In a world that constantly races forward, there remains a profound allure in the timeless, the enduring legacies that connect us to our roots while inspiring the future. This issue celebrates the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, where heritage crafts, architectural marvels, and artistic expressions all echo a shared commitment to preserving history through a contemporary lens.
In our people section, we meet Anjul Bhandari, whose label is more than fashion. It is a tribute to Awadh’s regal Chikankari embroidery, honouring centuries-old artistry while empowering a new generation of master craftsmen.
Turning to places, we explore spaces that tell stories of heritage reimagined: from the visionary luxury of Raffles Sentosa Singapore to the elegant fusion of tropical modernism and Goan-Portuguese charm in a villa by ARA Design. Kanpur’s redefined grandeur, Palm Jumeirah’s sculptural beachfront, Resaiki’s blend of vintage and contemporary in a palatial home, and Philpotts Interiors’ Hawaiian residences each reveal how architecture can be both a sanctuary and a living archive.
In things like Piaget’s latest watch collection pays homage to the rebellious glamour of the 1960s, when timepieces transcended utility to become jewellery, we see in the arts, the Architizer A+Awards spotlight global design excellence, a testament to creativity that respects tradition yet dares to innovate.
This issue is a celebration of craft, place, and artistry that stand the test of time, reminding us that true luxury lies in the stories woven through every stitch, every stone, and every design.
Printed and Published by YOGITA RAKESH AGRAWAL on behalf of WARE INNOVATIONS LLP, RAGHUVANSHI MILL COMPOUND, NEXT TO ADDRESS HOME, SENAPATI BAPAT MARG, LOWER PAREL, MUMBAI 400 013
Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale on Raffles Sentosa Singapore’s Vision for the Future
28 A LEGACY IN EVERY STITCH
Rooted in the regal craft traditions of Awadh, Anjul Bhandari’s eponymous label preserves the purity of Chikankari while empowering a new generation of master artisans.
78-87
ART
80 A GLOBAL VISION
2025 Architizer A+Awards shortlist celebrated design excellence from every corner of the world
32- 77
PLACES
32 PRESERVING LEGACY
Three Hawaiian Residences by Philpotts Interiors
Elevate Island Living
44 TIMELESS ABODE
Designed by Resaiki Interiors and Architecture, this 12,000 sq ft home combines palatial luxury with a contemporary flair, creating a unique blend of vintage charm and modern elegance
52 ODE TO GOAN-PORTUGUESE HERITAGE
This contemporary Goan villa designed by ARA Design is where tropical modernism meets heritage charm.
58 GILDED AGE
I Design Studios reimagines a Kanpur residence with timeless grandeur
68 LIVING ART
E Plus A Atelier unveils sculptural beachfront villa on Palm Jumeirah
88-93
THINGS
90 AGE OF GLAMOUR
Piaget’s latest creation pays homage to the radical spirit of the 1960s, when watches became jewellery and time found a new rhythm.
PEOPLE
A NEW CHAPTER OF TIMELESS LUXURY
Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale on Raffles Sentosa Singapore’s Vision for the Future
By Rini Mukkath
On 1 March 2025, the iconic Raffles brand will unveil its first all-villa resort in Singapore: Raffles Sentosa Singapore. Set amidst lush tropical greenery with sweeping views of the South China Sea, the highly anticipated property is being helmed by hospitality legend Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, who brings with him nearly four decades of global experience.
In an exclusive interview with LuxeCode, Giovanni shares his journey, from his humble beginnings in Southern Italy to spearheading world-class projects across the globe and his philosophy behind what defines true luxury today.
A LIFETIME IN HOSPITALITY
“My journey started when I was just 17,” Giovanni recounts. “I’m from the south of Italy, the Amalfi Coast, an area renowned for its beautiful resorts. In school, we had a programme where half the year was spent in practical training and that’s when I fell in love with the hospitality world.”
That passion led him to Switzerland, then England, and eventually to senior roles across the Middle East and Asia. His impressive résumé includes opening The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi and leading operations
for The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts in Singapore. Most recently, as Cluster General Manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, Giovanni has been instrumental in bringing the new Raffles property to life.
