April 2025 | VOL 14 COSTA RICA Nature's Playground Awaits! photos Courtesy of iStock So, why is everyone buzzing about Costa Rica? This little gem in Central America has so much to offer: lush rainforests, stunning volcanic mountains, beautiful beaches, winding rivers, and an incredible variety of wildlife. It’s an adventure waiting to happen! But there’s one standout reason that makes Costa Rica truly special: it’s home to a whopping five percent of the world’s biodiversity! And the country takes this responsibility seriously. In 2019, the United Nations recognized Costa Rica as a Champion of the Earth for its leadership in environmental policy. They’re not just talking the talk—back in 2017, Costa Rica ran on 100% renewable energy for 300 days! The goal? Aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Isn’t that amazing? And there’s so much more! Costa Rica boasts six different types of forests and 30 national parks. The latest addition, San Lucas National Park, was once a prison island but is now a sanctuary for howler monkeys, bats, and sea turtles, as well as a hiker's paradise. While many countries aspire to be eco-friendly like Costa Rica, the citizens here really lead the charge. For them, conservation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a national mission. Thanks to this commitment, Costa Rica’s tourism scene is thriving with volunteer programs, carbon offset initiatives, and a strong ecotourism movement. Bernal Diaz, a Costa Rican biologist and farmer, put it well: “People often ask why this country has become a biodiversity hotspot. The main reason is our historical isolation from colonial powers. This has fostered self-sufficiency and a focus on education, democracy, and respect”. WHAT TO DO IN COSTA RICA 1. Take a Forest Bath in Monteverde At 4,662 feet above sea level, Monteverde feels like being on top of the world! The misty “cloud forests” here are magical, filled with thousands of insects, 2,500 plant species (including 420 types of orchids), and 400 bird species. Don’t miss the long steel-rope suspension bridges—it’s an exhilarating way to explore the forest! And yes, Costa Rica is famous for its ziplines! The Sky Trek is a must-try, featuring longer trails and more platforms that’ll make you feel like Tarzan. 2. Visit Indigenous Communities Experience “Pura Vida” (meaning pure life) in the Bribri protected area in the Talamanca Mountain Range along the Yorkin River. Here, you can connect with the local community, who welcome visitors into their homes to share their culture and culinary traditions. 3. Rafting on the Pacuare River The Pacuare River, winding from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean, is one of the top five rafting spots in the world. Join a night rafting adventure to explore the rainforest while staying at eco-lodges like Tropical Rivers Lodge or Bajo del Tigre. 4. Hike in the National Parks With 30 national parks to choose from, take a day hike in one that catches your interest. Santa Rosa National Park has a unique dry forest and is known for its Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting sites.The Arenal Volcano National Park is perfect for thrill-seekers and offers natural hot springs and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Manuel Antonio National Park may be the smallest, but its breathtaking views and stunning beaches make it a favorite.Don’t miss Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where geothermal wonders await. Lastly, Marino Ballena National Park is your best bet for spotting humpback whales, especially between mid-July and October or from December to March. Bring your binoculars! 5. Surfing Adventures Surfing is a must in Costa Rica! Check out world-class surfing spots like Tamarindo, Espadilla, and Jaco Beach—there’s something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. 6. Explore New Beaches Daily Whether you’re chasing stunning sunsets on the Pacific coast or colorful corals on the Caribbean side, Costa Rica’s beaches are simply gorgeous!Playa Conchal, with its turquoise bay, is perfect for snorkeling, while Punta Uva offers a peaceful escape. Manuel Antonio Beach is popular for good reason, just a short hike from the national park entrance. 7. Relax in Natural Hot Springs Soaking in the mineral-rich hot springs near Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja is pure bliss! Tabacón and Borinquen Mountain Resort are top spots to unwind. 8. Connect with Digital Nomads Costa Rica is a top pick for digital nomads, complete with its own digital nomad visa! The Nicoya Peninsula, especially around Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Malpais, has a vibrant community of locals and nomads. Explore cozy villas, surf cabins, and lively beach bars where you can groove to some salsa, soca, and calypso. for more Print VOL XIV - FALL & WINTER 2024-25 590,00₺ Price Add to Cart

Travel + Design & Interiors+ People + Art & Culture + Botany + Yuzu Film | instagram @yuzu.mag CURRENT ISSUE SPRING 2025 BUY NOW HIGHLIGHTS VOL-15 SPRING ART BRUSSELS 2025 INTERVIEW w PPAA REZZAN BENARDETE FRAN ANIORTE COSTA RICA DESIGN & INTERIORS ‘FUTURE ARCHITECTURE will be MORE INTERTWINED with NATURE’ TRAVEL COSTA RICA Nature's Playground Awaits! VOL 15 REZZAN BENARDETE ART & CULTURE CURTAINS UP: ART BRUSSELS 2025 ART & CULTURE SPRING MEETS ART in ISTANBUL: CI Bloom MILAN DESIGN WEEK LARA BOHINC’S TRIO: Nature, Craft, Surrealism MILAN DESIGN WEEK LUCAS ZITO TAKES OVER MILAN MILAN DESIGN WEEK UNFORM STUDIO’s SCULPTURAL FUTURE COMING SOON COOLROOMS ARRIVE in PORTUGAL MILAN DESIGN WEEK STRATA: UNIFYING TEXTURE and VISION MILAN DESIGN WEEK LAYER's 10th ANNIVERSARY: 101010 ART & CULTURE a MEDITERRANEAN JOURNEY by FRAN ANIORTE More Content DESIGN & INTERIORS See More YUZU FILM See More TRAVEL See More WHERE YOU CAN FIND US EUROPE FRANCE: Paris UK: London SPAIN: Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao. PORTUGAL: Lisbon, Porto. BELGIUM: Antwerp, Brussels, Gent, Zaventem. GERMANY: Berlin. TURKIYE: -Istanbul All Minoa Bookstores (Akaretler, Nişantaşı, Beyoğlu Tepebaşı, Maslak, Bağdat Caddesi, Etiler) Bey Karaköy Petra Gayrettepe -Bodrum Gibi Bodrum US CA / Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Roseville. NY / New York, New Hartford. FL / Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale. GA / Atlanta, AZ / Phoenix, WA / Seattle CANADA Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal. O nline Shop and Subscription YUZU SHOP INSTAGRAM @yuzu.mag

