Issuu

EUR 35.00 | USD 45.00 | wonder.ifdm.design

Winter 2024

Create, innovate. Design.

www.kettal.com

design Fabrizio Crisà

All you need is Lhov. The first All-in-One cooking solution. Oven, hob and integrated extraction system: finally together, to revolutionize your cooking experience.

TRESSÉCOLLECTION DESIGN BY CARLO COLOMBO

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

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FEATURES

Winter 2024

Color stories Doom or salvation?

Interviews

PEOPLE Christophe Pillet

The Pillet case

PEOPLE Simona Malvezzi

PEOPLE Massimo Roj

122 Designing change

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

Projects review CIA Conad Forlì, Italy

20 Nathdwara, India | Aatma Manthan Museum Sanjay Puri Architects

22 Denver | One River North | MAD Architects

74 Besant Nagar, Chennai, India

76 Tirana | College of Europe Campus

Boston upscale

Masquespacio Valencia, Spain

Learning Center at Quest | KSM Architecture

Sidera stands tall

Raffles Boston

72 Yingtan, China | Bamboo Clouds by the Water

White Crane Lake Visitor Center Archperience Design and Consulting

Architecture is about understanding problems. And solving them

Creatures of design

Park Hyatt Changsha, China

Oppenheim Architecture

A urban highrise

Villa S Porto Rotondo, Italy

116 Kanai, Mexico | Riviera Maya Edition

118 Titanic - An Immersive Voyage

Rockwell Group

Living nature in a scattered residence

AP House Milan

Exhibition Hub and Fever

120 Shanghai | Tiffany Façade Shanghai

Audemars Piguet’s alphabet in Milan

Radisson RED Helsinki

Taikoo-Li | MVRDV

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Editor-in-Chief

Ruben Modigliani | ruben@ifdm.it

Deputy Editor

Alessandra Bergamini alessandra@ifdm.it

Senior Editor

Giulia Guzzini | redazione@ifdm.it

Editor-at-Large

Veronica Orsi | orsi@ifdm.it

Editors

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

International Contributor New York | Anna Casotti

Web Department redazione@ifdm.it

Brand Relations

Graphic Department

Marco Parisi | grafica@ifdm.it

Richard Gilder Center New York

Advertising

Miriam Hurley

Fascinating intersections between architecture and nature

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

Harudot Café Chonburi, Thailand

Closed by the editorial staff

The seed of architecture As Custom Line as possible

EYAS Kindergarten Wuhan, China A kindergarten that helps everyone grow

100 The lure of simplicity

8 | IFDM

Publisher

Paolo Bleve | bleve@ifdm.it

Translations

Vipp Cold Hawaii Vangså, Denmark

100

Winter

Art and design in the heart of Helsinki

Navetta 38 Custom Line Yacht

04 YEAR IX

citizenM Downtown Chicago

104 Design & Blues

19nd November 2024

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FEATURES

Winter 2024

    ifdmdesign CORE New York

108 Appointment at CORE Fiermonte Museum Lecce, Italy

112

Arts in residence

Mondrian Ibiza, Spain

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

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

136 An office with amenities Imperial Riding School Vienna

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

144 Embroidery of light

108

Pieve Aldina Radda in Chianti, Italy

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

152 Great little hotel

Short Stories

157 A wide view on major international projects

Design inspirations

175 A selection of the most innovative products

for the contract sector by international brands

144

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

192 Hospitality: Europe and Asia set new records

On cover

Harudot Café by IDIN Architects Photo © DOF Sky | Ground

10 | IFDM

www.fantoni.it

upgrade your office Panorama by Ben van Berkel/ UNStudio

EDITORIAL

Winter 2024

RUBEN MODIGLIANI Editor-in-Chief

The pleasure principle

estled in the rainforest of Xilitla, Mexico, lies a monument to irrationality: the Las Pozas sculpture park, commissioned by the eccentric English tycoon Edward James. James, a great supporter of the Surrealists, was twice portrayed by René Magritte. One of these canvases is entitled The Pleasure Principle, a title that could be a catchphrase for much of the architecture we present in the pages of this new issue. Designed to perform certain functions, certainly. But also to be enjoyed by those who use them -– whether that be posts on Instagram or much deeper feelings. In this key, the user experience, which in other eras has been somewhat left aside, becomes one of the cornerstones of the project. And along with sustainability – which