BRINGING LEGENDARY SERVICE TO SENTOSA
With 62 private villas—each with its own pool, terrace, and garden— Raffles Sentosa Singapore is designed as a sanctuary where nature, heritage, and wellness converge. But it’s not just the setting that makes this property special.
“What we’re bringing here is the iconic Raffles service,” Giovanni says. “The butler service, the attention to detail, and above all, creating meaningful, emotional connections with our guests. That’s something I want to pass on to our team here—especially the new generation.”
He sees his role not only as a leader but as a mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from the best. Now I want to inspire others, just as I was inspired. Great hospitality is a craft, and it’s passed down.”
STANDING OUT IN THE LUXURY LANDSCAPE
Asked how Raffles Sentosa Singapore aims to distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded luxury market, Giovanni says it’s all about con-
sistency—and the human touch.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel,” he admits. “But what sets us apart is how we make people feel. Luxury is no longer just about marble floors or gold fittings. It’s about creating memories, offering tranquillity, warmth, and a sense of belonging.”
He adds, “When guests arrive, they’re treated like royalty. But by the time they leave, they’re part of our family. That emotional bond is what defines true luxury.”
A SANCTUARY IN NATURE
The resort’s location on Sentosa Island offers more than just beautiful views—it also presents a unique opportunity to embrace sustainable
hospitality.
“We are nestled in a rare environment surrounded by nature, trees, and biodiversity that has been here for over a century,” Giovanni explains. “We’re not just preserving it, we’re enhancing it. For example, we planted six trees on 27 February to celebrate the hotel’s opening and Singapore’s anniversary.”
The resort has also taken serious steps towards eco-conscious operations, earning the Green Globe Certification and embedding sustainability into its daily practices.
“Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility,” Giovanni says. “We are committed to protecting the flora and fauna that make this location so special.”
DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S DISCERNING TRAVELLER
The Raffles Sentosa Singapore experience is tailored for a global audience. While Giovanni mentions that many early bookings have come from Australia and local guests within Asia, the Indian market is also emerging as a strong focus.
“The resort is ideal for Indian travellers looking for a luxurious destination for weddings, retreats, or family celebrations,” he notes. “We offer privacy, space, and bespoke experiences—all within 15 minutes of the city centre.”
REDEFINING MODERN LUXURY
As the conversation turns to the changing face of luxury, Giovanni is reflective.
“Luxury used to be about how things looked. Now it’s about how things feel. We aim for guests to leave Raffles Sentosa with memories they’ll pass down to the next generation.”
One of his most treasured moments? “Our very first guest was a four-year-old child staying with their family,” he shares. “Seeing the joy on that child’s face—and knowing that they’ll carry that memory with them for years—is what this job is all about.”
Raffles Sentosa Singapore is more than just another five-star hotel. Under Giovanni Viterale’s stewardship, it promises to be a place where luxury meets legacy and every stay is unforgettable.
For more information or booking enquiries, visit: www. raffles.com/sentosa
A LEGACY IN EVERY STITCH
Rooted in the regal craft traditions of Awadh, Anjul Bhandari’s eponymous label preserves the purity of Chikankari while empowering a new generation of master artisans.
Photo courtesy: Anjul Bhandari
For over a decade, Anjul Bhandari has carved a unique niche in the world of couture by placing one of India’s most treasured crafts—Chikankari—at the heart of her design language. A self-taught artist from Lucknow with a deep reverence for her roots, Anjul’s journey began not in fashion school, but in her own home, inspired by the legacy of her mother-in-law, a passionate social worker dedicated to uplifting rural women.
Launched in 2010, the eponymous label marries the grace of age-old Awadhi embroidery with a modern couture aesthetic, all while preserving the intricate artistry that defines true Chikankari. “My label is an endeavour to continue her legacy by marrying my love for fashion, art and Chikankari with designs
that celebrate the labour of love,” shares Anjul. That labour is no understatement—some pieces take over two years to create, with the brand’s iconic Ek Taar embroidery requiring nearly 17,500 hours of painstaking work.