November 2023 | People FOR TR CONVERSATION about ARCHITECTURE with ECE CEYLAN BABA words Onur Baştürk Our first face-to-face conversation with Yeditepe University Faculty of Architecture Dean Ece Ceylan Baba took place under a "tree of life". That “tree of life” was in a familiar place. A Ficus Australis, the symbol of Yuzu Garden, which opened in 2020 within Paloma Finesse in Antalya-Side. We met with Ece in that delightful garden at the beginning of the summer and talked about sustainable architecture and architectural approaches that are expected to dominate the world in the near future. Of course, not every topic could fit into our conversation that day as part of "Yuzu Weekend". That's why I wanted to publish here the long interview we had after that conversation. Because what Ece has to say concerns us all! ONE IS UTOPIA, THE OTHER IS DYSTOPIA How do you view architects’ projects aimed at “saving” or “healing” the world? For example, BIG’s Bjarke Ingels’ “Masterplanet” project or Liam Young’s fictional film “Planet City.” Can architects really make a difference in saving the world? The argument of saving or healing the world is quite ambitious for a single profession. However, I believe in the transformative power of space. People are influenced by the spaces they inhabit, and spaces, in turn, are influenced by people. They co-evolve like two living organisms contributing to each other. From this perspective, the impact of architecture on human life is significant. While the world’s resources are depleting, the universe has the ability to heal itself. Nevertheless, our era is marked by various crises, and various professionals are taking numerous measures to postpone the possible end of humanity. In the field of architecture, principles of sustainable design, energy efficiency, and the use of environmentally friendly materials have gained importance in the 21st century. Approaches like Masterplanet and Planet City have different arguments in this regard. We can describe them as a kind of duality, one being utopia and the other dystopia, two visionary works. BIG’s Masterplanet project envisions a world that comprehensively addresses the climate crisis and foresees a world where the entire global population lives in similar ideal urban spaces. The project proposes a masterplan for the world and resembles a utopia in some aspects. It approaches environmental issues with a comprehensive solution and places technology at the center of the project. It suggests a design action on a planetary scale, highlighting the inadequacy of current building and even city-scale measures in addressing the climate crisis. The project has a pragmatic architectural approach and offers a critical perspective on local climate crisis measures. In the film “Planet City,” Liam Young explores a dystopia that reinterprets the strong relationship between colonization, globalization, and the economy through metropolises, challenging conventional thinking. It narrates events in an imaginary city where approximately 10 billion people live, and the rest of the world is handed over to the wild nature by a collective decision. The speculative science fiction film suggests that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a political and ideological problem. Both projects are produced by architects and are not intended to be realized; they aim to draw attention to the climate crisis with their manipulative features and question the possibilities of architecture beyond conventional ideas about cities, urban life, the environment, and even the planet’s scale. Do you think the homes of the future will be completely independent from city grids and self-sufficient? What are your thoughts? Or will efforts in this regard remain largely individual? A city exists with its built environment, unbuilt environment, and the lives of the people within it. This situation forms a complex pattern and inherently does not contain uniqueness. The concept of self-sufficient home(s) is bound to eventually evolve into a network of similar lifestyles. Therefore, I believe that cities in the future will enable a non-individual, community- oriented way of life. SLA'S STRUCTURE IN COPENHAGEN IS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE SLA’s structure in Copenhagen is quite a good example with its emphasis on greenery, even making it the centerpiece of architectural design. Creating organic farming areas and mini-parks on the rooftops of buildings, for instance. The most striking example is the landscape design on the steep roof of the energy plant in Copenhagen, designed by SLA. Do you think all of this is sufficient, or is it merely “greenwashing”? Sustainable design approaches in architecture are a multidisciplinary and holistic subject that involves various stakeholders. It encompasses different areas such as material selection, the presence of adaptable and functional programs, the relationship of the building with its geographical location, energy efficiency, and the use of eco-friendly construction technologies. We cannot return a piece of land taken from the city to wild nature by placing limited greenery on the facade or roof of a massive building. Nor can we make an unsustainable building sustainable by adding some green touches later, just to use it as a marketing argument with a “green building” certificate. This subject should involve a process that starts from the initial stages of design, continues with the involvement of users, and becomes a cyclical, living, and holistic process within life. Anything outside of this framework has the potential to become a form of greenwashing. SLA’s structure in Copenhagen, which I had the opportunity to observe on-site recently, is an excellent example due to its location in the city and its design approach. It successfully integrates the building’s non-public rooftop with the city, eliminates barriers safely, and presents an original idea. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DELIVERY THE WORLD TO WILD NATURE Can we control further green degradation in the next decade? Are you optimistic about this? Research indicates that the world’s population will continue to grow, and consequently, the urban population is expected to increase relative to the rural population. Urban life still seems attractive and maintains its appeal. Therefore, we can say that the need for construction in cities will increase in the next decade. I would like to emphasize one point: repurposing the idle building stock in cities can help control further green degradation unless there is a real need for more green destruction. I am not optimistic about this if methods like improving the efficiency of existing buildings and developing policies that support shared space usage are not adopted. Is it really necessary for us to return a significant part of the world to wild nature? Is this our salvation? What are your thoughts? In fact, I addressed the answer to this question in the previous one. I do not believe it is possible to return a significant part of the world to wild nature. The urbanization trend is expected to continue as the population increases, and the current approach to construction, driven by the capital-focused system we live in, exacerbates this situation, creating environmental problems. One of the reasons for this is the strong appetite for producing mega-scale projects. In my 40s, I learned the power of imperfection. IN MY FORTIES, I HAVE LEARNED THE VALUE OF IMPERFECTION When you were just starting out, in your twenties, how did you view the world, cities, and your profession? What has changed in your vision over the years, and what has remained the same? That’s a wonderful question! In the early years of my professional life, I used to work with the aim of perfection in a project, research, building, or text. I believed it could be achieved, and I dreamed of the possibility of achieving this with proper planning. Years later, especially as I delved into the search for ideal spaces and ideal cities, I confronted the fact that the idealized space being strived for was closed to development, totalitarian, and stagnant. Yet, people are evolving beings, and so are spaces. There is a symbiotic relationship between them. Today, in my forties, I have learned the value of imperfection. I realized how valuable the reality with its flaws is, not the idealized one. I believe that the world and cities continue to evolve with their imperfections, and this is what makes them unique and allows them to differentiate and progress from one another.

