the
design
architecture
in issue three
1. A selection of the most beautiful mirrors available on the market. 2. Interview with UK-based designer Alexander White on his iconic designs. 3. Interview with street artist / illustrator Daniela Attard. 4. Interview with interior designer Mark Pace.
furniture
arts
interiors
paper
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the
paper
Issue no. 3
The Archetype Paper The Archetype is a quarterly newspaper by onepercent ltd about architecture, design,interiors, furniture & art.
Date February 2012 Art direction by werkdesigns.com Editor Lisa Gwen Editorial design by Matthew Attard Navarro Portrait photogrpahy Alexandra Pace, Esther Segarra To subscribe to the paper please log on to onepercent.com.mt Subscribe in the ‘Archetype’ section Also available from onepercent, Valley Road, Msida, Malta onepercent.com.mt Cover Image The Sturm und Drang a truly magnificent mirror from Glas Italia available in two sizes from onepercent.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 6
The Archetype Paper is growing. And with it our vision. It is therefore apt for us to have chosen the mirror as theme for this issue. Which is very Snow White of us, admittedly. But let’s face it, we’re all a little narcissistic. Nevertheless, mirrors project more than a mere image of self, they reflect space, they give the illusion of depth, even grandeur perhaps, yet they also spread light, increasing its magnitude and potence. From gazing at to being gazed upon, in the third issue, we decided to feature illustrator/street artist Daniela Attard, interior designer Mark Pace and as of this issue, we’ll also be showcasing foreign individuals who have somehow caught our eye, as well as fairs and events. Although Malta’s bursting at the seams with local talent and professionalism in the arts, design and architecture fields, it’s important to look beyond our shores, at the wider international context. And that’s where Alexander White comes in; he’s a young up and coming designer based in the UK to whom we’ve given our nod of approval. This will probably be the last issue in this ‘format’. In the next edition, we’re spicing things up a bit: we’ll be bringing in more contributors and we’ll be introducing onepercent projects, a very new and exciting enterprise for the company. So, look out for the May issue, and make sure to tell us what you think when the new website’s up and running. We look forward to hearing from you. LG
section 1
must haves
The Sturm und Drang is a truly magnificent mirror with a Murano glass frame, achieved through a complex and refined hand-made production process, making each piece unique and unrepeatable. The frame is composed of various elements which are fixed to a wall hanging structure upon which a 5mm thick chamfered mirror is then applied. The Sturm und Drang which translates as Storm and Stress mirror from Glas Italia is available in two sizes.
MIRROR MIRROR A selection of beautiful mirrors
All featured mirrors are available at onepercent
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 7
section 1
must haves
The Fiction mirror from Glas Italia is available in two sizes and is made up of extra light glass with degrading shaded silvering which is hung on the wall with a chromium-plated metal cylinder. The small mirror can have a degrading shade upwards or downwards.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 8
section 1
must haves
If nature and floral interior design rather tickle your fancy then you could be interested in new collection of decorative mirrors by Porada, which have been presented at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2009, in Milan. This collection is designed by Tarcisio Colzany and named Frasca and Lotus. Mirrors from this collection are presented in two original shapes: tree branch and lotus flower.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 9
section 1
must haves
While most of us can appreciate the added convenience of a conventional three-way mirror, few would choose this ubiquitous dressing room piece for their homes. The Bellavista mirror (2004) by Carlo Marelli and Massimo Molteni is an exception, designed for even the most intimate of living spaces, including bedrooms, lounge areas and entryways. With three hinged panels, the wall-mounted Bellavista can close for complete concealment behind solid ash wood doors. When open, these doors can be adjusted to provide reflections from multiple angles.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 10
section 1
must haves The Porada Megalux mirror from Italy is produced in two square-shaped sizes and two rectangle-shaped sizes. It is made entirely from carved mirrored glass featuring several panes and framed in an octagon.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 11
section 1
The Venezia mirror features a delightful floral patterned frame encompassing the whole of the mirror. It brings a delicate and graceful feel to most spaces. THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 12
must haves
section 1
Porada Sensu mirror: This fan shaped wall mirror with 7 panels (fixed together), turns 360 degrees due to the wall fixing. Designed by T Colzani, it comes in clear mirror and brushed steel.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 13
must haves
section 1
Libra is a tall rectangular mirrored wall storage cabinet. By means of clever design, the cabinet opens to reveal integrated inner compartment lockers in Canaletto walnut or wengĂŠ stained behind the 2 mirrored doors that rotate outward on hinges for easy access.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 14
must haves
section 1
Profile is a tall rectangular wall mirror with a mirrored shelf concealing a pair of side opening drawers with fronts in stained or laquered oak finishes.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 15
must haves
section 1
The Rokoko mirror is shaped like a frame. It is cut with a water jet and features a transparent extralight glass. It comes in four sizes.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 16
must haves
section 1
Life Pyramid mirror from Glas Italia is a three-dimensional mirror in a pyramid shape, truncated with a lit angled corner coloured in red or white. The light, produced by a halogen lamp placed inside the mirror, can remain at a set level or alternatively, thanks to an electronic dimmer, can cyclically switch on or switch off in a gradual and continuous way. Life Mirror comes with two shapes for the angled corner and with a choice of red or white lighting.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 17
must haves
section 2
case study
Lips parted. White dress tickling and billowing
onto the central axis that I could make final
depth, more dimensions. My goal is to seduce
around her thighs. Iconic soft blonde curls.
