Lalique’s Collaboration with James Turrell Meshes Art with Light

Lalique has unveiled a new collaboration with American artist James Turrell who is famed for working with light and space to create artworks that engage viewers with the limits and wonder of human perception.

It is the first time the celebrated light artist has worked on small scale pieces. This unique coming together of two ‘artists of light’ is the result of over four years of close collaboration. It comes at a time when Lalique celebrates its Alsatian factory’s 100-year Anniversary. The collaboration, which consists of 42 crystal light panels and two perfume bottles, each in a limited edition of 100, was presented at Paris+ par Art Basel on 20-23 October 2022. It is the first time Lalique Art was an official partner of the world-renowned art fair.

The bottles

James Turrell began the collaboration by designing the two perfume bottles. Fascinated by Egypt and the stupa shapes found in Asia, Turrell used their architectural structure, monuments of high spiritual value in which light plays an essential role, as inspiration.

Combining artistic and olfactory sensibilities, the two flacons Range Rider and Purple Sage are inspired by Zane Grey’s ‘Riders of the Purple Sage’ and the artist’s desire to recreate the beauty of the American West. The striking result: prisms that diffuse and diffract the light. Entirely handmade, the design presented a major challenge for the Lalique artisans – obtaining crystal of a uniform thickness, to ensure the correct density of colour and homogeneity.

Working closely with Lalique’s perfumers, the collaboration also sees the first scent ever co-created by an artist for Lalique. A first scent, Range Rider, captures the natural fragrances of the artist’s land, Arizona, including sage-scratched leather chaps, pepper, amber, and citrus. It is an olfactory architecture that speaks of sun-drenched Western ranching.

A second scent, Purple Sage, named after this delicate, queen of plants that blooms in Arizona, offers a different interpretation of Turrell’s relationship with the American West, undulating between delicacy and strength. The bottle, with its soft curves, is a tribute to the eternal feminine form. The perfume has a delicately fruity, musky scent, revealing notes of purple sage, mandarin, grapefruit, and rhubarb.

The panels

The 42 light panels, named Crystal Light, are inspired by an image of James Turrell’s Aten Reign installation, exhibited at the Guggenheim in 2013. Originally planned in colours, the panel was finally produced in clear crystal. The rippling colours were then produced using a screen placed behind the work. The design offers a hypnotic visual effect between the third and second dimension – similar to a trompe l’oeil, with intriguing depth.

The artists

The collaboration was first born from a meeting between the artist and Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, “I immediately thought there should be a collaboration between Lalique and James Turrell – the light artist. It makes perfect sense when you recall that René Lalique was known as the ‘sculptor of light’.”

“This is a profound artistic adventure whose result expresses a rare elegance and modernity. A seemingly impossible challenge. I am both proud and very happy that this great name is joining the prestigious circle of Lalique’s contributing artists.”

James Turrell added, “The nature of my work is the shaping of light. Light is the material; perception is the medium. I knew of René Lalique, but I didn’t know the extent of his creativity. At the Lalique factory, when I watched the master artisans, I was fascinated by their technical virtuosity. They are truly artists.”

“This is the first time I have designed perfumes and made crystal pieces. The olfactory sense elicits memory more so than any other sense and it was with Lalique and the perfumers, that I was able to do this. Creating a perfume is a bit like creating a world you have known.

“Like René Lalique, I seek light and will continue to seek it.”

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a light and airy kitchen design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Bocchetta Interiors.

What was the client's brief? 