April 2025 | VOL 15 TR BELOW REZZAN BENARDETE words Onur Basturk photos Bilal İmren Rezzan Benardete, the creative mind behind Istanbul's most popular restaurant, Cozy, talks about her dream home project and her design essentials. What drew you to interior design, and how did you get started in this field? Design has always been a part of my life. Since childhood, my curiosity for details, eagerness to explore new ideas, and admiration for art naturally led me to this field. During my travels, studying different cultures' approaches to architecture and design deepened my passion. I began professionally with small-scale residential projects, and today, Rezzan Benardete Interiors stands out for its ability to bring character to spaces while balancing aesthetics and functionality. We design a diverse range of environments—from homes and offices to yachts and restaurants. What are the key elements that define your signature style? Naturalness, timelessness, and meticulous attention to detail! While I embrace a minimalist yet elegant approach, I always incorporate special details that add character to a space. These can be unique textures, high-quality materials, or artworks that complement the soul of the space. For me, simplicity is essential, but it should never feel cold or lifeless. The right use of materials and textures is indispensable in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. PERSONALIZATION IS KEY —IT COULD BE A CUSTOM-DESIGNED PIECE OF FURNITURE, A VINTAGE ITEM, OR AN ARTWORK THAT REFLECTS THE HOMEOWNER’S STORY How does your design philosophy adapt to different types of projects, such as yachts, homes, and restaurants? I approach each project with the understanding that every space has its own story and context, yet my core design philosophy remains consistent. When designing yachts, I focus on maximizing limited space while maintaining luxury and comfort. The challenge lies in efficiently organizing compact areas, so I emphasize multifunctional furniture, smart storage solutions, and custom designs that optimize every square inch. I also favor light color palettes to enhance the perception of spaciousness. For residential projects, my priority is to create warm, welcoming spaces that reflect my clients’ lifestyles, while in restaurants, my goal is to design environments that offer guests an unforgettable experience. What are your must-haves in home design? Three essential elements: natural materials, well-balanced lighting design, and personalized details that give a home its soul. I love enhancing a space’s warmth through natural stones, wood, and textiles. Personalization is key—it could be a custom-designed piece of furniture, a vintage item, or an artwork that reflects the homeowner’s story. What did you focus on in your recent residential projects? I aimed to create a timeless design by blending classic elements with modern touches. I combined pieces that stand the test of time with custom-designed furniture and accessories that bring a fresh, innovative feel. Like a modern artwork atop a classic console or a sculptural coffee table that adds character to a minimalist space. EVERY DETAIL, FROM THE MENU TO DECOR, SHOULD REFLECT THE RESTAURANT’S IDENTITY When designing a restaurant, what is your priority—atmosphere or functionality? While elements are interconnected, my primary focus is always achieving harmony. Every detail, from the menu to the decor, should reflect the restaurant’s identity. Atmosphere is about the emotions guests feel the moment they step inside. For your recent project, Cozy Restaurant, what kind of space did you envision? For Cozy Restaurant, I envisioned a space where guests feel at home. I aimed to blend warmth with a touch of luxury by incorporating natural tones, soft textures, and warm lighting. Which design movements or periods influence your work the most? Modernism and the Bauhaus movement have significantly shaped my design approach. Additionally, the philosophy of Wabi-sabi inspires me to embrace the beauty of natural materials and imperfections. I also draw influence from the warm minimalism of Scandinavian design and the effortless elegance of Mediterranean architecture. If you could design your dream project without limitations, what would it be? My dream project would be a serene, timeless living space in Muğla (South Turkiye). I envision a home seamlessly integrated with the natural fabric of the Aegean—blending minimalism with sophistication, merging modern lines with the refined essence of traditional Turkish architecture. The space would be light-filled and airy, where soft neutrals and vibrant tones coexist harmoniously, and the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living nearly vanish. İstanbul'un popüler restoranı Cozy’nin tasarımını üstlenen Rezzan Benardete, hayalindeki ev projesini ve tasarımda olmazsa olmazlarını anlatıyor. Interior design’a sizi çeken neydi, bu alana nasıl başladınız? Tasarım her zaman hayatımın parçasıydı. Çocukluğumdan beri detaylara olan merakım, yenilikleri araştırma iştahım ve sanata olan hayranlığım beni bu alana yönlendirdi. Yaptığım seyahatlerde farklı kültürlerin mimari ve tasarım yaklaşımlarını incelemek bu alanda derinleşmemi sağladı. Önce küçük ölçekli ev projeleriyle başladım. Bugün ise Rezzan Benardete Interiors; mekanlara karakter kazandıran, estetik ve işlevselliği dengeli bir şekilde bir araya getiren tasarım anlayışıyla öne çıkıyor. Ev, ofis, yat ve restoranlara kadar geniş bir yelpazede tasarım yapıyoruz. Her projede, mekanın kimliğini ön plana çıkaran, detaylarıyla fark yaratan özgün bir atmosfer yaratmayı hedefliyoruz. İmza stilizi tanımlayan temel unsurlar neler? Doğallık, zamansızlık ve detaylara verilen özen! Sadelik ve şıklığın bir arada olduğu bir yaklaşımı benimsiyor olsam da, her zaman mekana karakter katan özel detaylar eklerim. Benzersiz dokular, kaliteli malzemeler ya da mekanın ruhunu tamamlayan sanat eserleri gibi… Sadelik benim için önemli, ancak sadelik hiçbir zaman soğuk ve ruhsuz olmamalı. Malzemelerin ve farklı dokuların doğru kullanımı sıcak bir atmosfer yaratmanın vazgeçilmezi. Yat, ev ya da restoran gibi farklı işlevdeki projelere tasarım çizginiz nasıl uyum sağlıyor? Her projenin kendine özgü bir hikâyesi ve bağlamı var. Ancak genel tasarım felsefem tüm projelerde geçerli. Yattaki sınırlı alanları lüks bir yaşam sunacak şekilde tasarlıyorum. Nitekim en büyük zorluk bu: Sınırlı alanı hem işlevsel hem de konforlu bir şekilde düzenlemek. Bu nedenle çok işlevli mobilyalar, akıllı depolama çözümleri ve alanın her santimetresini değerlendiren özel tasarımlar yapmaya özen gösteriyorum. Renk paletinde ise genellikle açık tonlar kullanarak mekanın daha geniş algılanmasını sağlıyorum. Ev projelerinde müşterilerimin kişisel yaşam tarzına uygun, sıcak ve davetkâr mekanlar yaratmaya odaklanıyorum. Restoranlarda ise misafirlerin unutulmaz bir deneyim yaşaması önceliğim oluyor. Ev tasarımında olmazsa olmazlarınız neler? Doğal malzemeler, dengeli bir ışık tasarımı ve mekana kişilik katan özel detaylar. Doğal taşlar, ahşap ve tekstil gibi malzemelerle mekanın sıcaklığını artırmayı seviyorum. Kişisellik ise evin ruhunu oluşturur. Bu da özel tasarım bir mobilya, vintage