decisions for comfort and aesthetics.”
people
And a New York subway grate.
on
several
levels,
aesthetically,
functionally and conceptually.” He
explains
that
Marilyn Monroe’s unique stance in the 1955
an
attempt
to
the
Monroe
the
“For instance, I couldn’t make something
film The Seven Year Itch is firmly implanted
manufacturing process involved in making
that is purely aesthetically appealing but
into American popular culture of the 20th
an armchair. It exploits the potential of CNC
has no function, just like I couldn’t make
century. Yet her powers to seduce and allure
technologies, cutting out identical replicas
anything functional that has no conceptual
have lived on, way beyond her short life, and
in order to create a functional piece of
value.”
right into the 21st century.
furniture made from a great number of the
drastically
Chair
simplify
is
same component.
“I like to think that my work challenges
She was a living muse 60, 70 years ago. She is a muse today.
people’s conception of what furniture can Each component is fed onto a metal pole
be. Why do we automatically assume that
that runs through the width of the chair,
a table has four legs and a rectangular or
Young designer Alexander W. White is
then rotated and fixed in place in order to
oval top? People’s interaction with my work
one such individual who could not remain
achieve the desired effect. The back leg
is also important to me; a chair is a tool for
impartial
bodacious
gradually morphs into the backrest and the
the human body and is made to be sat on
blonde’s timesless and undying charms, and
armrest into the front leg, creating a distinct
not just look at from behind a glass box.”
his Monroe Chair is testimony to as much.
aesthetic entirely defined by the simplicity
or
immune
to
the
of the manufacturing process. But how exactly does a sex symbol translate
Besides the Monroe Chair, the Delta Knot coffee
table
is
another
of
Alexander’s
into a chair? “I tend to start my design with
Alexander describes his work as conceptual,
a fairly simple idea that I draw, sketch and
driven by ideas, rather than aesthetics... so
play around with until it convinces me that
where does his work ethic or philosophy
“The Delta-Knot was developed as a result of
it’s is worth developing. When I’m convinced,
stem from?
an exploration into the relationship between
I then tend to make a rough model to have a
signature designs.
construction
process
and
3D version of it, so that I can further visualise
“The aesthetics of my work are derived from
Looking
how
produce
its potential.”
an idea (for instance the aesthetics of the
furniture using as little time and energy as
Monroe Chair derive from it being made from
possible.”
“I then use CAD (when appropriate) for
into
to
aesthetics. unusual
a great number of the same component).”
refinement and detailing. I might also take
“The dry joint at the heart of the coffee table
pictures of the model, then open them up in
“Nowadays,
eco-conscious
is based on a brain-teaser puzzle, chosen for
Photoshop or illustrator to then push forward
education and the fact that there is already
its simplicity to manufacture and intriguing
the artistic nature of my work, where I might
far too much junk in the world, I find it almost
elegance. Its construction uses no glue or
add colour, lines etc.”
impossible to justify making something that
screws. The tabletop is a logical response
is purely of aesthetical beauty.”
to its base, complementing its aesthetic
due
to
my
“In the case of the Monroe Chair, I decided
whilst offering maximum stability.”
on the final shape of the one component
“The way things look is very important, because
involved using CAD but it was only once I
we need to love and look after the things we
“The gold leaf on the table top and its base
had made all the components and fed them
own, but for me objects should have more
is only placed on areas where the end grain
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 18
section 2 2
case study
THE THE ARCHETYPE ARCHETYPE PAPER PAPER 1919
Alexander White photographed by Ester Segarra on The Monroe Chair.
