water and oak trees draped with Spanish moss—and make good use of elevation changes—the result is visually stunning as well as being challenging. On the Copperhead you have to shape your shots—right to left on some holes, left to right on others. The elevation changes make it tricky to get up and down, and there are subtle little breaks on the putting surfaces. It’s a testament to Packard and why it’s still ranked as a favorite on the PGA TOUR.

“With all the courses you see getting longer, the Copperhead will never be one of them because of the way you have to move the ball—it doesn’t lend itself to the long hitter,” he continues. “Sure, if you’re hitting it straight and long that’s an advantage wherever you’re playing, but it’s not necessary out here. As a matter of fact, when we did the 2015 renovation, we added forward tees because it was too long for some players.”

The work on Copperhead Course was done by Wadsworth Golf Construction Co., the same company that built the course in 1972. As a result, the layout remains a classic, beautiful test of golf.

“It’s straightforward, with no gimmicks,” Barnes says. “The changes in elevation cause a few blind shots as you go up hills, but

for the most part everything is in front of you. There are a lot of scenic holes. … Standing on the first tee, you have to admire the view. The first fairway drops away in the distance, and over on the 10th tee you can see that fairway also has a big drop in elevation. The third hole is pretty, with water on the right and woods on the left. Thirteen is one of my favorites, a par 3 over water to what is not an island green but has that feel. My next favorite would be the 16th hole, with its snake statue on the tee. It begins the infamous ‘Snake Pit’ trio of finishing holes.

“The setting is very natural, and attracts a lot of wildlife,” he adds. “The fox squirrels with their big bushy tails are pretty. We have a lot of ospreys nesting here, along with bald eagles and blue herons.”

The Copperhead Course is the most recognizable of Innisbrook’s four courses and plays host to the PGA TOUR’s annual Valspar Championship each March; inset; Copperhead’s Hole 17

Nicklaus Design Takes Golf to the Metaverse

By DANTE AMODEO

In 1920, Alister MacKenzie’s timeless suggestion that golf architects should aim to make their courses “indistinguishable from nature itself” heralded a century of groundbreaking golf course designs. Fast forward a century and that quote has evolved dramatically: Just swap “nature itself” for “reality itself.” This is the case as Nicklaus Design, the world’s premier golf course design company, joins forces with Hyperscapes Golf Club to unveil a groundbreaking concept: the world’s first “professionally designed championship golf course and members-only golf club in the Metaverse.”

This collaboration ingeniously blends Nicklaus’s traditional design principles with Hyperscape’s cutting-edge technology, enabling designers to sculpt a stunningly lifelike 3D landscape where they can meticulously craft a unique, challenging, and visually captivating golf course. At the core of this partnership lies the freedom to explore limitless creative possibilities on a blank canvas, unburdened by real-world constraints such as real estate and environmental limitations. Most importantly, it offers the promise of introducing an exclusive Nicklaus-designed course to an entirely novel space.

Phil Cotton, CEO of Nicklaus Companies, highlights their remarkable journey: “Over the years, we’ve built on the traditions of our founder, Jack Nicklaus, to design more than 435 golf courses on six continents, reflecting almost every style of course design on a wide variety of sites – many in places that had never seen a modern golf course. We now bring that unprecedented, real-world expertise to the virtual world,” he says.

Upon completion, a lucky few will enjoy exclusive access to this virtual Golf Shangri-La from anywhere on the planet. Membership in this pioneering golf club will only be attainable through the acquisition of Hyperscape’s membership tokens, granting privileged access to the virtual golf resort’s amenities and the ability to play the course. Notably, only a limited number of 300 membership tokens will be minted for this high-end experience, positioning it alongside the world’s most prestigious golf communities in terms of exclusivity.

Terrain design and routing plans were announced in November 2023: A pristine terrain located on the western coast of Scotland (widely recognized as the birthplace of golf) is the foundation for Rocabarra Cliffs, a one square mile pen-

insula nestled along Scotland’s western coast, near the city of Shieldaig.

The full course and resort will be open for play in the second half of 2024, and by then, it could be clear what it means to experience the Metaverse in “full swing.”