The roots of Chikankari date back to the late 18th century, when the Nawabs of Awadh relocated their court from Delhi to Lucknow and began to craft a unique cultural identity. Freed from the aesthetic codes of Delhi, the Nawabs ushered in an era of opulence, patronising poets, musicians, and artisans, including those who brought Chikankari to life. Some say the craft was born when a bored princess embroidered a cap to impress a nawab, sparking envy and inspiration among other women in court. Another tale credits a wandering saint who taught the art
to Ustad Mohammad Shair Khan, a descendant of Fiaz Khan, India’s first master craftsman awardee. Whichever the story, the result is a craft deeply entwined with Lucknow’s royal and artistic heritage.
With a commitment to purity over reinvention, the label stays true to traditional Persian and Mughal motifs, refusing to dilute its essence with machine or computer embroidery. Each piece is handmade and one-of-a-kind, crafted by over 1,500 fourth-generation master artisans, many of whose families have a history of embroidery for the royal courts of Lucknow. Anjul remains the only woman entrepreneur to lead such a significant initiative in the region, ensuring that her work is not only crea-
tive but also socially transformative.
All of the label’s Chikankari comes from within the GI-registered zones of Lucknow, making quality non-negotiable. And while the techniques are old-world, the designs remain timeless—quietly luxurious, thoughtfully detailed, and unmistakably modern in their expression.
Anjul Bhandari’s collections are available at Ogaan (New Delhi), Ensemble (Mumbai), Good Earth (New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad), Aashni & Co (London & online), Ave (New York), and at the brand’s private studio in Hauz Khas, New Delhi (by appointment).
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PRESERVING LEGACY
Three Hawaiian Residences by Philpotts Interiors Elevate Island Living
Photo courtesy: Nicole Franzen and Travis Rowan
In Honolulu, a city known for its vibrant culture and unparalleled natural beauty, Philpotts Interiors is redefining island living. Under the leadership of Marion Philpotts-Miller and a new generation of talented designers, the firm continues the legacy of its founder, Mary Philpotts McGrath, who first championed the fusion of Hawaiian heritage with modern design. These three exceptional residences, each with its own distinct narrative, exemplify the firm’s ability to harmonize culture, nature, and luxury
in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.
The Makani Eka residence, a family compound perched atop a hardened lava flow, draws inspiration from the traditional Hawaiian village. The design features four independent structures, each crafted with a sense of openness and connectivity. A lush courtyard and a series of walkways link the spaces, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. The interiors are light, airy, and inspired by mid-century modernism, with custom surfboards displayed as art pieces
in the rec room, capturing the spirit of adventure that defines the home’s owners. Collaborating with Walker Warner Architects, Philpotts Interiors created a family haven that honors the past while embracing the future.
Mauna Kea Muse tells a different story—one of preservation and thoughtful renewal. Once the home of a German baron and his Thai royal mistress, this residence exudes history and character. The original structure, built with teak from old-growth forests, is a testament to craftsmanship, and
the homeowners, after living in the house for a year, decided to preserve its unique features. The home’s Japanese garden and koi pond remain untouched, while the interiors were carefully updated to highlight the art collection and complement the existing architecture. Working with architect Paige Wilburn, the team at Philpotts Interiors breathed new life into this historic gem, ensuring that its legacy remains intact while introducing a refined, modern sensibility.
Coral House, designed as a multigenerational vacation
retreat, is a sanctuary that celebrates wellness and sustainability. With sweeping views of Maui’s southern shore, the home integrates locally sourced materials like Ohia wood and features kapa-inspired wall coverings and wood carvings, connecting the family to the land and to Hawaiian culture. As a LEED Silver-certified home, it was built with sustainability at the forefront, ensuring minimal waste while maximizing comfort and style. Designed to foster togetherness and healing, Coral House is more than just a vacation home; it is a place where memories are made and the spirit of aloha flourishes.