THE PERSISTENCE OF ICONS
section 2
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 20
case study
section 2
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 21
case study
section 2
case study
The Delta Knot coffee table
Close up view of ‘The Knot’.
Side view of the Delta Knot coffee table. Aerial view of The Delta Knot coffee table.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 22
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www.halmannvella.com
section 2
case study
was showing — where the various shapes
“My generation is a lot more concerned with
they produce and how it can be cleverly
composing the piece have been cut, like
the growing threats that are unfolding before
reintroduced
the truncated corners of the triangular
our eyes... I grew up among environmental
processes.”
table top — signifying that the whole table
headlines such as, CFC green gases, GM foods,
is completely made of gold but veneered
climate change, peak oil, their origins and
With such a variety of mediums, materials
in wood… somehow making it look like my
consequences. James Lovelock’s Gaia Theory
and technologies available, which does he
intension was to try to hide the real value of
combined with more recent environmental
possess a penchant for and which does he
the table.”
disasters.”
long to experiment with?
But
where
does
Alexander’s
urge
into
their
manufacturing
for
“When I was at university (University College
“The workshop I’m currently using is mainly
‘making’ stem from? What ‘triggers’ from
of Falmouth), we were discouraged to make
geared up for woodwork, but I will use any
his past have lead him down this particular
tables and chairs as there were already too
material appropriate for the job. Wood tends
road?
many perfectly good designs out there and our
to be a favourite as it is really enjoyable to
skills and talent could be put towards greater
work with (look, feel, smell) and challenging,
things.”
unlike metal, plastic or glass that when set,
“I guess it all started as a kid when I was living in rural France with very little else to do
doesn’t move.”
than to roam the neighbouring countryside
“At the time I was designing schemes
hills using my imagination to conjure up
that would encourage commuters to use
“It also contains a element of the natural,
exciting scenarios to play in.”
their bikes more often than their cars
that is out of the makers control. A nice
and
that
piece of wooden furniture is as much a
“My parents did not like the idea of toy weapons
encourage users to share their home energy
information
sharing
websites
result of the craftsmanship as it is about the
or videogames as forms of entertainment... so
consumption in order to collectively improve
chosen wood for the piece.”
I made myself bows and arrows and all sorts
on their consumption behaviour at home.”
of elaborate wooden guns so that what I was
“Sheet materials are also often thrown into
imagining could become a little more real.
“My intentions are no longer to try and ‘save
the mix (where wood can’t be used or there
Soon enough, I was spending more time in my
the world’, it got to the stage where I could
is no need for it); they are extremely reliable
dad’s workshop making these toys, than I did
no longer endure the depressing nature
and easy to use.”
playing with them.”
of the research I was doing and besides
“My childhood revolved around making things
I wasn’t cut out for that kind office work
“Personally,
anyway.”
processes further (like the range of CNC
to entertain myself; once I had the weapons,
I
long
to
explore
modern
machinery) more than I do a particular
the next step in turning my completely natural
“I wanted to go back to the things that
material, that I have never used before, I
surrounding into a giant play area was to build
once got me exited, while incorporating the
like to think that we have only just started
dens and tree houses.”
things that I had learnt about sustainable
exploring
design into my current work, this is when I
available by modern technologies.”
“Creating became an essential part of what I
the
new
possibilities
made
approached Fred Baier.”
considered being fun.” Alexander also mentions
Alexander
is
currently
working
on
the
his quest to ‘save the world’ through design.
“To date I have designed things with minimum
design of a public bench for a children’s
How does he intend doing this, or what is he
machining for maximum elegance. I’ve also
play area. He will be producing a design
already doing to put this into practice?
approached companies to see what waste
using minimum materials whilst achieving
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 24
section 2
case study
maximum strength, exploring the idea of triangulation to produce an elegant looking piece of public furniture. The subframe will be made from welded, powder coated, metal tubing with bolted wooden slats for the seat and back rest. Alexander also intends to push his puzzle idea (used for the Delta Knot) in the design of
a
desk
almost
entirely
made
from
interconnected puzzles, thereby creating one giant puzzle of a piece. Further
collaborations
are
also
to
be
expected with Fred Baier, together with finishing the identity and signage for South Hill Park in Bracknell and creating an arts trail for Ruthin Arts Centre in Wales.
The Monroe Chair 3/4 view.
LG
The Monroe Chair side view.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 25
Daniela Attard photographed by Alexandra Pace in front of one of her works at SK8 Park.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 26
case study section 2
section 2
case study
username_
iella
Monsters. The cute(ish) kind.
