As with any design, be it spatial, two-dimensional, interractive or conceptual; the initial spark, that germ of an idea is often the most insightful and telling part of the whole development process.
To see the birth of an icon in the most simplistic fashion can be quite a wonderful thing. So it is then that we often strive to uncover the story behind the design and extract reason from the finished product. For these reasons some of the most notable and famed designers will publish their sketchbooks as a means of re-inforcing the narrative. To date Starck, Hayon and numerous others have turned over their initial concept sketches to publishers and the latest to do so is New York resident Karim Rashid, the master of the pink marker.
Always playful and sinuous, the journey that Rashid’s designs take from paper to production are wonderfully true to the initial concept. A healthy investment in form and colour drive Karims works so it is no surprise to find his drawings are bold, simplistic and brightly presented.
“Sketch:Karim” – Available through FRAME from early November.
Share on Facebook
tagged
design books,
design publishing,
jaime hayon,
karim,
karim book,
Karim Rashid,
Philippe Starck,
Rashid,
sketch book,
SKETCH: KARIM,
Vondom
San Francisco’s Clift Hotel and Redwood Room are iconic destinations in their own right, not least for some pivotal pieces of design history that they play host to.
First opened in 1915, the smart 17 storey building underwent a complete $80m overhaul in 2001 under the guidance of one Mr Philippe Starck and celebrity hotelier Ian Schrager. A moody-melange of classical elegance and edgy surrealism, the evocatively-dim lobby is riddled with quirky furnishings: from Salvador Dali’s rare bronze-and-marble Leda Table for BD Barcelona, a loveseat fashioned out of buffalo horns and hide to a brilliant Jean Nouvel designed reception desk. Renè Magritte too is present in Roberto Matta’s Magritta Chair, essentially an oversized apple in an upturned bowler hat. Part foyer – part 20th Century industrial design gallery, it wouldn’t surprise us if half the refurbishment costs went on the foyer alone!
Upon entry all eyes of course gravitate to the 12 foot high upholstered armchair that sits proudly in the lobby, backed by an equally imposing 18 foot high bronze fireplace. Lighting too is given a surrealist touch with inclusion of Salvador Dali’s Muletas, Bracelli and Cajones lamps dotted throughout public areas. Jean Baptiste Mondino’s portraits of toy animals in the “Living Room” lobby bar are another quirky addition. Almost fantasy, completely luxe and with a healthy dose of homour: to say the space is dramatic wouldn’t do The Clift justice. When in San Francisco, if not staying there then popping in for a drink is a must!
Share on Facebook
tagged
20th Century design,
BD Barcelona,
Bracelli Floor Lamp,
Cajones Lamps,
Dali,
Dali Furniture,
Designer Lighting,
Geary St,
Hospitality Furniture,
Hotel Furniture,
Hotel Lighting,
Jean Baptiste Mondino,
Jean Nouvel,
Lobby Chairs,
Magritta Chair,
Philippe Starck,
Redwood Bar,
Rene Magritte,
Roberto Matta,
salvador dali,
Sebastian Matta,
The Clift Hotel,
Waiting Area Seating