Based in Palm Beach Gardens Florida, Nicklaus Design, the world’s leading golf course design company, has entered into a partnership with Hyperscapes Golf Club to develop the first professionally designed championship golf course and members-only golf club in the Metaverse.

The new Metaverse golf club will incorporate Nicklaus Design’s traditional design philosophies and standards with state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge terrain systems built by Hyperscapes for a one-of-akind golf experience only possible in the Metaverse: a new, professionally designed Nicklaus golf course playable from anywhere in the world, with exciting terrains and user experiences that are impossible in the physical world. The finished course will feature challenging golf design, unique hole features, and stunning photo-realistic 3D scenery.

“The core of Nicklaus Design has always been the artistry and knowledge of our designers and their understanding and respect for the historical traditions of the game of golf,” says Phil Cotton, CEO of Nicklaus Companies. “Over the years, we’ve built on the traditions of our founder, Jack Nicklaus, to design more than 435 golf courses on six continents, reflecting almost every style of course design on a wide variety of sites –many in places that had never seen a modern golf course. We now bring that unprecedented, real-world expertise to the virtual world.”

Membership in this first-of-its-kind Metaverse golf club will be available through the purchase of Rocabarra Cliffs Memberships, which provide access to visit and play the course, as well as member rights in the golf club. . The full course and resort will be open for play in the second half of 2024.

(hyperscapes.golf)

Hyperscapes Golf Club and Nicklaus Companies Select Historic Scottish Terrain as Foundation for Metaverse Golf Club

OCEAN COURSE AT HAMMOCK BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA, PALM COAST, FL

“The Ocean Course was renovated and, in some areas, redesigned after damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in the fall of 2016,” says David Savic, the Nicklaus Design associate who was the point person in the course recovery. “Due to the ocean water that spilled over the dunes and destroyed the existing turf, the course was re-grassed wall-to-wall with Platinum Paspalum, which withstands saltwater conditions much better than conventional Bermuda grasses. The new grassing also added greatly to the aesthetics of the course because of the vibrant green color, which is almost a lime green. It’s also a good grass for resort golfers, because of its playability and the way the ball sits up on the turf.

The 18th hole of the Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, FL

“The original design was tremendous and is why it was perennially ranked among the nation’s top courses you can play,” Savic continues. “Because it has great ‘bones,’ it was not difficult to bring back the artistic greatness of the layout. One unique impact of the hurricane was the loss of some of the hedge line that bordered the ocean holes and obscured the views of the water. After the renovation, the vistas were greatly improved. From tee to green, and the perspective of shot values, the internal artwork of the new greens, bunkering and general flow of the golf course are as good as any golf course along the eastern seaboard.”

Hammock Beach Resort General Manager Brad Hauer says that it’s a mile-long stretch of oceanfront golf that is very natural, “with no manufactured look at all,” he says. “The eighth hole is a par 3 playing to the ocean. Nine is a par 4 hugging the dune line. On hole 15 you play up a little hill to the green, where you once again see the waves breaking on the beach. Holes 17 and 18 are two more wonderful holes along the oceanfront. It’s one of the few courses on the entire East Coast that is this close to the Atlantic.”

CHI D SUN

FRANK LLOYD

OF THE

WRIGHT’S LARGEST COLLECTIVE BODY OF WORK AT FLORIDA

n the central Florida city of Lakeland at Florida Southern College, the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings and structures boasts the prestigious National Park Service Historic Landmark status, which it received in 2012. It is the only college campus project he ever executed.

It was 74 years earlier when Florida Southern President Ludd M. Spivey retained the architect to develop a master plan for the expansion and growth of the college’s campus. Based on Wright’s urban planning concept that used ideas about organic integration with the environment that the architect had been developing for some years, the basic textured concrete blocks — some of which were formed by the college’s students using local materials — were inspired by orange groves, the way the evenly spaced trees form a grid.

“Wright collaborated with our former President Dr. Spivey to conceive the Master Plan,” said Jack Coffey, Manager of Tours, and Educational Programs at Florida Southern College. “He created an ensemble of buildings and structures all designed to work together and complement one another. His architecture defined the college and was embraced by subsequent architects,” he said.