Philpotts Interiors has long been a leader in creating spaces that reflect the beauty of Hawaii and the culture that defines it. Through these residences, the firm continues to push the boundaries of design, blending tradition with modern elegance to craft homes that feel both timeless and contemporary. With a commitment to sustainability, wellness, and cultural heritage, Philpotts Interiors remains at the forefront of luxury residential design in Hawaii, crafting spaces that are as much about connection to place as they are about impeccable craftsmanship.
TIMELESS ABODE
Designed by Resaiki Interiors and Architecture, this 12,000 sq ft home combines palatial luxury with a contemporary flair, creating a unique blend of vintage charm and modern elegance
Photo courtesy: Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio
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Nestled in Sector 72, Noida, the #AK72 Residence stands as a majestic tribute to grandeur, designed to capture the essence of a bygone era while embracing modern comforts. From the moment you approach the property, its palatial French exteriors set it apart, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and timeless beauty. The layout has been meticulously planned with two grand entrances, offering both accessibility and flexibility, ensuring that every corner of this estate is open and inviting.
Spanning three levels, this home unfolds like a journey, with
each floor offering something new. The design concept was crafted to blend the regal charm of French architecture with a serene, rejuvenating atmosphere. Every room within this grand residence is designed with palatial proportions, elevated ceilings, and regal touches, creating an air of majesty that is rare to find in modern homes.
Built on land that carries the weight of six decades of history, this home is infused with a deep sense of time. The striking black and white foundation is accented with gleaming pops of gold, which introduce a fresh, modern twist to the classic style.
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Every element of the interior design, from the bespoke mouldings to the fluted partitions, elevates the space with sophistication and grace.
The layout includes a grand entrance that leads to the formal living room, a dedicated dining space, and a kitchen designed for both form and function. The basement is a hub of entertainment, featuring a home theatre, gym, and spa—perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The upper floors are dedicated to personal spaces, with bedrooms and bathrooms designed to cater to family, guests, and staff. Balconies, gathering areas, and a stunning swimming pool are thoughtfully placed throughout, offering respite and relaxation at every turn.
On the first floor, a library near the kitchenette speaks to the client’s love of literature, while the master bedroom offers a sophisticated contrast to the light-toned interiors, with deep hues and striking scarlet accents. The highlight of the master suite is the expansive 22-foot walk-in closet, which ensures both luxury and practicality. The son’s bedroom, inspired by the cosmos, offers a design that sparks curiosity and wonder, reflecting a love for exploration.
The second floor, dedicated to the parents’ comfort, features a guest room and a cleverly placed small kitchen. The use of rattan accents in this space creates a welcoming, homely atmosphere, while darker tiles on the floor provide both style and
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practicality. These design choices enhance safety and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.
With a keen understanding of the family’s social nature, the design integrates several bar units throughout the home. These stylish additions create inviting nooks for relaxed conversations, whether in the dining area on the ground floor or the master bedroom on the first floor.
Every detail of the home has been carefully considered to balance functionality and beauty. From the state-of-the-art entertainment facilities in the basement to the luxurious swimming pool on the second floor, the residence offers an ideal environment for relaxation and enjoyment.
The bespoke railings, crafted from GRC after extensive trials, capture the elegant curves of the design. Innovative materials, such as waterproof and heat-proof terrace systems, ensure that the family enjoys a peaceful retreat, free from worries about the elements. The use of VRV air control systems further enhances the comfort of the home, ensuring a perfect climate throughout the year.
More than just a home, #AK72 Residence is a sanctuary—a place where comfort, beauty, and tranquillity reign supreme. Whether lounging by the pool on a lazy afternoon or enjoying an intimate evening on the balcony, this residence provides a setting where every moment can be savoured, offering a lifetime of cherished memories.
ODE TO GOAN-PORTUGUESE HERITAGE
This contemporary Goan villa designed by ARA Design is where tropical modernism meets heritage charm.