bir parça ya da ev sahibinin kişisel hikâyesini yansıtan bir sanat eseri olabilir. MEKANDAKİ HER DETAY RESTORANIN KİMLİĞİNİ YANSITMALI Restoran tasarlarken önceliğiniz nedir? Atmosfer mi yoksa işlevsel olması mı? Tüm unsurlar birbiriyle bağlantılı, ancak önceliğim her zaman bütünlük oluşturmak. Mekandaki her detayın, menüden dekorasyona kadar restoranın kimliğini yansıtması gerekiyor. Atmosfer ise misafirlerin mekana girdikleri andan itibaren hissettiği duygularla ilgili. Son projelerinizden biri olan Cozy’de nasıl bir yer hayal ettiniz? Misafirlerin kendilerini evindeymiş gibi hissedecekleri bir atmosfer yaratmayı hayal ettim. Bu sıcaklık hissini lüks bir dokunuşla birleştirdim. Tasarımda doğal tonlar, yumuşak dokular ve sıcak aydınlatmalar kullandım. Tasarım anlayışınızda en çok hangi dönem ya da akımlardan etkileniyorsunuz? Modernizm ve Bauhaus hareketi tasarım anlayışımda büyük etkiye sahip. Aynı zamanda wabi-sabi felsefesi sayesinde doğal malzemelerin ve kusurların güzelliğini benimsiyorum. Ayrıca İskandinav tasarımının minimalizmi ve Akdeniz mimarisinin doğal zarafeti de projelerimde etkili oluyor. Hayalinizdeki projeyi bir sınırlama olmaksızın tasarlayabilseydiniz, bu nasıl bir proje olurdu? Hayalimdeki proje Muğla’da sade, zamansız ve huzurlu bir yaşam alanı tasarlamak. Ege’nin doğal dokusuyla uyum içinde, minimal ama sofistike, modern çizgilerle geleneksel Türk mimarisinin zarif bileşimine sahip bir ev. Açık tonlarla güçlü ve dinamik renklerin iç içe geçtiği, ferah ve ışıkla dolu bir yaşam alanının olduğu, iç mekanla dış mekan arasındaki sınırların neredeyse tamamen kaybolduğu, geniş teraslar ve avluların olduğu bir ev tasarlardım. Evin her köşesinde hem dinginlik hem de estetiği yansıtacak bir sadelik olmasına özen gösterirdim. for more NEW / Print VOL XV - SPRING 2025 690,00₺ Price Add to Cart

April 2025 | VOL 14 ‘FUTURE ARCHITECTURE will be MORE INTERTWINED with NATURE’ words Laura Cottrell & Onur Basturk photo credit Rory Gardiner (Copas), Rafael Gamo (Las Golondrinas + Zarzales + Tlalpuente + Casa Roca) ZARZALES Bring nature to the forefront, even shaping the architecture around it... It sounds simple in theory, but in practice it's quite a challenge. Mexico City-based PPAA (Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados), founded in 2018 by Pablo Pérez Palacios, is one of the rare studios that achieves this in every project. We spoke with Palacios about this unique architectural approach, which prioritizes ideas over forms, and other insights. TLALPUENTE What is your design language as PPAA, and which materials best embody this philosophy? Our design language is rooted in the concept of creating an architecture of ideas rather than forms. It is an approach where concepts are inspired by nature and natural materials become integral to our architectural vocabulary. We emphasize the use of materials that respond to the context of the site, ensuring that our projects remain respectful of their surroundings and reflect the inherent beauty of nature. This approach underscores our commitment to designing spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while maintaining a strong conceptual foundation. Can we say that the architecture of the future will feature more houses in harmony with nature or incorporating natural elements? Absolutely. It’s inevitable that future architecture will be more deeply intertwined with nature. Architecture can no longer be viewed as separate from its environment; instead, it must strive to maintain a harmonious and balanced relationship with it. This means not only integrating natural elements like vegetation but also addressing factors such as climate, rainfall, and local ecosystems in the design process. The future of architecture will require a thoughtful, adaptive approach, prioritizing coexistence with nature at every stage—from conception to completion. Do you have any other predictions for the future of architecture? What might happen? I foresee a future where technology will evolve beyond being a tool for construction methods; it will become a means to respect, preserve and coexist with the natural environment. As technology advances, it will provide innovative solutions that allow architecture to adapt more seamlessly to its surroundings, ensuring that built structures do not compromise but rather enhance the natural landscapes they inhabit. CASA ROCA THE ROCK WAS DISCOVERED DURING CONSTRUCTION, AND WE DECIDED TO PRESERVE IT FOR BOTH ITS AESTHETIC APPEAL AND CONCEPTUAL SIGNIFICANCE You describe Copas as a project rooted in respect for nature. Could you elaborate on this? What measures were taken in the project to honor that respect, and what ideas were put into practice? Nature has always been our primary source of inspiration, and our ultimate goal is to create environments that echo the unique atmospheres found in natural settings. For the Copas project, we started by carefully considering the site itself, with particular attention to the tree canopies. The location’s dramatic topography inspired us to design a series of platforms that integrate the various program elements, allowing users to experience the space at the height of the trees. This approach preserved the majority of the existing trees while incorporating the natural rock formations as key architectural features. By respecting and enhancing the natural landscape, we ensured minimal disruption to the environment. Copas stands out with its distinct platforms, including the terrace. What was the intent behind this design? The platform design wasn't just a deliberate stylistic choice but rather a natural response to a deep understanding of the site and its topography. By creating a series of platforms, we were able to adapt to the terrain, using it to our advantage. These elevated exterior spaces rise to the height of the tree canopies, offering an experience that feels like floating among the trees. This approach fosters a deep connection with nature while allowing the architecture to seamlessly blend into its surroundings. In the Copas project, the rock in the middle of the courtyard feels like a work of art. Was this planned beforehand, or was it added during the project? The rock was discovered during the construction process and we immediately decided to preserve it as an essential element of the project. It was retained not only for its aesthetic value, but also for its conceptual significance. The rock is a perfect example of how our architecture seeks to engage with nature, and demonstrates our commitment to incorporating natural features as integral components of our designs, rather than altering or removing them. LAS GOLODRINAS THE MATTE BLACK COATING WAS INTENDED TO MINIMIZE THE ARCHITECTURE’S PERCEPTION AS A DISTINCT, ISOLATED OBJECT In the Las Golondrinas project, you covered the house with a matte black coating called Corev Mooth. What was the reason for this design choice? The intention behind using the matte black coating was to reduce the perception of the architecture as a distinct, isolated object. Black, like white, is never purely monochromatic; it changes and interacts with light and its natural surroundings, taking on different hues depending on the lighting conditions. This treatment allows the architecture to recede, making it less of a protagonist and shifting the visual focus to the natural environment, allowing the surrounding landscape to retain its prominence. COPAS for more Print VOL XIV - FALL & WINTER 2024-25 590,00₺ Price Add to Cart