Wright ended up delivering18 designs to the college, of which 13 were eventually built.

WILFREDO EMANUEL

“I started my profession being an architect in the 80’s. One of my mentors was Frank Lloyd Wright, because of his unique style, out of the box visions, and the amazing linescaptivated me to the point where I still use his references currently in my life as an interior designer.”

INSPIRATION

SOUTHERN COLLEGE IS THE STATE’S BEST-KEPT ARCHITECTURAL SECRET. By

ELLEN PARIS

CHILD OF THE SUN

In 1938, Wright, then almost 71, was invited by Spivey to “plan a great education temple,” Coffey said. Before Wright died in 1959, 12 of his designs were completed in a collection called “Child of the Sun.” The last design, The Usonian House, was eventually finished in 2013. “It truly is a cohesive architectural vision Frank Lloyd Wright brought to life on our campus. The buildings are meant to appear as if they organically grow out of the hillside,” Coffey said, adding that this was the longest commission of Wright’s lifetime spanning 20 years.

NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK

The official plaque on campus designating the district as a National Historic Landmark reads: “This site possesses national significance as the only campus designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is the largest single-site collection of his buildings in the world and embodies his philosophy of organic architecture.”

When the college applied for National Historic Landmark Status, it cited the theme as “Expressing Cultural Values in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.” The buildings and structures submitted included Annie Merner Pfieffer Chapel, Walbridge, Hawkins, and Carter Seminar Buildings, E.T. Roux Library (now the Thad Buckner Building,) Emile Watson and Benjamin Fine Administration Buildings, Water Dome, Lucius Pond Ordway Building, Polk Science Building, William H. Danforth Chapel, and Esplanades.

As Lloyd Wright said in 1938, “Every building is out of the ground and into the light, a child of the sun, belonging as a tree belongs.”

INSET: THE USONIAN HOUSE; MAIN IMAGE: CHILD OF THE SUN

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

THE ESPLANADE

Wright’s design on campus included a network of esplanades — or covered walkways —connecting the independent buildings of the master plan spanning a mile and a half of Florida Southern’s Campus overlooking Lake Hollingsworth. According to Coffey, “The Esplanade was the last thing Wright designed and the most important part of the campus as it connects all the buildings and integrates directly into the facades so they physically all work together connecting through this covered walkway.”

ANNIE MERNER PFIEFFER CHAPEL

The Anne Pfieffer Chapel was the first Wright building completed in 1941. It is Florida Southern’s most famous landmark and centerpiece. The 65-foot iconic bell tower can be seen throughout the campus. It was the first chapel on a college campus in the country with an architecturally modern design. The interior soars upwards to numerous skylights while concrete blocks throughout the chapel are filled with 50,000 pieces of colored glass. Wright’s design of stained glass.

THE USONIAN HOUSE

Wright designed the Unsonian House in 1939 as faculty housing, utilizing groundbreaking architectural principles. At 1,333 square feet, it is a rare example of a Wright-designed building completed well after he passed away in 2013. The Unsonian House was Wright’s take on Modernist home design. He saw the Usonian design as sleek, streamlined, and easily integrated into the natural environment while remaining affordable. Today it is located next to the visitor’s center and gift shop.

ESPLANADE USONIAN HOUSE INTERIOR

ANNIE MERNER PFIEFFER CHAPEL

THE WATER DOME

The Water Dome is a circular pool and fountain system (with 75 water jets) also built as part of the master plan. There is a 45-foot-high dome of water reaching 160 feet across. This was Wright’s largest designed water feature in the world.

THE LUCAS POND ORDWAY INDUSTRIAL ARTS BUILDING

Completed in 1952, the Lucas Pond Ordway Industrial Arts Building is said to be Wright’s favorite building at Florida Southern. The centerpiece is the Fletcher Theatre, Wright’s only theater-in-the-round design.

THE POLK COUNTY SCIENCE

BUILDING

This is the largest of Wright’s buildings completed in 1958. Inside is Wright’s only Planetarium. He utilized aluminum for the building’s aesthetic elements.

TOURING THE COLLECTION

Reservations are recommended 24 hours in advance. A variety of tours are offered including specialty tours.