Photos by Isprava
In the sun-drenched lanes of Goa, Estate de Carmo emerges as a contemporary homage to the region’s Goan-Portuguese heritage. Designed by ARA Design for the luxury developer Isprava, this 4,500 sq.ft. villa is a quiet statement in tropical modernism—rooted in its location yet responsive to the evolving aesthetic of open, light-filled living.
EMBRACING HERITAGE WITH A MODERN LENS
The client brief was clear: to design a home that embodies the warmth and elegance of traditional Goan-Portuguese homes while aligning with the openness and fluidity of contemporary architecture. “We were creating a home that fits into the modern, contemporary standard of spaces and openness—very unlike what traditional Goan homes used to be,” shares principal architect Amey Dahanukar.
The spatial narrative of the villa unfolds gradually—ushering guests through a welcoming entrance courtyard that evokes
a Spanish sensibility, before transitioning seamlessly into a distinctly Goan layout. The home pivots around its green spine: a lush backyard with the living room overlooking a private pool, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out.
A DINING PAVILION THAT FLOATS IN NATURE
At the heart of the home lies the show-stopping dining pavilion, a glass-encased volume that opens into the courtyard on two sides. “The idea was to create a floating zone, surrounded entirely by trees and landscape,” says Dahanukar. Black-framed windows, influenced by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, accentuate the geometry and bring in dappled light—a conscious nod to tropical modernism.
This interplay of light and shadow, movement and stillness, becomes a defining feature throughout the home. “It’s about creating a sense of stillness while allowing light to choreograph its own rhythm across the day,” he adds.
GROUNDED BY TOPOGRAPHY, ELEVATED BY DESIGN
The villa’s architectural response to its site is thoughtful and deliberate. Bordered by roads on two sides and set within a sloping plot, privacy became a guiding force in the design. A front boundary wall conceals the villa from the street, while the structure opens up completely at the back, drawing focus to its natural surroundings.
“The high contours and slopes helped us define the layout. They gave us an opportunity to isolate spaces like the pool without the need for heavy screening,” explains Dahanukar. It’s a site-responsive design that turns constraints into spatial opportunities.
LOCALLY ROOTED MATERIALS, TIMELESS SENSIBILITIES
Materiality plays a subtle but critical role in Estate de Carmo’s identity. ARA Design was mindful of embracing Goa’s local palette—from laterite stone columns to the generous use of white plaster, lush green landscape, and the calming presence of blue water. These elements come together to create a restrained yet
rich sensory palette that feels both contextual and elevated.
“There are only a few materials used—but they’ve been chosen for their authenticity and ability to age beautifully,” says Dahanukar. The use of locally available materials not only reduced the home’s environmental footprint but also ensured that it sat gently within its surroundings.
A VILLA SHAPED BY COURTYARDS AND CALM
What truly sets Estate de Carmo apart is its choreography of open courtyards and green pockets that punctuate every part of the home. “Every space opens into a green area. You always feel like you’re walking in and out, without realising where the roof begins or ends,” he reflects.
This blurring of thresholds—from structure to nature, indoors to outdoors—is the soul of the home. It’s a villa that quietly captures the spirit of Goa—slow, sunlit, and timeless—while remaining distinctly modern in language and luxury in feel.
With Estate de Carmo, ARA Design delivers more than just a residence—it crafts an experience, one where heritage, nature, and modern living meet in seamless harmony.
GILDED AGE
I Design Studios reimagines a Kanpur residence with timeless grandeur
Studios
Photo courtesy: I Design
Some homes transcend their material form to become narratives—stories rendered in wood, stone, and silk. They are intimate portraits of the people who inhabit them, layered with emotion, memory, and art. In this stately Kanpur residence, interior designer and restoration artist Pooja Gupta, founder of I Design Studios, brings such a narrative to life. The result is not merely a home but a poetic amalgam of Victorian romance and Indian sensibility, deeply personal, quietly opulent, and evocative at every turn.