She recalls creating pet monsters on the website
the class, she could at least somewhat cultivate
Neopets when she was a mere 11-year-old. “It’s
and nurture the many concepts and creations
Skeletal, winged, scaled, horned, hoofed and/
what started me off drawing.” Coupled with her
struggling for release and materialisation. Three
or clawed? Humanoid, animalistic, biomorphic,
childhood dreams of becoming a paleontologist
years ago however, Iella finally found a mentor in
metamorphosed; take your pick. Each a minion;
and a healthy obsession with dinosaurs greatly
painter Eman Grima while attending life classes
a member of Daniela Attard’s army; her troupe
contributed to the foundations of her art. Nowadays
at the Malta Society of Arts Manufactures and
of fire-breathing, alien-looking, airborne-apparent
however, her influences are broader, more selective.
Commerce. “The life classes have been my art
creatures.
She mentions Gorillaz illustrator Jamie Hewlett, the
education.”
famed Alien creator H.R. Giger, Japanese Manga I want one. They’re the endearing kind of creatures
artist Hayao Miyazaki and animation producers
Now that she’s graduated, Iella has decided to
you dream of having as imaginary friends at age 5,
Studio Ghibli.
follow the foundation course at MCAST, where she
6 or 7. Or if you’re like me and refuse to ignore (or
has taken graphic design to help her in the area
altogether kill off) your inner child, at age 29 too.
Incorporating such diverse influences, which she
concerning typography. To some this might sound
The stuff of dreams. Those dreams reading like
has successfully transcended into a very personal
like a bit of back flip. Yet hers is an informed choice
a page out of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild
style around which she has built her artistic
as she’s decided to take a year out while awaiting
Things Are. Yet for the time being, I must push aside
persona, Iella is quickly establishing herself as
confirmation of acceptance in the Universities
thoughts of an aggravating Peter Pan syndrome.
a professional illustrator and street artist – of the
of Camberwell or Kingston to read for an MA in
legal, non-vandalising kind.
Illustration.
to master a medium, reality is relatively easy to
Her artistic journey however, hasn’t exactly been
She holds illustration very much to heart and over
reproduce. What’s not easy is representing a
linear. Although she graduated in History of Art
the past few years she has been actively involved
dream, fantasy, a personal and entirely conjured
just a few months back, her University baptism
in Malta’s Comic Con – an international convention
world of unknowns on paper... or on a wall or other
came in the form of a BSc in Medical Lab Science.
launched in 2009. Together with a bunch of “comic
surface expanse.
Nevertheless, her passion for art and drawing was
book freaks” Iella has been involved in the creation
always there, lurking in the shadows, but there was
of a comic titled Pilot, which was launched during
Daniela, better and more affectionately known
nothing for her to latch onto at first, not even in
last year’s Comic Con, which was financially
as Iella, is one such special person who has the
secondary school, a problem encountered by most
supported by the Malta Arts Fund. The comic was
incredible ability to create worlds populated by
creatives striving to create a niche locally. So Iella
well received, and enough money has already been
monsters and creatures, the kind that simply lack
endeavoured to take up Art at Advanced Level – on
raised to fund the making of the second issue.
the ability to speak, roar... maybe squeak and
her own steam – and consequently attended the
squawk, or produce any other inane noise which
Malta Government School of Art for three years.
If an artist possesses the technique and ability
fabled creatures are supposedly and ordinarily associated with. Her roots and beginnings trace back to her tweens. THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 27
One of Iella’s most recent projects includes collaborating with a group of artists on a public mural
At University however, her sketching and painting
in San Gwann, in an attempt at Putting Colour into
was relegated to doodling in the margins of her
the Streets while simultaneously introducing the
lecture notes. Making sure she sat at the back of
concept of street art to a wider audience. It was the
section 2
“Because of the physical attributes of the spray can, bigger is always better” THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 28
case tudy
section 2
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 29
case study
section 2
case study
first time she worked on such a big project. With
and respect for public and private properties/
Size is another important factor where street art
it she describes the problems encountered when
buildings. It was rather the visiting foreign artists
is concerned. Iella describes why the nature of
dealing with perspective on such a large scale,
who tag (a term used to describe an ‘artist’s’ use of
medium makes bigger, better. “Because of the
the themes/subjects which had to be toned down
initials or symbols) walls and/or other surfaces.