The Slipway is a modern new build home in a tranquil setting by the sea. The owners already had a very clear idea of what style they wanted their home to have, but they commissioned Bocchetta Interiors to pull a cohesive scheme together. They liked the idea of each room flowing from one room to the next with beautiful, quality materials, lighting and FF&E. The main large open plan kitchen and living space was the most important room to them and needed to have the ‘wow' factor, especially as it has the most enviable Harbourside views.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration was the amazing location. We needed to encapsulate the calmness of living by the sea and hearing the water and clinking of boats. We wanted to keep a light and airy feel with subtle hints of luxury and pops of coastal colour and artwork. The builder/developers Ash Haus and Glass Harbour Group were such a pleasure to work with. Nothing was too much trouble, even if it meant adding a last-minute steam room or intricate wall paneling with hidden door.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

I think the trickiest part was getting a kitchen layout to work with the breadth of space. The wrong kitchen design could have easily ruined the space and been too dominant. The developers and clients were delighted when Siematic Chichester came on board and produced a truly stunning kitchen design that seriously impressed whilst still being sympathetic to the surroundings and other elements in the room.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

One of our favourite commissions was to design a custom made 3.4-meter-long dining table with hand polished metal gold base and Silestone top. We worked with the clients to make sure the shape was just as they wanted, oval and wide in the middle to make conversations with everyone around the table easier. The gold of the table perfectly matches the gold trim in the kitchen and further gold pieces around the room.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We have been a member of the SBID for many years, so we know that their awards are well respected within the industry. It was also the perfect opportunity to showcase work that we are very proud of.

Questions answered by Lucinda Bocchetta, Owner and Founder, Bocchetta Interiors.

Entering the rooms of the Landaburu Borda country house, the NATURFLOOR-W wooden floor (an AC6 natural wood floor especially designed for rooms with heavy, frequent traffic and suitable for spaces in frequent contact with water) takes us to their bathrooms, in which the Country Oak wood finish takes continuity over walls, floors, furniture, and even inside the shower cabins.

With a 14 mm thick and a bevelled edge, NATURFLOOR-W is installed as glued floor, with different board widths (188 and 290 mm). The boards rest on pieces of sound-proofing blankets laid out in parallel. Between them, elastic adhesive lines were applied to secure said boards to the ground. They are joined together by a tongue-and-groove machining, to which a line of PVA D3/D4 glue is applied to hold them together and to avoid water leaks into their structure.

Furniture has been custom made with standard NATURPANEL-W panels, the same material as used in walls, which has been cut to size to allow the installation of electrical and water sources.

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The Sustainable Design Summit (SDS) brings together brand owners, designers, and trusted suppliers from across cruise, hotel, and aircraft interiors to cross-pollinate ideas alongside leading sustainability experts.

Taking place on 29 November 2022 at The Brewery London, SDS is the first event of its kind to unite these three sectors to discuss sustainability as it dominates conversations and market drivers.

In just one day, delegates will gain actionable insights from the panels of experienced practitioners, discover a showcase of intrinsically green products, and come away with a framework for tangible steps to take into their next interior design project.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a hotel design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, YANG.

What was the client's brief? 

The hotel is located in Nanjing Tangshan Garden Expo, covering an area of 13,745 sq.m. YANG took over the project in June 2020 and completed it within a year. The design team had two major tasks: to create a unique space experience, accurately interpreting Indigo’s neighborhood culture and making the hotel stand out from competitors in the area, and to deliver the spirit of the place through the design with local characteristics, thus drawing attention to the issues concerning the protection of the geological environment in Tangshan.

What inspired the design of the project?

Tangshan is rich in geological resources. In a one-kilometer radius, there are mine pits dating back over a millennium, abandoned quarries and national geological parks. Since the Indigo brand is always at the heart of closely related neighborhoods, the design team has conducted a thorough geological and cultural investigation of Tangshan and drawn on Tangshan’s original environmental features. Inspired by Tangshan’s mineral ore, the team decided to make it the theme of the space. The design team hoped to inject new vitality into the old mine pits and arouse people's awareness of the issues related to natural recovery and ecological sustainability.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