‘FUTURE ARCHITECTURE will be MORE INTERTWINED with NATURE’ LARA BOHINC’S TRIO: Nature, Craft, Surrealism LUCAS ZITO TAKES OVER MILAN UNFORM STUIDO’s SCULPTURAL FUTURE STRATA: UNIFYING TEXTURE and VISION LAYER's 10th ANNIVERSARY: 101010 ARTICOLO a DECADE of DESIGN MASTERY A SINGLE MAN HOUSE DAZZLING DINING: THEATRICAL DECOR & OPULENT DESIGN ELEGANT COUNTRYSIDE SANCTUARY MEET THE FOUNDERS of ALCOVA VALENTINA CIUFFI & JOSEPH GRIMA a SEASIDE HOME in BRITISH COLUMBIA FLØIRESTAURANTEN REBORN: Old Soul, New Vibe ORIGIN MADE CRAFTING TOMORROW from YESTERDAY REDEFINING MODERN LIVING on the EAST COAST BROOKLYN SANCTUARY: a MODERN ECLECTIC HAVEN SALONE 2025 BUILDINGS WORLDS FIT for the FUTURE REVIVING HISTORY in WEST VANCOUVER GENERATIONAL FUSION a MODERN TUSCAN HAVEN in ONTARIO Show More

April 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS LARA BOHINC’S TRIO: Nature, Craft, Surrealism words Onur Baştürk photo credit Betsy / Stefania Zanetti & Matteo Bellomo Anima & Fallen Empire / Rebecca Reid Designer Lara Bohinc debuts three striking new collections at Milan Design Week. Through her partnerships with Uniqka, Serafini, Maison Phelippeau, and Inata, Bohinc presents an extensive range of work encompassing leather, marble, and upholstered seating. We spoke with Lara Bohinc about these three new collections. This year in Milan, you're launching three distinct collections through three different collaborations. Could you summarize each partnership in just one sentence? I have two collections launching at Alcova—Betsy in collaboration with Uniqka and Anima in collaboration with Maison Phelippeau. We also have a third collection, Fallen Empire, which will be displayed at Serafini Gallery in downtown Milan. Betsy is a collection of leather furniture inspired by the beauty of birds, with layered panels mimicking feathers, draped over bold, sculptural, and voluminous forms. Using saddlery leather—known for its thick yet supple texture—the incredible artisans at Uniqka cut, treat, and meticulously layer each "feather" piece-by-piece onto wooden frames, topped with a selection of coloured wood surfaces. The Betsy Collection comprises five distinctive pieces: a round coffee table, a side table, a console, a bench, and a standing mirror. In collaboration with Serafini, we have created Fallen Empire, a collection of marble furniture which pays homage to the forgotten fragments of lost civilizations, fusing the grandeur of ancient ruins with contemporary design. The collection comprises four pieces, a coffee table, a side table, a console, and a dining table. Inspired by dreams of nature, which symbolize a desire for peace and balance, Anima blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.This collection transforms the historic villa into a surreal landscape of rolling hills, lakeshores, and organic forms, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. At the heart of the collection are three limited edition upholstered seating pieces—the Anima Sofa, Armchair, and Occasional Chair—created in collaboration with Maison Phelippeau, a revered French upholstery house known for its artisanal expertise, and enveloped in pure alpaca wool by Inata, a sustainable Peruvian textile brand. Complementing the seating is a Dark Woods Table, crafted in Portugal from solid mahogany. The common feature of all three collections is that you've worked with a wide range of very different materials—including leather and marble. Typically, designers tend to work with similar materials. As a designer, do you intentionally choose this diversity? I’ve always been drawn to exploring a wide range of materials in my designs, as each one offers its own unique influence on both the form and function of a piece. Across all three collections, I’ve focused on natural, organic materials, but each brings a unique quality to the collection — allowing me to explore the balance between softness and hardness, flexibility and rigidity, and how these qualities can enhance the overall design experience. I BELIEVE THAT DESIGN SHOULD BRING JOY How would you sum up your design philosophy? My design philosophy revolves around the idea of playfulness. I believe that design should bring joy and personality into people's spaces. Furniture and objects are not just functional items but can become companions within a room, each with its own character. My aim is to create pieces that invite interaction and foster a sense of connection, encouraging people to feel at home and spend time with their surroundings. I’VE ALWAYS BEEN FASCINATED BY DREAMS AND SURREALISM The Anima collection, created in collaboration with Maison Phelippeau, draws inspiration from Jungian psychology. Why Jung—was there a specific reason, and how did it influence the collection? From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by dreams and surrealism, intrigued by how these elements can be translated into the physical world. When developing the Anima collection in collaboration with Maison Phelippeau, I was inspired by Jungian psychology because of its deep exploration of the unconscious and the human psyche. In today’s age of AI, digital creations lack the tangible beauty and substance of real-world materials; I wanted to create something that evoked those surreal, dreamlike qualities but was grounded in reality. The collection reflects this balance—capturing the essence of those elusive, ethereal ideas while using real, well-crafted materials that feel both beautiful and authentic in the physical world. What key features did you focus on regarding the materials and textures in Anima? Developed in collaboration with Maison Phelippeau, a renowned French upholstery house celebrated for its artisanal craftsmanship, each seating piece is meticulously handcrafted in London, ensuring a zero-carbon footprint. The furniture is made entirely from natural materials, including Vanadium steel coils, horsehair, and wool, all wrapped in luxurious alpaca wool from Inata, a sustainable textile brand from Peru. The collection is defined by its soft curves and twin peaks with a central dip, subtly inspired by natural landscapes and evoking the symbolic imagery of lips, imbuing the pieces with a poetic, sculptural elegance. Alongside the seating, the Dark Woods Table, made from solid mahogany in Portugal, features floating, organic surfaces resting on bold, rock-like forms. These surfaces are shaped using a combination of 5D laser cutting and hand chiseling, achieving a striking contrast between refined craftsmanship and the raw essence of the material. BETSY COLLECTION: INSPIRED BY LAYERED FEATHERS What inspired the Betsy collection you designed for Uniqka? How did working with leather feel, and were there any challenges? Inspired by nature, particularly the layering of feathers on birds, I’ve always been fascinated by the way these natural forms combine texture, movement, and structure. This