physical attributes of the spray can, bigger is
to suit all audiences as well as the convergence
always better. Ideally a minimum of a two-metre-
of the individual artists’ personal styles. Iella also
Paradoxically however, outsider art is increasingly
explains the use of aerosols, and how the medium
moving inside, with several prestigious galleries
is particularly apt when creating improvised works
abroad showcasing this art genre which has
I’ve often wondered whether professional and
which do not require a huge amount of detail.
become highly sought after by art collectors. Street
successful street art is wholly dependant on history,
art, more often than not, is seen as a powerful
context and space. In Iella’s case, she sometimes
Recently, Iella was also asked to participate in one
social comment, a true reflection of a country’s
does site-specific work and also pre-plans using
of Malta Design Week’s satellite events, namely the
history, politics and context. It is no longer regarded
sketches, especially on collaborative projects, “but
FLOW project, in which she was assigned one of 13
as an act of vandalism but as an art form in its own
generally I just improvise”. Yet history and space
bathroom spaces which amalgamated the concept
right.
play an imprtant role in her work “particularly since
of art and high-end design. Her work covered the
wide wall is an ideal ‘canvas’.”
it’s easy to look up historical sources (especially
walls of the box-like space in the form of wind-
One need only mention Jean Michel Basquiat in
from the internet)...”; as a result however, she’s not
swept figures on a deep red ground, proving that
relation to mural, graffiti or street art. Basquiat’s
as inspired by local contexts.
mural painting is a more than viable alternative to
work moved from street walls straight into
tiling or wallpaper.
exhibition spaces, as has Bansky’s for that matter.
But why does Iella do what she does? And more
This newfound attitude towards street art and
importantly, where might it take her? “I like the
She also discusses the context in which she is
outsider artists resulted in graffiti artists being
element of mystery, detachment. I like the idea of
trying to make a name for herself, explaining that
commissioned to decorate facades and exteriors
exhibiting my work, but remaining anonymous at
the Maltese public’s perception of street art is
of buildings, or even its interiors. One such case
the same time.” That’s why I go by the name Iella.
virtually non-existent unless they happen to be
in point is David Choe, whose work decorates
It’s the idea of a username coming into play, of
well-travelled. In Malta, graffiti, strenciling and
the walls of Facebook’s first offices in Palo Alto,
letting your work represent you online; keeping one
street art is largely concentrated in the Sk8 Park
California and who has again been commissioned
life distinct from the other.”
area, outside the University — the place where Iella
to create works for their new offices.
created her first outsider artworks. Other than that,
“I’m not interested in the commercial aspect of
audiences don’t have much of an opportunity to
Yet does street art lose its meaning inside, in the
art. However, I would like to work in the art field. I
experience and interact with outsider art on a daily
‘confines’ of a residential or commercial space,
used to organise a sketch group at the Sk8 Park,
basis.
rather than a public one? Iella certainly thinks
so I guess what I can really see myself doing is
so. “Technically yes, as the piece of work is only
teaching, or perhaps working as a children’s book
Iella is but one of a small community comprising
available for viewing by the commissioners or
illustrator.”
some 15-20 practising street artists in Malta, most
clients. In a way it is like looking at a wild animal
of whom have taken to using derelict or abandoned
in a zoo.” Nevertheless, this does not mean or
houses as personal canvases. A straight-faced Iella
imply that the subject under scrutiny cannot be
explains how most street artists in Malta are very
appreciated by those experiencing it, but rather
ethical and show a strong sense of responsibility
that its visibility is limited.
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 30
LG
section 2
case study
MARK PACE THE CURATOR
section 2
case study
Custom-made. That’s what I call a sexy word,
of a star. The kind possessing an unparalleled sense
in his mid-twenties. From the beginning he knew
simply because of the sense of luxury it exudes.
of taste and quality. He is a curator of spaces... in
he wanted to mix the old with the modern and
the guise of a self-made interior designer.
contemporary. Abroad, that was the mix being
It’s become all too easy to shop online or browse
adopted.
through a carefully-pieced glossy mag; pinpointing
His
and highlighting all the items of furniture which
Thankfully. Because Mark is not a man of many
Zebbug aside, Mark is a self-declared “Valletta
most suit one’s tastes; establishing which colours,
words. Although his reputation in the design field
freak”.
textures, fabrics work best together.
runs far and wide – preceding him in fact – he is
projects
almost
speak
for
themselves.
the humble type, hiding behind a warm, charming
“I believed it would become what it is today...