It is the first time that the Indigo brand has entrusted a design team with telling Indigo’s neighborhood story. The team had only one year to work on the project, from the design concept to implementation. Within the limited time, the team managed to create a unique space experience, accurately interpret Indigo’s neighborhood culture, and enhance the competitiveness of the hotel. Since its opening, the hotel has stood out from its competitors in the area and earned a reputation for its distinctive theme, exciting experiences, and neighborhood story. Moreover, the hotel is widely loved by guests and highly praised by the hospitality industry, becoming a must-visit place in Nanjing.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design is realized through the innovative concept, rich colors, and special materials. The adoption of colorful glass, metal mirror and acrylic create a forest-like mood in the lobby area. The design of the lobby bar and the ADD restaurant is inspired by bonfire, miner’s lamp, and the arc shape of the tent, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lift lobby and the corridor are transformed into mini exhibition halls showcasing exploration tools. With the theme of “natural recovery,” the guest rooms bring forests, plants, and mosses inside. The minibars and nightstands in the guest rooms are in the form of mining toolboxes, blended into the surroundings.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards is one of the world-acclaimed awards for design excellence. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to meet creative professionals and provides a perfect platform for all entrants to learn from each other and, especially for entrants from China, to promote their works on the SBID Awards’ globally respected stage. We are honored that YANG has become a finalist with the project Hotel Indigo Nanjing Garden Expo and that this project entry has been selected to feature as one of the popular “Project of the Week” stories on the SBID blog. Thank you for the recognition. We will bring the industry more outstanding works. Let’s look forward to it!

Questions answered by Yang Bangsheng, Founder and President, YANG & Associates Group.

The Vintage collection by GRAFF Designs, a unique range marrying industrial style with rich heritage. Inspired by the Chicago Fire Department’s heroic role in extinguishing the state's Big Fire of 1934, GRAFF Designs pays homage with this tactile and vintage style brassware.

Reminiscent of the iconic fire hose valve silhouette and mirroring the red logo of the Chicago Fire Department, the collection boasts exquisite craftsmanship and detail, from its architectural elements to its modern take on traditional design. Comprising 140 stylish products including bath and basin mixers, showerheads and rails, as well as an accompanying accessories range.

Formed with precision engineering and premium-quality materials, the Vintage Collection is available in 21 luxury finishes including 24K polished gold, vintage brushed brass and the classic limited-edition red.

Available to buy now in the UK with prices starting from £500 for a basin mixer in Chrome, up to £5,500 for a 24K Gold freestanding bath shower mixer.

For more information, expert comment or imagery, please contact the team at [email protected]

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and functional family apartment design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Bajer Sokol.

What was the client's brief? 

The Black Apartment is located in the center of Warsaw. It's a 220 m2 space for a married couple with an adult child and a guest room. The owners bought the apartment that at the time of purchase was an open space, without any partition walls inside. After we were provided with guidelines for the division of rooms, we created 7 versions of the functional layout. The apartment is named Black because it was supposed to be dominated by dark colors, but in the process of selecting materials, the interior has been slightly brightened and made warmer. However, dark materials still dominate inside it. The intention was to use materials of very high quality and to equip it with the best modern furniture brands. The budget closed at around £ 2,000 / m2. The project is very detailed, and its implementation shows high manufacturing quality in many details, such as handles, joining materials or stone finishes on furniture.

The implementation took 9 months and we managed to carry it out in accordance with the schedule. Customers expected a high-quality execution and us keeping to the set deadlines. They now enjoy spending time in an apartment already put into use.

What inspired the design of the project?

We had 7 versions of the functional design of the apartment. The clients really wanted to achieve the right balance between aesthetics and functionality, while also keeping huge windows and a view of the surrounding park, planning the rooms in a way that would not sacrifice the space. The final outcome was an apartment that was meticulously designed, where even the laundry room has hidden details proving a comprehensive approach to design.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The best thing about this project was the cooperation with the client! From the start they knew what they wanted to have in the apartment, and it was exactly the design we love. Therefore, we had no problems with the project and cooperation with the client.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The kitchen is the essence of the details in this apartment. All pieces of furniture, handles, shelves and lighting are the result of the collaboration of many contractors and our studio. Nothing here is ready made or coming from a catalog. Shelves are of 4mm veneered aluminum and the whole island, together with the fronts is made of solid stone plates, not sinter. Each handle has been designed in such a way to fit a drawer, dishwasher, refrigerator, or an ordinary cupboard. There are no visible cables or random sockets here. Wardrobes and doors are always the elements of a bigger structure of furniture. The wardrobes are embedded within large built-in panels, doors are always hidden in walls and marked only by door handles. The only doors that have a decorative function are glass Rimadesio built-in doors leading to the night area, or master bathrooms.