led me to explore leather as a material, which offers a unique balance of malleability and rigidity. Leather is interesting because, while it can be shaped and molded, it still retains body and structure, allowing it to hold volume and create dynamic, interesting forms. It has a softness that shows movement, yet remains firm enough to maintain its shape. I experimented with cutting leather into small pieces and assembling them onto wooden frames to create designs that evoke the warmth and fluidity of feathered creatures. Partnering with Uniqka’s dynamic team, we were able to bring this vision to life, resulting in a playful and personality-filled collection that captures both the texture and movement I sought to emulate. The Fallen Empire collection, developed with the Serafin brand, is all about marble. What’s the story behind this collection? The Fallen Empire collection reflects on the ruins of once-great civilizations, celebrating the grandeur of stone and the inevitability of decay. It acknowledges that while empires may fall, their remnants endure—symbols of a distant past that continue to resonate across time. By blending the ancient with the modern, my intention was to create pieces that embody both the strength and fragility of time. Each design merges jagged, irregular edges reminiscent of ancient architectural ruins with geometric elements inspired by arches and windows.

April 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS LAYER's 10 th ANNIVERSARY: 101010 words Laura Cottrell British design entrepreneur and LAYER founder Benjamin Hubert is set to celebrate a decade of transformative design with an upcoming exhibition during Milan Design Week 2025. Titled 101010, the exhibition will be hosted at the renowned 10 Corso Como’s Project Room from 7th to 13th April 2025, serving as both a retrospective of LAYER’s dynamic past and a visionary statement for the future of design. A DECADE OF DESIGN EXCELLENCE Over the past ten years, LAYER has carved a niche in the design world through an inventive blend of art, technology, and craftsmanship. Under Hubert’s inspired leadership, the studio has collaborated with marquee names such as Bang & Olufsen, Nike, Moroso, and Vitra. A curated retrospective at the exhibition revisits these landmark projects, enriched further by the display of LAYER’s 2022 monograph—published by Phaidon and thoughtfully crafted by design curator Max Fraser—which eloquently captures the studio’s evolution and creative philosophy. THE 101010 COLLECTION: A Glimpse into Tomorrow Equally compelling is the unveiling of the new 101010 collection, an assemblage of six innovative social design prototypes. Each piece, developed in collaboration with distinguished creative partners from LAYER’s storied history, offers a forward-thinking response to global challenges while remaining rooted in sustainable, craft-driven design. The collection features: - KEEP: A family of fermentation tools created with Orrefors, celebrating the art of food preservation. - HOST: A modular bee home, designed in partnership with Andreu World, that champions urban biodiversity and sustainable beekeeping. - LIGHT: Algae-powered oil lamps, developed alongside Muuto, providing renewable off-grid illumination. - COLLECT: A portable rainwater harvesting system, conceived with MDF Italia and Kvadrat, that promises sustainable water storage. - COOL: Stackable ceramic cooling towers by Bitossi Ceramiche, reimagining passive cooling for urban environments. - SHIELD: A versatile “future uniform” created with fashion brand RÆBURN, designed to adapt seamlessly to diverse climates and extreme weather conditions. HUBERT’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE Reflecting on his journey, Benjamin Hubert shares, “It’s been 10 years since I founded LAYER – and it’s an honour to collaborate with some of our long-standing creative partners from the past decade to celebrate craft and explore how design can solve some of the most pressing issues facing humanity in the near future. With this exhibition, we are not just reflecting on a decade of transformative design; we are imagining how design can inspire and adapt to the challenges of an ever-evolving world. This exhibition is an invitation to rethink the role of design in our shared future.”

April 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS A R T I C O L O a DECADE of DESIGN MASTERY words Laura Cottrell portrait photos Willen Dirk Du Toit + Sharyn Cairns In 2025, Articolo Studios celebrates ten transformative years—a milestone that underscores a journey defined by evolution, innovation, and unyielding artistic vision. This April, the acclaimed Australian design studio returns to Euroluce at Salone del Mobile, unveiling three new collections that capture the essence of a decade spent perfecting the art of refined, performance-driven design. Stepping into the immersive Euroluce installation is like entering a sanctuary away from the bustling trade show. Set within a warm, travertine-clad space, visitors are greeted by curated floor-to-ceiling fixtures, textured cast glass pendants, and hand-crafted leather lounge seats that not only showcase the studio’s pioneering approach to decorative lighting but also its seamless leap into contemporary furniture design. Here, each piece is more than an object—it’s a testament to Articolo’s commitment to blending sophisticated engineering with elevated aesthetics. Articolo’s evolution is eloquently captured in the words of Founder and Creative Director Nicci Kavals: "Celebrating our tenth year gives us a sense of maturity, confidence, and conviction in who we are and where we are headed. The foundations are laid, and we are now at the starting gates, ready to unfold the greater vision for the brand. This milestone is an achievement, but true mastery takes a lifetime. We see this as just the beginning of an enduring brand—one that will outlive its founders." Founded in Melbourne, Articolo Studios—helmed by visionary Nicci Kavals—has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, evolving from her early days as a chef and stylist into the creation of innovative experiential interiors.. Her journey, rich with diverse influences, now culminates in Articolo Studios’ bold new venture into adjustable, technologically infused decorative lighting—a move that speaks to the brand’s relentless drive for excellence. For its Euroluce showcase, Articolo teamed up with long-time partner Studio Goss to create an installation that is as much an architectural monument as it is an exhibition booth. Dominated by monolithic forms, expansive proportions, and meticulously layered materials—ranging from luminous eucalypt accents to deep, rich travertine and walnut finishes—the space invites visitors on a sensory journey through a world where art, design, and performance lighting converge. As the world of Articolo comes to life this April, it reaffirms its position at the cutting edge of design innovation. With each new collection, the studio not only honors its storied past but also sets the stage for the future—one illuminated by creativity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering passion for design.