THE USONIAN GUIDED HOUSE TOUR

Cost: $15 per person

Duration: 20-30 minutes

To schedule, call: 863-680-4597

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(purchase self-guided tour map from Visitors Center)

Cost: $5 for two

BASIC TOUR

Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cost: $35 per person

Duration: 90 minutes

IN-DEPTH TOUR

Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Cost: $50 per person

Duration: 2.5 hours

PHOTOS BY COURTESY OF VISIT

THE WATER DOME

FLETCHER THEATRE

THE POLK COUNTY SCIENCE BUILDING

The most recent launch from Sunlighten, the mPulse Smart Sauna.

House Calls

MONITORING YOUR HEALTH FROM HOME HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER, WITH THESE BIOTECH WELLNESS TOOLS.

By JILLIAN DARA

When the pandemic shuttered doctor’s offices across the country, it opened new avenues for telehealth and at-home access to biotechnology that until 2020, was formerly only accessible via in-person appointments. Now, more than ever there are ways to take care of, and monitor, our health from home from connecting apps to digital platforms for more efficient results to wellness tools promising longevity. Ahead, discover five biotech tools worth exploring.

Above: Prizma Care’s new multi-sensor unit from G Medical; right, Nushape’s newest product is a therapy mat for muscle toning, pain relief and more.

PRIZMA CARE

This new multi-sensor unit from G Medical Innovation transforms any smartphone into a cardiac monitoring device. The FDA-cleared Prizma device measures key vital signs like EKG, blood oxygen levels and body temperature, which can be shared directly with doctors who can use the information to detect various heart conditions. (prizmacare.com)

mPULSE SMART SAUNA

Regular sauna exposure has been reported to improve heart and mental health, relieve chronic pain and encourage relaxation. The most recent launch from Sunlighten, the mPulse Smart Sauna, makes it easier than ever to reap the benefits of sauna therapy from home. The free-standing sauna is now equipped with red light LEDs and data-driven programs that users can adjust for their health goals. (sunlighten.com)

PARASYM

This leading neurotechnology company developed a wearable neuromodulation device to deliver non-invasive micropulses of electrical current through a wired earpiece that targets the vagus nerve (regulator of the nervous system). The neuromodulation treatment is used for various mental and physical health conditions, such as depression, fatigue, and long COVID. (parasym.co)

NUSHAPE

Spa owner Jessica Charles first created the Nushape Lipo Wrap as a portable and wearable red - light device as an alternative to costly sauna houses. Nushape’s newest product delivers the same benefits – muscle toning, cellulite reduction, pain relief, and when combined with exercise, fat loss – in a therapy mat. The mat uses wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to provide head-to-toe red-light therapy in the convenience of your home. (nushape.com)

FLORÉ

Improve your gut health by taking this at-home health test from Sun Genomics that results in a subscription to the world’s only customized probiotic. Users take an easy stool sample which is analyzed to create a personalized probiotic to their unique gut microflora. The probiotic is then directly shipped to the consumer each month to improve digestion, reduce bloat, as well as prevent chronic disease. Users can track their health goals over time by using the Floré mobile app. (flore.com)

Parasym’s wearable neuromodulation device

Floré’s probiotics

Explore

TAMARA KOSTIANOVSKY: BOTANICAL REVOLUTION

THROUGH APRIL 7, BAKER MUSEUM, NAPLES, FL

Artist Tamara Kostianovsky utilizes repurposed clothing and other textiles to create dynamic works of sculpture that reference humankind’s connections to nature by echoing the forms of birds, tree stumps, plants and cow carcasses. This exhibition, the artist’s first in the southeastern US, will include new work inspired by the bird and plant life of Southwest Florida. (artisnaples.org)

R-EVOLUTION: MARCO COCHRANE SCULPTURE, THROUGH APRIL 30, 400 BLOCK, LINCOLN ROAD, MIAMI BEACH, FL

Debuted at Burning Man and showcased on the East Coast for the first time, R-Evolution, the third and final sculpture of The Bliss Project by Bay area artist Marco Cochrane, is a monumental 45-foot, 32,000-pound kinetic sculpture representating feminine strength and liberation. During the day, it will glow in the sun and at night it’ll be illuminated with RGB LED lights. A visual spectacle that is not to be missed. (lincolnroad.com)

GEORGE GERSHWIN AND MODERN ART: A RHAPSODY IN BLUE THROUGH JUNE 16, THE BAKER MUSEUM, NAPLES, FL

George Gershwin is widely known and beloved for his innovative work as a composer, songwriter and pianist, but before his untimely death at the age of 38, he produced numerous paintings, drawings and photographs, and his collection of modern art was one of the most

Some of WE’s favorite spring/summer cultural events from around the U.S.