In 3 bathrooms of the apartment, you can see the same principle - nothing is accidental! The same stone was used on the floor, walls, or fronts of cabinets. Large format plates with planned divisions. Glass built-in furniture with hidden hinges or mounting profiles. Every visible element is supposed to decorate, be a part of the composition and not random. Equipment by Antonio Lupi, Gessi, Flos or Viega with the gunmetal or satin type finishes harmonize with ceramics and metal elements.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID society is the biggest and best ID organisation in Europe, therefore, to receive an award from you is the biggest achievement for our company and a confirmation that it is of the best quality and approved by you.

Questions answered by Hanna Bajer, Main Architect, and Pawel Sokol, Architect, Bajer Sokol.

Photo credits: Tom Kurek

Cosentino Group, global leader in the production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, presents Dekton® Onirika, the latest collection of its leading innovative ultracompact brand surfaces. Cosentino and international interior design powerhouse, Nina Magon, have come together to create a one-of-a-kind Dekton® collection.

Inspired by marble patterns and immersive living, the stunning series showcases eight daring colours: Awake, Lucid, Somnia, Neural, Trance, Vigil, Daze and Morpheus, that represent the ethos of both brands: sustainability, forward-thinking innovations, and timeless elegance. Onirika represents a powerful journey of a detour in our dreams where boundaries between dreams and reality vanish.

Neural combines elegance and structure to bring peace and joy, calm sensations, and an overall feeling of wellbeing into a space. With fine, pale veins’ crossing the marbled pattern - the design creates a fascinating neural network, which teleports us into a white dream. It is best suited for bright, neutral spaces with soft textures, light colours, and wooden or metallic accents.

Lucid displays many shades, reflections, and glints of colour to create an illuminative perception of colours best combined with wood, grey and gold shades, and frosted glass.

Morpheus - the name of this same Lucid tonality but in Dekton® Velvet Texture finish.

Awake is a re-interpretation of the precious Paonazzo stone. It features thick veins of light greys, exquisite oxide terracotta, and a hint of subtle, inky blues. This iteration pairs beautifully with white, neutral tones, lightwood, and golds of any shade.

Trance features warm fine streaks that move between oxides and fade to reddish gold, combining perfectly with reddish oak wood and darker walnut tones. Blue furniture and warm golds in pale finishing bring sleekness to this vibrant colour.

Somnia boasts captivating details of warm oxid browns and whites that merge under a grid of think lines that create a sober texture. Somnia is perfect with warm dark woods, frosted glass and textured metal surfaces such as copper.

Vigil recreates a strong Calacatta structure with thick veins in gradients of light and dark greys, matched with a subtle touch of gold. This is a classic colour that is easy to combine with warm and cold hues, wood metal, and clean concrete.

Daze - the name of this same Vigil tonality but in Dekton® Velvet texture finish.

Onirika is a collection that unites the poetic and unique beauty of stones harnessed by Dekton® technology, just as those dreams where we observe and vaguely feel in control but only the deepest part of the mind truly understands. The collection is named in honour of the lavish inspiration of the two worlds conveyed in marbled colours to captivate the eyes and bring to any space a feeling that is understood but cannot explained.

“When working with product development team, we realized we’re not attempting to mimic any existing natural stone. With Dekton technology, we can create our own colours and structures, bringing to life something that is unique, beautiful and irreplaceable. The purpose of Onirika is to showcase the versatility of Dekton. We want all designers, architects, and people around the world to see that the product is not only a book matched worktop with a waterfall, but can also be used on walls, ceilings, facades, outdoor spaces, and more”, says Nina Magon.