Set across 4,000 square feet in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the residence opens with the gravitas of a royal prologue. A hand-carved wooden door framed by Mughal-style archways offers an inviting glimpse into the world beyond. Step through, and you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, elegance, and precision where heritage finds new purpose and
every detail reflects thoughtful intent.
The living area unfolds like a cinematic tableau. Suspended from delicately detailed ceilings, cascading chandeliers bathe the room in a golden glow. Velvet-clad seating, heirloom-inspired centre tables, and walls adorned with handpainted murals and antique curios create a space that feels both storied and current. Victorian elements lend structural drama, while Indian craftsmanship—seen in the intricate jaali work, silk textiles, and carved wood accents—grounds the aesthetic in a uniquely regional identity.
One of the home’s most striking features is the open bar. Inspired by the palatial interiors of Jodhpur, it is a mirrored marvel that catches the light and eye in equal measure. Reflective surfaces expand the space visually, while intricate carvings elevate it from functional necessity to sculptural
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statement. It’s a gathering point with a personality all its own, echoing the home’s blend of indulgence and artistry.
In the dining area, elegance takes on a ceremonial tone. A long, custom dining table anchors the room, surrounded by high-backed upholstered chairs. Overhead, a dramatic chandelier provides a warm glow, while marble flooring, gilded accents, and embroidered drapes layer texture and richness into the space. The palette is refined, the atmosphere inviting—perfectly suited to both intimate dinners and large family gatherings.
The bedrooms continue the home’s story with quieter grace. Four-poster beds with hand-carved headboards, antique-style furniture, and soft lighting offer a sense of retreat without disconnecting from the overall design language. Each space has its own identity, subtly shaped by the personalities of those who reside there. In the master suite, natural light floods through expansive windows. A chaise lounge by the sill offers space for quiet moments, while a vintage vanity, complete with ornate mirrorwork, pays tribute to Victorian glamour. The en-suite bathroom features a freestanding tub and patterned tiles, creating a sanctuary that feels like a private spa.
The home’s charm extends outdoors to a thoughtfully styled terrace. Here, artisanal furniture and potted greenery form an open-air haven, ideal for quiet mornings or leisurely evenings. It reflects the same balance found throughout the interiors—between serenity and celebration, history and modern comfort.
Artistic accents punctuate every corner. Sculptures, paintings, and antiques are not mere décor; they are expressions of the family’s passions and a testament to their appreciation for craft, culture, and memory. Together, they give the home a soul that goes beyond design.
For Pooja Gupta, this project was never about replicating the past but reinterpreting it with relevance. Her signature lies in the way she blends narrative and nuance, ensuring each element speaks to a sense of place and purpose. The home does not chase trends; it embodies something more enduring—emotional resonance.
Ultimately, this Kanpur residence is not simply a showcase of design excellence. It is a layered, lived-in story of legacy, beauty, and aspiration. A place where time slows, senses awaken, and tradition and modern life coexist with quiet ease. A home, in the truest and most artful sense.
LIVING ART PLACES
E Plus A Atelier unveils sculptural beachfront villa on Palm Jumeirah
Photo courtesy: E Plus A Atelier
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In the vibrant heart of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah, E Plus A Atelier has unveiled a breathtaking private villa that redefines contemporary beachfront luxury. A seamless fusion of architecture, interior design, and landscape, this residence is a masterclass in modernist restraint and tactile elegance — a living sculpture of light, line, and materiality.
A SCULPTURAL MONOLITH BY THE SEA
From the street, the villa presents itself as a commanding architectural form: travertine and warm stone volumes intersected by razor-thin lighting seams that wrap the structure in a golden linear glow. Deep reveals and rhythmic fins create a monumental yet softened massing, anchoring the home both physically and spiritually in its site.
The transition from public to private is marked by a dramatic water feature—a cantilevered stone beam that drops a sheer curtain of water into a turquoise pool, setting a tone of serenity and strength that resonates throughout the property.