has become inescapable – its winning element. This applies to all aspects of hospitality, but also to those of work and productivity: the presence of stimuli does not distract, but rather motivates. It is no coincidence that more and more companies, when negotiating a new position, put on the table the beauty of the place or the office where the candidate will work. It is a challenge to which all designers are called: to create spaces – environments, buildings, cities – capable of deeply engaging those who will experience them. “Life is more important than architecture,” said Oscar Niemeyer. Let us learn to enjoy both and our existence will be better. Speaking of Las Pozas, that delirious sequence of columns, arches, terraces and staircases reminds me of a masterpiece of architectural rehabilitation, the former cement factory that Ricardo Bofill transformed with visionary genius into a home/studio. One of the most beautiful workplaces in the history of architecture. It would be nice if there were more: if it is true that work ennobles people, the opposite is often true as well, because the human element is inimitable. But for this added value to be real, the man (or woman) behind it must be a happy person. IFDM | 13

HEADQUARTERS: VIA A. MANZONI, 45

HERITAGE FOREVER: VIA A. MANZONI, 38

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

CURATOR’S LETTER

Winter 2024

ALESSANDRA BERGAMINI Deputy Editor

Silver linings

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

IFDM | 15

WHITE BOX

Winter 2024

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

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

T MARTIN POŠTA Founder of Signal Creative

he true impact of lighting arts comes from its ability to reshape urban spaces and unite people through immersive experiences. At Signal Creative, we see light as far more than just a functional element; it’s a compelling medium for storytelling and artistic expression. Whether it’s interactive works in parks or large-scale projections on historical buildings, lighting art can transform people’s interactions with their environments and also amongst themselves. Our specialty is creating interactive and engaging art for public spaces through the integration of creativity, technology, and occasionally architecture. By utilizing installations of energyefficient lighting we can also serve multiple purposes: showcasing cultural history, encouraging social engagement, and even promoting sustainability. At Signal Creative, we work with creatives from all walks of life – designers, artists, and technologists – to build projects that stimulate thought and foster relationships. We hope that the lighting arts can help transform ordinary places into magnificent canvases, adding vibrancy to cityscapes and uniting people in shared awe. This is our motor at Signal Festival and Signal Creative alike. 16 | IFDM

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

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

“T

he soft and gentle light that enters and lingers in our rooms is enchanting. (...) It seems to separate the place where you are from the rest of reality. From room to room, it changes almost imperceptibly. The different shades confer a unique quality of darkness to each room.” – Junichiro Tanizaki, “In Praise of Shadows”, 1933. It is undeniable that light, before serving any functional purpose, represents a refuge and a need for security. But it is precisely the allure of darkness that makes us aware of the need to preserve it and understand light as just one possible interpretation of reality, not the only one. Emotional aspects and the theme of quality, which should inspire all architectural and design projects, are also key to ensuring the sustainability of a project, optimizing resources, and controlling outcomes. Greater awareness and reduced consumption – or, in other words, lighting less to enhance our perceptual ability, ultimately to see better. Attention to the chromatic aspects of light emission corresponds to a growing sensitivity and awareness of the role of light in relation to the quality of environments. The goal is not to break down the complexity of the design theme into an orderly sequence of homogeneous areas to be lit according to universal rules, applicable in any context. Rather, the focus is on deepening the relationship between different spaces and the activities within them. Understanding the conceptual design underlying the composition of spaces makes the lighting intervention an integral part of a unified, coherent, and shared project.

