Posts Tagged ‘architecture at large’
Firewood Lights
Sometimes the hum of a dusty heating vent just doesn’t cut it when you want to cuddle up and get cozy in the wintertime. Well, until you have the dinero to install a state-of-the-art woodstove feast your eyes on this charming little string of lights. Rafael DeCardena’s Firewood Lights is just what the name describes – a lovely, glowing abstract version of a fireplace. Constructed of angular cut wood, the Firewood Lights are internally illuminated with a warm light. Now all you have to do is download crackling fireplace sound effects on iTunes, grab a mug of cocoa and you’re good to go! Oh, and scroll down, we included more of Mr. DeCardena’s new furniture collection below!
(Photography: Architecture At Large)
De Cardenas Styles The Office of Ford Project
Interior Designer Rafael De Cardenas of Architecture at Large is better known for his chic use of bright color and geometry in his projects, but when the designer styled the offices for the Ford Projects he toned down the bright colors and glammed up the workspace in with an elegant mix of modernism and 1920′s decor.
Ford Project, the new art gallery branch of the great Ford Modeling Agency, is housed in the penthouse of a historic building on New York’s Upper East Side. The space (which was previously a private residence) was transformed into a beautiful art gallery and office space for employees. De Cardenas used classic elements and soothing colors to create a harmonious office and gallery for Ford’s sophisticated clientele.
In the office lobby sits a grouping of modern sofas and chairs which are wrapped in fine velvets. To highlight the fireplace, De Cardenas dressed the mantel wall with a floor to ceiling hand painted wall covering which pops off of the surrounding oak wood walls and is properly lit by 1920′s style globe light fixtures. Instead of cubicles, De Cardenas stretched desks together to create a grand family style work place. The desks are directly in front of an existing wood fireplace with intricate detailing and under a cluster of mobile lighting fixtures.
It seems as though De Cardenas knew exactly how to create a relaxing and harmonious office for people working in a fast paced industry!
(Photography Provided By Architecture At Large/Floto+Warner)
Rafael De Cardenas First Furniture Collection
The main reason why we are huge fans of Rafael De Cardenas is because one small glimpse at his designs is like a giant bolt of energy! A few months ago KNSTRCT sat down with the designer for an interview in Soho. De Cardenas has the wonderful ability to keep mum about his future endeavors; never giving away too much, and yet always piquing your interest. That day in Soho was no different. When I asked him what was next for his design firm, Architecture At Large, he nonchalantly mentioned a new…(seemly minuscule) furniture line and then he suddenly changed the subject. We should have taken that as a hint that his new furniture line was going to be loud, full of color, and epic!
De Cardenas’ furniture collection was unveiled for the first time last Friday at the Johnson Trading Gallery in New York City. We had the pleasure of experiencing each piece up close and personal over a few liquid libations. Plywood, neon gradients, and veneered cypress were used in the collection, staying true to the designer’s signature aesthetic and penchant for bold lines, color and contrast.
Rafael finds beauty in simple materials, like plywood, and gracefully dresses them in high style. This unique ability has helped launch his career during a time of lesser means. During our last interview, the designer was optimistic when discussing the economic recession, as he is confident in his ability to create with or without funds. He explained, “I don’t think that money is the thing that prevents design from happening, it presents challenges…and you always need some resistance in the design process or you are kind of operating in a vacuum.”
De Cardenas went on to list some of his favorite design materials, namely tape, paint, and plywood. Two out of three are abundant in his furniture collection, which he describes as “a homage to Bruce Goff and Frank Lloyd Wright, the furniture in this collection takes the cube as the underlying structural form. Through rotation, mirroring and multiplication, each piece is composed from an uncomfortably simple set of relationships – cubes fastened by triangular or semi-circular forms– that are both decorative and essential structural elements.” We’re dong our best to stay focused on his design concept, but we’re lost in a daydream about The Hulk Cabinet (see first image). It would be the perfect piece of eye candy for the office!
THE CORINTHIAN CLUB RENOVATION
Graven Images is the team responsible for the ever fluctuating Corinthian Club located in the heart of Glasgow. The Glasgow Ship Bank was built in 1843 and ranks high on the city’s most intricate and ornate buildings list. The first major restoration was done in 1999, and now, millions of pounds later, the establishment has opened its doors again to become the epitome of classic brilliance and new beauty. The Corinthian Club features a casino, hotel suites, bars, restaurants, meeting rooms, and press rooms. Elsewhere, modern touches are fused with the building’s original decedent glamour. Enjoy!