“GIANTS”: ART FROM THE DEAN COLLECTION OF SWIZZ BEATZ AND ALICIA KEYS; BROOKLYN MUSEUM OF ART THROUGH JULY 7, BROOKLYN, NY, IS THE FIRST MAJOR EXHIBITION TO GO ON VIEW FROM THE PRIZED ART COLLECTION OF MUSICAL ICONS SWIZZ BEATZ (KASSEEM DEAN) AND ALICIA KEYS. MUSEUM CURATOR KIMBERLI GANT BRINGS TOGETHER OVER 100 OF THESE WORKS BY THE LIKES OF LORNA SIMPSON, KEHINDE WILEY, HENRY TAYLOR, AMY SHERALD, DERRICK ADAMS, AND JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHERS GORDON PARKS, KWAME BRATHWAITE, AND MALICK SIDIBÉ. EXPANSIVE IN THEIR COLLECTING HABITS, THE DEANS, BOTH BORN AND RAISED IN NEW YORK, CHAMPION A PHILOSOPHY OF “ARTISTS SUPPORTING ARTISTS.” (BROOKLYNMUSEUM.ORG)

Ebony G. Patterson. . . . they were just hanging out . . . you know . . . talking about . . . ( . . . when they grow up . . .), 2016. Beads, appliqués, fabric, glitter, buttons, costume jewelry, trimming, rhinestones, glue, digital prints. The Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. © Ebony G. Patterson

Above; Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is the fifth race of the 23-race season; below: Beach Polo World Cup is the most notable beach polo event in the world.

significant of his day. This is the first major museum exhibition devoted to the composer’s passion for the visual arts, featuring paintings, sculptures and other artworks from Gershwin’s collection by leading modern artists; paintings, drawings and photographs created by Gershwin; works by noteworthy artists inspired by Gershwin and his music; and select ephemera and correspondence between Gershwin and members of his circle. (artisnaples.org)

GULF SHORE OPERA AND NAPLES PHILHARMONIC PRESENT TURANDOT

APRIL 27, HAYES HALL, ARTIS, NAPLES, FL

Conducted by Jorge Parodi, this final work by the beloved Italian composer, Puccini, is well known to modern audiences thanks to opera’s most famous aria, Nessun Dorma. In this fantasy fable setting filled with exotic splendor, Prince Calaf falls in love at first sight with the Ice Princess Turandot. She requires all her suitors to answer three riddles correctly, and all who fail are beheaded. The grandest Gulfshore Opera production to date ends the 10th anniversary season with the Naples Philharmonic. (artisnaples.org)

BEACH POLO WORLD CUP,

APRIL 19-21, MIAMI BEACH, FL

Featuring eight international teams and a roster of players from more than 10 nations, the event offers attendees the chance to watch some of the world’s best polo players compete in one of the largest polo competitions in the world. This four-day event hosts a glitzy combination of polo matches, fashion and parties, and whether you have a passion for polo or simply want to experience something unique, you should mark your calendar for the daily competitions and events that take on the sands of South Beach between 21st and 22nd streets near Collins Park. (miamipolocup.com)

RAIN; A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

MAY 2, 2024, HAYES HALL, ARTIS, NAPLES, FL

This electrifying concert celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four transports you back to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits. With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes. (artisnaples.org)

FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI

GRAND

PRIX,

MAY 3-5, 2024, HARD ROCK STADIUM, MIAMI GARDENS, FL

This three-day event begins with two days of drivers practicing on the Miami International Autodrome, which winds around Hard Rock Stadium until the big day Sunday, the main race and the biggest parties. The cuttingedge race cars will reach an estimated top speed of nearly 200 miles per hour around the Autodrome, a 3.36-mile, 19-turn track with three straightaways. Miami is the fifth ace of the 23-race season, which starts in Bahrain and visits Monaco, Great Britain and Singapore, among other destinations, before winding up in Abu Dhabi. Formula 1’s top drivers will be going head-to-head. (f1miamigp.com)

Tamara Kostianovsky (Argentine, b. Israel, 1974). Uprooted, 2021. Clothing belonging to the artist’s father, textiles, wood, 64 x 48 x 34 in. Courtesy of the artist and SLAG & RX, New York and Paris.