SPATIAL CHOREOGRAPHY AND LIGHT AS AN ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT
Inside, the villa unfolds as a carefully choreographed sequence of spaces rather than a conventional floor plan. At its core is a triple-height atrium punctuated by a glass elevator shaft and a ribbon-like sculptural staircase that appears to float effortlessly. This vertical spine connects a layered layout that balances grandeur with intimacy, and spectacle with comfort.
Notable moments include a double-height dining room framed by timber fins and anchored by a kinetic pendant
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sculpture, flowing seamlessly into a fluted walnut and marble kitchen. Frameless glass walls dissolve the boundary between interior and lush outdoor gardens, blending refined living with open-air freedom.
Lighting is woven into the architecture as an intrinsic material. Daylight floods in through clerestory windows, skylights, and sculpted voids, while layered artificial lighting accentuates textures and circulation with sculptural precision. At dusk, the villa glows like a lantern—its silhouette revealing a hierarchy of spaces and forms.
MATERIAL RICHNESS AND SENSORY DETAIL
Materiality is curated with a jeweller’s precision: bronze, oak, limestone, lacquer, and mirror shift subtly across rooms, never
repetitive but always harmonious. Arched thresholds, sculptural sinks, and tactile finishes elevate every corner into a sensory experience, turning even transitional spaces into destinations.
INTIMATE LUXURY IN PRIVATE QUARTERS
The villa’s private zones adopt a quieter, tactile vocabulary. Bedrooms cocooned in textiles and bespoke timber joinery lead to spa-inspired bathrooms featuring freestanding tubs and indirect lighting, creating havens of calm and refinement. Powder rooms and corridors serve as canvases for dramatic forms and layered materials, adding artistry to everyday moments.
LANDSCAPE AS AN EXTENSION OF ARCHITECTURE
The surrounding landscape echoes the villa’s architectural dis-
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cipline. Native desert plants such as palm, cactus, and baobab provide privacy and texture, while raised planters and travertine plinths extend the home’s geometry into the garden. The result is a cohesive, sculptural environment where architecture and nature merge seamlessly.
MORE THAN A VILLA: A LIVING WORK OF ART
E Plus A Atelier’s Palm Jumeirah villa transcends the notion of a residence, offering instead a spatial narrative of light, texture, and movement. Every line is resolved, every surface intentional, creating an environment that unfolds gradually, heightens everyday life, and redefines modern luxury living in Dubai.
Whether approached through architecture, interior design, or landscape, this villa tells a rich, multilayered story for design connoisseurs and media alike—one that resonates long after the first impression.
ART
A GLOBAL VISION
2025 Architizer A+Awards shortlist celebrated design excellence from every corner of the world
This May, Architizer—the world’s largest platform for architecture—revealed the shortlist for the 2025 A+Awards, spotlighting the most compelling architectural work of the past year. From luxury residences and civic centres to sustainable infrastructure and cultural institutions, the shortlist represented an inspiring cross-section of global talent and vision.
The 13th edition of the A+Awards attracted over 4,000 entries from 80+ countries, with 618 projects selected as finalists across more than 120 categories. The judging criteria spanned form, function, innovation, and social and environmental impact—resulting in a shortlist that balanced global relevance
with deep-rooted localism.
“In 2025, we saw an extraordinary alignment between cultural specificity and universal problem-solving,” said Kongjian Yu, juror and Principal Designer at Turenscape. “The most powerful projects didn’t just meet a need—they uplifted communities and sparked joy.”
CELEBRATING CONTEXT, CRAFT AND IMPACT
This year’s shortlisted projects reflected how architecture continues to evolve in response to the climate crisis, rapid urbanisation, and cultural change. Many entries focused on adaptive reuse, community engagement, and low-impact design—high-
lighting how buildings can serve both people and planet.
AMONG THE STANDOUT FINALISTS:
n Apple The Exchange TRX by Foster + Partners (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
n Library in the Earth by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP (Kisarazu, Japan)
n Portland Intl Airport Main Terminal Expansion by ZGF Architects (Portland, USA)
n Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture by MASS Design Group (Gashora, Rwanda)
n Aquifer Recharge Plant – Cape Flats by SALT Architects (Cape Town, South Africa)
Also shortlisted were studios like Studio Gang, Cobe, Mecanoo, Sordo Madaleno, and Project Mingde, each bringing distinct cultural perspectives and architectural ingenuity.