March 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS FLØIRESTAURANTEN REBORN: Old Soul, New Vibe words Karine Monie photos Tom Haga interior design Sol Design architects Paal J. Kahrs Arkitekter and b + b arkitekter Nestled in a nearly 100-year-old neoclassical wooden building in Bergen, Norway, Fløirestauranten has been reborn as a vibrant dining hotspot that marries its storied past with a fresh, contemporary twist. Set against Bergen’s dramatic natural backdrop, this transformed restaurant channels nostalgia and modernity in every detail. A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY AND INNOVATION Originally designed in the early 1920s by renowned architect Einar Oscar Schou—and inspired by Norway’s beloved fairytales—the building has been restored with a sustainable, modern approach by Sol Design, led by visionary Sonja Solstrand. “I sought to capture the soul of the historical building, keeping it alive while dressing it in a new suit,” she explains, with a design concept rooted in heritage and connection. DYNAMIC DESIGN THAT CONNECTS WITH NATURE Inside, Fløirestauranten is a fusion of old and new. Expansive spaces invite guests to unwind after a hike or catch up with friends, while custom fixtures and iconic Nordic furniture, including meticulously restored vintage Knag chairs, pay tribute to Bergen’s design legacy. Carefully curated lighting—from Nuura’s nature-inspired pieces to Bocci’s modern, cloud-like fixtures—enhances the organic flow of the space. INSPIRED BY THE LANDSCAPE AND COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY Drawing from the lush surroundings of Fløyen Mountain, the color palette blends green tones with earthy hues for a warm, calming ambiance. Reclaimed wood flooring, repurposed timber, and revived brass details underscore the commitment to sustainable design that honors the building’s original charm. Fløirestauranten isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an immersive experience where history meets modern design, offering a unique blend of elegance, comfort, and cultural depth.

April 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS DAZZLING DINING: THEATRICAL DECOR & OPULENT DESIGN words Karine Monie photos Fadhi Muhammed interior design Qreative Design In the heart of Adliya, Bahrain’s vibrant district known for its eclectic mix of fine dining and cultural hotspots, Obica—a new restaurant and lounge—is set to redefine luxury. With a bespoke design that fuses the grandeur of palaces and theaters with modern sophistication, this stunning venue is a true celebration of opulence and innovative artistry. At the core of the design lies a rich tapestry of materials and bold color choices. Sparkling hexagonal mirrors catch the eye, while a show-stopping chandelier—crafted from 78,000 mother-of-pearl shells—serves as the ultimate centerpiece, evoking Bahrain’s illustrious pearling heritage. Deep burgundy and emerald green hues imbue the space with depth and a visceral connection to nature, balanced perfectly by cream pearl white accents that lend lightness and harmony. Qreative Design, led by architect and interior designer Mohamed Alqari, has transformed the venue into a dynamic narrative of cultural heritage and modern luxury. The design elegantly incorporates architectural elements from Bahrain’s storied past with a contemporary twist: existing columns are reimagined as grand pillars in the bar, while hidden AC grills, seamlessly integrated into ceilings and pillars, tackle the desert heat with discreet efficiency. Meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every detail—from the bespoke marble flooring, composed of 415 precisely cut pieces completed in just seven months, to the luxurious textures and patterned accents that define the interiors. INSPIRED BY LONDON’S MEMBERS’ CLUBS Drawing inspiration from the majestic splendor of palaces, the dramatic flair of theaters, exclusive private members’ clubs in London, and the refined elegance of Parisian design, Mohamed Alqari has created a space that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a celebration of experiential dining. Scenic wallpapers by Ananbo and a vintage 19th-century mirror imported from England add layers of historical depth and charm, while whimsical corridors featuring Cole & Son wallpaper lead guests through an immersive journey that culminates in a grand powder room lobby designed to evoke intrigue and delight.

April 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS UNFORM STUDIO’s SCULPTURAL FUTURE words Alp Tekin photos Felix Speller Unform Studio will debut two bold new collections—Orbit and Axis—at SaloneSatellite 2025, marking its first foray into lighting alongside a continued exploration of sculptural furniture. Founded by design entrepreneur Ryan Twardzik in 2022, the Pennsylvania-based studio transforms everyday objects into sources of joy and inspiration. Rooted in Schuylkill County at the heart of the Anthracite Coal Region, Unform Studio champions a vibrant blend of local manufacturing, heritage, and innovative design. In its latest exhibition, A Different Kind of Future, the studio reimagines a tomorrow once envisioned by the unfulfilled optimism of the Space Age. Set in a striking baby blue exhibition space at SaloneSatellite 2025, the show brings together two new collections where high-gloss stainless steel meets the warmth of wood, upholstery, and masterful craftsmanship, delivering a design philosophy that is both bold and inviting. THE ORBIT COLLECTION Featuring the un14 Orbit Chair and un15 Orbit Table, the Orbit Collection celebrates dynamic contrasts and inviting comfort. The un14 Orbit Chair, wrapped in soft blue wool and supported by a sleek stainless steel frame, makes a powerful statement—merging a sharp, modern structure with a welcoming lounge experience. THE AXIS COLLECTION Marking Unform Studio’s exciting debut into lighting, the Axis Collection offers a complete range of fixtures—from pendant to floor to wall. In collaboration with London-based lighting designer George Goodwill, this collection reinterprets the crisp qualities of stainless steel into playful, sculptural forms, infusing modern lighting with energy and character.

