Archive for May, 2010
Old Drawers become Design Beauties
I’ve fallen in love. There I’ve said it. It’s a rare event, but when it happens, well, you know the symptoms. Distracted thoughts, expecting to see my amour around every corner, and checking out pictures a little too often on the internet.
The object of my desire? The gorgeous dressers created by the re-use of old drawers by two different firms in Berlin and Hamburg: Entwurf Direkt and Franziska Wodika’s Schubladen. Both designers make a similar product, and the results are beautiful. A classic item renewed by taking old drawers, and mixing and matching them into a new storage possibilities. It’s more than just dressers – they make desks, sideboards, kitchen counters, you name it and they’ll do it. Read the rest of this entry »
Zurich does Design
Zurich has many striking features: the River Limmat winding through the city, historic architecture, and snow covered Alps as a picturesque backdrop. Only rarely does contemporary design get real attention in the city – and that’s usually in conjunction with events such as Blickfang.
If you know where to look, Zurich has some wonderful design spots. After checking these out, you may have to reconsider the cargo space you’ll have for your trip, big or small you’re going to want to bring something back.
Punkt 1 is located on Rindermarkt, a great area for just wandering. They mainly feature pieces from local designers, which means if you have it shipped home, it’s sure to be one of a kind. They’ve got simple shelves from String, sleek lamps from Arber and a little bit of everything in between. The iLand is especially imaginative. It’s easy to picture a group of friends enjoying intimate cocktails or the possibilities of snuggling up and reading a book alone.
Many young Swiss designers start off at Einzigart (unique). Einzigart officially considers itself as a platform for design, but what it really is, is a great shop for household designs from bath to games. They have some classics, such as the Vitra “hang it all” and some really cutesy little pieces. It’s not all little things – one of the best reasons to pop into Einzigart is the prototypes, limited edition and one off pieces they carry from local studios.
Strala is more than a bit more upscale. The young Swiss designers make crafted limited edition objets d’art. Simple and elegant tables, chairs and lighting are functional centrepieces, new twists on classic design concepts. Research, craftsmanship, and intuition are essential to the process. While it might be a bit harder on the budget, Scala pieces are sure to be classics in time.
If you like your kitchen to be as creative as your cooking, plan to drop by Sibler. It’s more than just the Alessi pieces found in most kitchen “design” shops. From gifts to grill, kids to candles, there’s something for everyone, and with prices that won’t break a budget.
Any mention of design in Zürich is sure to include White Line’s Greulich Hotel, which has a little design surprises of its own. Guest rooms are almost exclusively on the ground floor. The loft like spaces are sheltered from the noise of the street café, bar and restaurant by heart of the hotel, the inner courtyard. The bright rooms are essentially furnished. The clean lines and views over the patio will inspire, whether you’re working or relaxing.
Check out the websites of Punkt 1 (www.punkt1.ch), Einzigart (www.einzigart.ch), Strala (www.strala.ch), and Sibler (www.siblershop.ch) for directions and inspiration. Although they only offer a limited number of their actual offerings both Einzigart and Sibler have pretty nice on line shops too.
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Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter
Barcelona. San Miguel Primavera Sound 10. May 27th-29th, 2010
Huge music festivals usually have at least a little something for everyone, but at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, there’s more than just “something” for indie music lovers. Almost 200 acts are scheduled to perform at the tenth San Miguel Primavera Sound making the festival a who’s who in music today. Bands like Black Lips, Broken Social Scene, Panda Bear, Yeasayer, Wilco, Tortise and The Antlers are just a handful of the names rocking the festival. While most of the bands are indie, it is the British duo The Pet Shop Boys who will be headlining the show. Read the rest of this entry »
Singapore. Parkett Blockbuster Art Show, 200 Artists, 25 Years
In an exhibition appropriately named “Blockbuster” the Singapore Tyler Prints Institute (STPI) in collaboration with Parkett Magazine will feature some of the biggest names in art from the last 25 years. The exhibition will consist of over 200 rare edition works. Many of the artists, such as Anish Kapoor, Ai Weiwei, and Tracy Emin, will be showing for the first time in Singapore. Read the rest of this entry »
Modern idyll made in South Tyrol
An intoxicating mix of gigantic mountains, slow-pace culture and the all important dose of delectable “Dolce Vita” – wind down, ski, run, cycle, sleep, brunch when you want to – whatever your whim, this ECO hideaway adopts a cosy relaxed attitude.
The term ALTA BADIA probably won’t ring many bells – to find out what it is all about then pop across the Dolomites – behind its charismatic wooden exterior, the Lagació Mountain Residence is a very clever blend of traditional South Tyrolean village qualities paired with modernity.
Iain & Crew