RONI MOCAN.

Q +

AASHLEY GERRY

PHOTOGRAPHY By PURE FOTOGRAFICA

WE ASKED ASHLEY GERRY, a philanthropist, wife and mother of five — whose involvement with worthy causes includes, among others, the Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (where she resides on the board) and the Community School of Naples — about life, love and inspiration.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY THAT YOU LIKE MOST IN A MAN?

I think that it is important to have a balance of the tough strength of a man, along with the softness of empathy and kindness. I love that my husband has a desire to protect his family and keep us safe. I feel blessed to be married to a soft, kind-hearted and generous man.

WHAT OR WHO IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?

My husband, Adam of course! We met 15 years ago and this year we will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. We have a total of five children so we are a busy family. I am so grateful for the life that we share and all of the memories that we have yet to make!

WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?

Oh, this one is easy for me! I wish that I could sing….Like really sing.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Being a mother is the absolute best and most important thing that I have done in my life. My children are such a reflection of my husband and me. I am reminded of that daily. They are my heart and the brightest light in my life. I will forever be so proud of them.

WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LIVE?

I absolutely love living in Naples. It’s such a beautiful place to raise your family and I feel so blessed to have met so many amazing people in this community. However, a vineyard in the countryside of Tuscany or the south of France wouldn’t be too bad either!

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM OCCUPATION?

Fashion Designer. Since I was a child, I have admired various designers and the beauty that they bring to the fashion industry. How amazing would it be to create wearable pieces of art?! What a dream to travel the world, to share your creations and then to see them being worn around the globe!

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN YOUR FRIENDS?

I love this question. The values that I have come to appreciate throughout the years, has definitely evolved over time.

I think that we all want friends that are honest and true, and of course fun. But discovering friendships that have your best interest at heart has become the utmost important quality in making and keeping friends. You can have many friends that check different boxes. But I have found that if you have friends that want what’s best for you and your family — then you are blessed.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND?

Currently, I feel at peace. I think that in life, things are ever shifting. When in our 20s, we are pretty carefree and invincible. In our 30s, we are figuring out life, work and family, we have no idea what we are really doing. In my 40s, I feel at peace. That doesn’t mean there aren’t moments that feel unsettled, but only that I am learning to take lessons from each moment in life, make choices and feel at peace with those choices. I feel more confident in my choices every day. It is much easier to be at peace knowing that I am surrounded by those that love and support me.

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE?

The people that I most admire and look up to as real-life heroes (are those) who walk beside us every day. Heroes who fight for our great country. Whether it be as police officers, those in the military, or politicians. I feel that anyone who gives their time and treasure and works hard to make our country and world a better place for our children deserves to be respected and honored.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

“Stand Up for What you Believe in. Even if it means standing alone.”

Object of Affection

SEVAN BICAKCI DOUBLE WRAP LAPIS BRACELET

A collaboration of painters, calligraphers, engravers, micro-mosaic masters, sculptors and masters of gem-setting, this Sevan Bicakci designed bracelet in 24K yellow gold, sterling silver, leather, diamonds and lapis has a strap of tobacco brown leather fastened with an intricately hand-crafted closure: a hand-carved sword of sterling silver and 18K yellow gold slips through the intricate, diamond set loop in the center of the silver and gold shield. Encrusted with diamonds on the top surface and larger, rose cut yellow diamonds on each corner, the closure opens to a hand-signed backing of 24K yellow gold. (marissacollections.com)

“I love wearing this bracelet. I think it mixes a contemporary feel with an ancient look and is pefect with every outfit as a statement.”