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Arteriors’ F22 collection offers interior designers an array of location-inspired design aesthetics, with influences from Monaco and Berlin, previewed as part of the showroom reset ahead of Focus/22. Informed by traditional techniques and use of materials from across the globe, intertwined with Arteriors’ statement flair, these collections are designed to create a timeless, contemporary scheme with accents that add visual interest and inspire awe.

Monaco Glamour

The most traditionally luxurious of the two aesthetics brings the warmth and richness of colour of Monaco to life. Opulent and extravagant, this is a dream scheme that combines the crystal hues of the ever-blue sky and sea, with shades of golden yellows. The selection of furniture, lighting, accessories, and wall décor that make up the collection feature plenty of jewel tones, decadent marble detailing, and glamorous gilded-gold designs, with each piece epitomising grandeur. Indulge in sumptuous velvet seating, incorporate lavish lighting, and finish with accessories that complement the myriad of colour-rich tones.

Berlin Bauhaus

A nod to mid-century design, the selection of products featured within the Berlin Bauhaus collection utilise strong lines and geometric accents to create a more contemporary look. Unique material choices run through the range of home furnishings with a particular focus on leather detailing on upholstered items, accessories and as part of lighting designs. The juxtaposition created by featuring a material ordinarily used to create a more traditional aesthetic but incorporated into furnishings with sculpted and soft design fashions a more contemporary look. An unexpected and distinctive material choice complementary to woods, metals and marbles, Arteriors designers predict leather pieces to be the next ‘it’ material t inspired modern interior schemes for seasons to come.

Pop into the showroom in Chelsea Harbour’s Design Centre to view the complete showroom transformation with new product across all categories, featuring items inspired by Monaco, Berlin and beyond.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Kotak Design.

What was the client's brief? 

Our client and their executive chef had already established a successful restaurant group in India, and now they want to break into the lucrative British hospitality industry.

When the COVID pandemic hit the United Kingdom, it impacted negatively on the restaurant industry, but our patrons were fortunate enough to stumble onto this beautiful St. Johns Wood venue. To showcase the seasonal food of the Indian subcontinent, the brief read, "build a destination Mayfair restaurant in St. Johns Wood."

What inspired the design of the project?

As designers, we take pleasure in hearing the stories our clients have to tell via the environments we create for them. Our client desired to highlight contemporary Indian cuisines that reflected the diversity of India's seasonal produce. We used this concept as a foundation for the restaurant's branding and ambiance, which we then reflected through the use of a variety of features, including but not limited to lighting, installations, art, the ceiling, etc.

We found a lot of inspiration in the notion of "Ritu" (means seasons). Whether it's the colour distinction between the areas of seating, an attempt to re-create the verdant scenery of southern India, the setting sun over a wheat field in the north, or the winding dunes of the Rajasthani desert, every detail has been carefully considered. The logo's six-sided motif was inspired by India's diverse seasonal patterns and reinterpreted to fit the western four-season format.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

We believe the difficulty is in developing a coherent plan for the restaurant's future given its history of shifting uses. The isolated location of the bar on a lower level, the low ceiling in the lobby, and the prevalence of transitional spaces all led to a feeling of disconnection.

We moved the entrance to the front of the building and installed a raindrop chandelier to make the space more inviting. It's highly unlikely that regulars will recognise the eatery from its former incarnation. A primary focus of our interior design firm is the development of fully immersive environments. Mr. Srivastava, the owner, has shown tremendous confidence and support in us during this process.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The foundation of our interior design studio is the creation of interactive and narrative environments. To be able to do so in a small space while also creating a visual connection that celebrates the hospitality culture.

We'd like to highlight and offer our special thanks to Jaysam contractors for their lovely feature ceilings, Luum for the gorgeous Indian monsoon chandelier in the conservatory, Michele McKinney for her meticulous leaf installation, and Phillip Jeffries, Ted Todd, and Domus for the impeccable final touches (and not restricted to).

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

An entry into awards is to recognise everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project. To be recognised as an SBID finalist is a testament to the faith that the client placed in us to carry out their vision.

Questions answered by Ravi Kotak, Founder & Design Director, Kotak Design.