Rooms in houses, buildings and offices are spaces
smile, a frequent downward gaze and a hearty
I predicted what would happen,” he says in
which need to be curated, just like those in a
laugh.
reference to the interest being shown for property
gallery or museum. Just because the user’s needs
in the capital city. Mark purchased his Valletta
differ from those of the average spectator, does
He says matter-of-factly, “I can’t explain my work.”
apartment in South Street, prior to the boom, “It
not imply a slackening of attention to detail. Rather
Those are his opening words.
was an incredible space with incredible views.”
the contrary. A museum/gallery has one chief
Almost contemporarily, Mark purchased a place
mission, to showcase artworks (sometimes the
This begs a question. So how do you go about
in Birkirkara, which slowly evolved into the family
architecture) and impart a significant experience
your projects if you can’t explain what it is that you
home he shares with his wife and kids.
unto its audience. Houses, or offices, are far more
do? “I have clients who trust me.” This, I reckon, is
complex, seeing as the function of the space is
probably the result of his work ethic and philosophy
It was round about the time he invested in these
generally multi-purpose, catering for every need
which takes into full account the respect for a
properties that he decided to take the plunge to
and at times also for a few whims.
building, its history, context and proportions.
become a freelance interior designer, collaborating
So why do so many insist on piecing a space
Yet Mark didn’t study to become the interior
together as though it were a collage or puzzle?
designer he is today. Actually, at first, Mark did
One of Mark’s first projects was the design of the
Quoting Michelangelo, “Every block of stone has
anything but design, “I was a ‘hopper’, jumping
GFI offices in San Gwann. Since his career as an
a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor
from one job to another”. Looking back, at his most
interior designer took off however, the balance
to discover it.” I do not mean to take his words
creative, he was the art director of an ad agency.
between residential vs commercial projects has
with architect Godwin Vella.
literally, but rather to make a point. Just like a block
been pretty even. Although methinks that were he
of marble or a tree trunk, empty spaces have a
So when did he get the spark? It happened while
to choose, he would probably confess to having
voice, which needs to be heard and taken into
he was living in Holland for a couple of years.
a penchant for projects of a residential nature, or
account. The space needs to dictate the purpose,
Walking along the canals, looking at the facades
perhaps projects focused in or around Valletta. In
the function, the design...
and consequently at the white interiors, he thought,
fact, what he does confess to is a preference for
“I can do this in Malta”.
designing extensions for old houses.
He purchased his first property, a place in Zebbug,
Browsing through copious photos of projects
So why the lengthy intro? Naturally, there is method to my madness. I consider Mark Pace to be a kind THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 32
section 2
case study
Project Townsquare by interior designer Mark Pace
THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 33
Mark Pace photographed by Alexandra Pace at his home in Birkirkara
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case study section 2
section 2
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case study
section 2
case study
completed, or in the process of, there are common
Before parting ways, he shares a couple of tips: “Restore
elements which stand out and which reveal quite a
what you have, tackle the practical issues, like structural
distinct style. Line and angularity take precedence.
alterations which need to be addressed from the start.
Closely followed by the use of various materials
And indulge a little... include some custom-made and
seamlessly juxtaposed or overlayed. His holistic
bespoke furniture into your designs, there’s nothing worse
approach to space is extremely appealing. In his
than a home looking like a showroom.”
‘hands’ spaces are allowed to breathe. “I look for proportions... individual elements should not
Mark Pace currently works with Rueben Lautier, with
dominate a space”.
whom he founded the Pace*Lautier Design Workshop.
Mark is quite selective with projects: “I ask a lot
LG
of questions before taking on a job. I need clients to understand that I am no contractor or project manager.” He stresses, “Good design cannot come with deadlines. Design changes and evolves along the way. I require time to get the best out of a concept.” He actually prefers being on site rather than the office, that way there is time for him to analyse his surroundings and get a feel for the space, allowing it to speak to him. Mark also shares some of his concerns and triumphs: “I achieve great satisfaction when viewing the final product, although I don’t necessarily get to witness the completion of some of my best projects. The most rewarding part of my job is getting commissions from clients who would have seen previous projects. It’s a nod of approval.” Despite the amount of time and dedication he puts into any one project, Mark is not ‘maternal’ about his work. But on second thoughts he says: “Coming to think of it however... I do get somewhat maternal, but only when I sell a property in Valletta.” THE ARCHETYPE PAPER 36
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Successful investment in ďŹ nancial markets requires time and expertise. Discretionary Portfolio Management allows you to delegate completely the responsibility of monitoring your portfolio closely, to a trusted professional.
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Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is licensed to conduct investment services business and to provide trustee services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.
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