Winter 2024

WONDER

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

18 | IFDM

WONDER

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

IFDM | 19

Winter 2024

WONDER

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

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

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

Winter 2024

WONDER

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

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The Duna Collection | Fabric by Perennials | sutherlandfurniture.com

Winter 2024

COLOR STORIES

Trend

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

he fourth and final event aims to explore the color trends for 2025. With the narrative “Destination Salvation,” the cycle of four stories developed by ColorWorks™ Design and Technology Center comes to a close, identifying the color palettes that will set the trends and influence consumers in the coming year. Each year, ColorWorks’ international team identifies and synthesizes the main emerging global trends capable of influencing future consumers’ responses (a year in advance) and associates them with 20 colors, five for each macro-trend or Story, as the team calls these “signals.” These colors form the ColorForward™ 2025, a vision of tomorrow’s world through 20 hues that vary in shades and meanings.The four macro-trends guiding ColorWorks’ research for next year, exclusively shared with IFDM by Roberto Romanin, senior designer at ColorWorks™, capture a global scenario dominated by uncertainty and instability. This condition is reflected in an unprecedented yet significant presence of neutral shades within the ColorForward palette: beige, taupe, brown, as well as gray and silver. Equally noteworthy is the abundance of blue and green tones, along with a family of desaturated reds (never pure, which disappear along with yellows), adding a touch of vibrancy.These colors are featured in the first story, “Carpe Mortem,” where the predominance of desaturated colors highlights the current theme of seeking immortality (more specifically, the desire for a longer and more serene life). In “Easy Peasy,” the second Story, focus is on the increasingly scrutinized values of longevity and modularity in product design, essential aspects of a broader concept of sustainability – an attitude reflected in a warmer and more vibrant palette. The third story, “Elevens,” deals with demographic changes, shifts in global interactions, and economic and geopolitical power rebalancing, all linked to a complex chromatic palette dominated by dark, earthy, and sandy tones. “Destination Salvation” wraps up ColorForward 2025, revisiting the wave of negativity resulting from ongoing catastrophic events and how many people are coping with it, balancing irony and seriousness. 24 | IFDM

Discover the products Signature Kitchen Suite

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

Winter 2024

30 | IFDM

PEOPLE

Christophe Pillet

PEOPLE

Winter 2024

THE PILLET CASE Music, comics, art, the sea: then suddenly, his first encounter with design, and from that moment, his life took a new direction. A whirlwind of coincidences (as he calls them) has led him to become one of the most beloved and recognized designers on the international scene today

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

author: Matteo De Bartolomeis portrait photo: Claude Gassian

Christophe Pillet

Your studies initially focused on art. When and how did your path change direction? Chance has played a significant role in my professional life. I wanted to be a musician, but I ended up in an art school in Nice to please my parents, who didn’t like hearing me play music all night and then relax on the beach all day. During that time, I read various magazines and discovered Memphis. For a musician, seeing that colorful and radical design seemed like rock ‘n’ roll was an astonishing discovery. I instantly felt a powerful, direct connection, even though I knew nothing about design or Milan. A professor of mine, noticing my curiosity, mentioned a Memphis school opening in Milan (the Domus Academy) in 1986. One afternoon, I set out to visit it. I just wanted to meet them, breathe in their atmosphere, and see the protagonists of a cultural movement that I found electrifying. The Memphis Case: You arrive in Milan and... I met Andrea Branzi. We chatted for an hour, and I showed him some of my drawings, which he found charming and interesting, and he offered me a scholarship, which I immediately accepted. In one year at the Domus Academy, I met amazing people you might not encounter in a lifetime: Gianfranco Ferré, Ettore Sottsass, Michele De Lucchi, Alessandro Mendini, to name a few. It was an unstoppable wave of creativity, but also of method and genuine design culture. The Michele De Lucchi Case De Lucchi let me into his studio, perhaps in desperation from seeing me practically sleeping outside his door. Then, like a true gentleman, he introduced me to his friends, who welcomed me and helped me grow. After the first year, I was already highly involved and decided to apply what I had learned. During that period, Michele De Lucchi was incredibly generous with me and started giving me projects to work on: the first one, I remember well, was a graphic design project on IFDM | 31