Every week we highlight those submissions which have been frequented by our readers and jury, in the lead-up to the reveal of Interiors of the Month winners and honourable mentions. Here are the five most-viewed projects between 16 and 23 June 2023.
SIMPLR BOOTH MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2023
DearPlanet
This positive impact booth, designed by DearPlanet for Simplr at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, emphasized circularity and sustainability in its design (Trade-Fair Stand; 6.83). A large proportion of the materials used were traceable and certified, with a cyclability index of 99.25 per cent illustrating this impressive feat. The booth employed a minimalistic and geometric architectural language that resonated with its tech-savvy clients while offering a moment of rest in the buzzing trade show. The structure was made using recycled timber and clad in cellulose panels, which will be reused in the future, and the energy necessary for its operation was sourced from solar panels provided by Fire Barcelona, one of DearPlanet’s close partners. Driven by a genuine need for sustainability, DearPlanet’s booth illustrates how design can be enhanced – not compromised – when thinking about people and planet.
See more here.
UNILEVER OFFICE ISTANBUL
Yalin Tan + Partners
Yalin Tan + Partners has brought the comfort of the home to the workplace in its new Unilever Office in Istanbul (Large Office; 6.34). A variety of spaces have been introduced, catering to the diverse needs of Unilever’s workers. This agile office provides areas for collaboration, intimate spaces for individual work and leisure amenities such as massage rooms, yoga areas and a prayer room. Sustainability lies central to the design, and the decision to integrate biophilic elements and maximize natural light speaks to this. These choices not only maximize productivity but help develop a sense of wellbeing and belonging for the building’s users, an aspect that has been increasingly crucial to think about post-covid. By keeping the professional and personal needs of staff in mind, Yalin Tan + Partner’s design represents the future of the office, one with a ‘home from work’ feel.
See more here.
HERMÈS WINDOW DISPLAYS WARSAW
Window Stories by Malwa
Window Stories by Malwa emphasizes craftsmanship in its design of the Hermès window display in Warsaw. The design elevates everyday objects, such as a watering can and a window, by exploring the idea of astonishment in Spring, capturing the excitement of this dynamic season in the delicacy of its handmade features. Separated only by a pane of glass, the passerby is invited to revel in the window display’s colourful fantasy. Most of the items present are entirely handmade, including the paper flowers, felt birds and sculpted clouds. While adding a tactile and delicate feel to the work, Window Stories by Malwa makes a broader comment on the fast-paced, innovation-centred nature of the design industry today, demonstrating how brands can leverage artistry to connect with their customers.
See more here.
SUMU YAKUSHIMA
Tono
Tono’s design of the Sumu Yakushima co-op actively embraces the concept of ‘regenerative architecture,’ where the building itself positively contributes to its surroundings (House; 7.24). The timber structure is raised on stilts, blending with its surroundings, encouraging wind flow and giving trees space to grow. Burnt wood has been strategically placed below the foundations, encouraging mycelium fungal growth, a web-like network of organic matter that structurally reinforces the building. The dwellings have been placed around the site’s existing trees, minimizing their impact on the surrounding environment. An open deck interconnects the individual structures and provides space for gathering and community-building. A flourishing camphor tree emerges through this deck, illustrating the symbiosis between residents and nature.
See more here.
GOVERNMENT OFFICE
Agata Kurzela Studio
Working with a heritage building, Agata Kurzela Studio’s design of a UAE Government office respects the existing structure while introducing new, contemporary architectural features (Large Office; 6.07, Governmental Interior; 5.75). The irregular forms of the structure inform the interventions introduced, including the furniture but also more significant volumetric additions. With people coming in and out of the office, agile interior elements such as partitions and reconfigurable modules help enable a variety of work environments to suit the needs of staff. Intermediate floors have been added, taking advantage of the building’s generous height and providing valuable workspace. Palm mats called safeefah and cushions woven by local artisans have been integrated into the design, demonstrating how traditional features can complement a contemporary office space.
See more here.