JUDGED BY GLOBAL LEADERS, CHOSEN BY THE PUBLIC
The shortlist was selected by a Jury of over 250 thought lead-
ers, including Philippe Block (ETH Zurich), Evelyn Lee (Practice of Architecture), Amanda Ferber (Architecture Hunter), James Corner (Field Operations), and Ismael Seleit (Foster + Partners). Their expertise ensured a broad and inclusive lens on what excellence means in contemporary architecture.
Complementing the professional jury, the A+Awards once again empowered the public to participate—drawing over 300,000 votes from design lovers, students, and users around the world.
THE WINNERS ARE NOW LIVE
The winners of the 2025 A+Awards were officially announced on June 9, with results published at awards.architizer.com. All winning projects will be featured in The World’s Best Architecture 2026—Architizer’s signature annual compendium.
Whether it’s a community centre in rural Rwanda or a commercial landmark in Southeast Asia, the A+Awards shortlist reaffirmed one core belief: that great architecture speaks across boundaries, builds connections, and shapes a more thoughtful world.
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AGE OF GLAMOUR
Piaget’s latest creation pays homage to the radical spirit of the 1960s, when watches became jewellery and time found a new rhythm.
Photo courtesy: Piaget
For this year’s Watches and Wonders, Piaget unveils a dazzling revival: Sixtie, a collection of trapezeshaped watches rooted in the Maison’s most flamboyant era. Bold, avant-garde, and deeply nostalgic, Sixtie channels the audacity of the late 1960s—a time when Piaget redefined the contours of jewellery and women’s watches with elegance and irreverence.
The year 1969 marked a turning point for both Piaget and the world of watchmaking. Guided by the family motto—“Do what has never been done before”—the Maison launched its visionary 21st Century Collection at the Basel Fair. In the hands of designer Jean-Claude Gueit, Piaget’s watches were transformed from functional objects into sculptural statements. They became cuffs and sautoirs, bold and beautiful, ushering in a new way of wearing time.
Among those boundary-breaking designs, the trapeze
shape emerged as an icon. With its unconventional angles and unexpected symmetry, it echoed the rebellious energy of the decade—think Yves Saint Laurent’s famous trapeze dress. Nearly 60 years on, Piaget revives that spirit through Sixtie, a tribute to the era’s fearless creativity and the Maison’s unmatched savoir-faire.
Crafted in the Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire, Sixtie is as much a jewel as it is a watch. It wraps the wrist with fluidity and finesse, exuding an instinctive femininity that is as inspiring as it is timeless. Its trapeze silhouette strikes a delicate balance between geometry and grace, offering a modern interpretation of Piaget’s storied legacy.
A watch with character, Sixtie plays with scale and texture in unexpected ways. Every detail is steeped in gold—from its supple bracelet composed of interlinked trapeze motifs, to the finely sculpted gadroons on its bezel, a nod to the iconic
Piaget watch once owned by Andy Warhol. The satin-finished dial features golden hour markers and baton hands, softened by slender Roman numerals that evoke the quiet drama of vintage design.
Sixtie is not just a watch. It’s a statement of subtle extravagance, an eloquent nod to nonconformity. Whether worn alone or layered with other treasures, it reshapes the concept of elegance for women who understand the power of nuance. Its rounded, asymmetrical form defies time itself—timeless, yet always in motion.
“At Piaget, a timepiece is first and foremost a piece of jewellery,” said Yves Piaget. With Sixtie, every gesture becomes more expressive, every second more meaningful. The luminous finishes and refined contours echo the liberation and self-expression of the golden age, now reimagined for today’s aesthetes.
Sixtie is for the woman who writes her own story—discerning, bold, and unapologetically original. Feather-light yet unforgettable, it doesn’t just tell time. It leaves an impression.
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