February 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS TR BELOW ONCE a MIELE, ALWAYS a MIELE -content partnership- The world-renowned German brand Miele celebrates its 125-year legacy with its new campaign slogan: “Once a Miele, Always a Miele.” This slogan highlights the brand’s timeless design philosophy and durable product quality, while also emphasizing that Miele is not just an electric home appliance manufacturer but a true lifestyle brand. Since its inception, Miele has been guided by its “Immer Besser” (Always Better) philosophy, which has remained a constant beacon in its journey toward innovation and sustainability. Over the years, Miele has pursued perfection in both user experience and product design. With its new slogan, the brand not only strengthens the loyalty of its existing customers but also positions itself as an attractive choice for those seeking a new experience. This campaign redefines the concept of luxury by emphasizing Miele’s long-lasting, high-performance products and the unique bond users form with them. The energy-efficient, sustainable, and elegantly designed devices in Miele’s product range do more than just simplify daily life—they also take a step toward making the world a better place. MIELE & YUZU PRESENTS: CHEF’S TABLE Held in December 2024 at the Miele Experience Center in Zorlu Shopping Mall and hosted by Yuzu Magazine, “Chef’s Table” marked the first event where Miele introduced its new campaign slogan. Blending Miele’s timeless design and innovation with a gastronomic experience, the event brought together prominent figures from the design and architecture world, including Efe Urgunlu (Co-Founder of No:3 Design), Derya Toros (Founder of Toros&Partners), Esra Kestirengöz (Founder of EIK Design Studio), Esin Sözer Kalender (Co-Founder of Arketipo Design), Gökşen Buğra (Founder of Galeri Bosfor), Architect İdil Öztürk, Erdem İşler (Co-Founder of Cisim Design), Architect Gökhan Avcıoğlu, Architect Erhan Sağır, Sinan Bora Özışık (Co-Founder of Geo Studio), and Mahmut Kefeli and Kerem Erçin (Co-Founders of escapefromsofa). BİR DEFA MIELE, DAIMA MIELE -content partnership- Dünyanın önde gelen Alman markası Miele, 125 yıllık köklü mirasını yeni kampanya sloganı “Bir Defa Miele, Daima Miele” ile taçlandırıyor. Bu ikonik söylem, markanın yalnızca üstün mühendislik ve zamansız tasarım anlayışını değil, aynı zamanda ürünlerinin dayanıklılığı ve eşsiz kalitesiyle yarattığı güveni de vurguluyor.“Bir Defa Miele, Daima Miele” anlayışı, Miele’nin kalite, güven ve tasarımda sürekliliğe olan bağlılığını temsil ediyor. Miele’nin kuruluşundan bu yana benimsediği “Immer Besser” (Daima Daha İyi) felsefesi, markanın inovasyon ve sürdürülebilirlik yolculuğundaki değişmez rehberi oldu. Yıllar boyunca hem kullanıcı deneyimi hem de ürün tasarımında kusursuzluk peşinde koşan Miele, yeni söylemiyle sadece mevcut kullanıcılarının sadakatini pekiştirmekle kalmıyor, aynı zamanda markayı yeni bir deneyim arayışında olanlar için de çekici hale getiriyor. Bu kampanya Miele’nin uzun ömürlü, üstün performanslı ürünlerini ve kullanıcılarının bu ürünlerle kurduğu benzersiz bağı vurgulayarak lüksün tanımını yeniden şekillendiriyor. Miele’nin ürün gamında yer alan; enerji verimli, sürdürülebilir ve şık tasarımlı cihazlar sadece günlük yaşamı kolaylaştırmakla kalmıyor, aynı zamanda dünyayı daha iyi bir yer haline getirmek için bir adım sunuyor. MIELE & YUZU PRESENTS: CHEF’S TABLE Aralık 2024’te Miele Experience Center Zorlu AVM’de Yuzu Magazine ev sahipliğinde gerçekleştirilen “Chef’s Table” ise markanın yeni kampanya söylemini ilk kez tanıttığı özel etkinlik oldu. Miele’nin zamansız tasarım ve inovasyon anlayışını gastronomik bir deneyimle sunan etkinliğe No:3 Design Kurucu Ortağı Efe Urgunlu, Toros&Partners Kurucusu Derya Toros, EIK Design Studio Kurucusu Esra Kestirengöz, Arketipo Design kurucu ortağı Esin Sözer Kalender, Galeri Bosfor Kurucusu Gökşen Buğra, Mimar İdil Öztürk, Cisim Design Kurucu Ortağı Erdem İşler, Mimar Gökhan Avcıoğlu, Mimar Erhan Sağır, Geo Studio Kurucu Ortağı Sinan Bora Özışık ve escapefromsofa kurucu ortakları Mahmut Kefeli ile Kerem Erçin gibi tasarım ve mimarlık dünyasının isimleri katıldı.

March 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS ORIGIN MADE CRAFTING TOMORROW from YESTERDAY words Soraia Martins Six years have passed since the foundation of the Porto-based design company Origin Made. Its founders, Gabriel Tan and Cherie Er, came all the way from the other side of the world to settle in this Portuguese town that sits close to many of the workshops and skilled artisans they have always been interested in working with to create meaningful design pieces that combine functionality and beauty. Rooted in Portuguese craftsmanship while expanding across borders, Origin Made is keen on telling stories of tradition, materiality, and the human touch. By working in small-batch productions and valuing the uniqueness of handmade processes, Origin Made not only preserves crafts that seem lost in time but also gives them renewed relevance in today’s design landscape. And their story is as thoughtful as everything they make. How did Origin Made begin? Besides your travels to Porto and discovering a quiet industry devoted to crafts, how did Origin Made take shape into what we know today? Origin Made began quite organically during our early travels to Porto, even before we decided to move to the city. What struck us most was discovering these incredible family-run workshops that had been perfecting their craft for generations yet remained relatively unknown to the wider world. The city had this remarkable ecosystem of craftspeople—woodworkers, metalworkers, ceramicists—all working with traditional techniques but not yet well connected with contemporary markets. That disconnect really sparked something in us. Along with Cherie, Origin Made’s co-founder, we saw an opportunity to bridge these artisans’ exceptional skills with modern design sensibilities. Our commitment to slow, thoughtful production and our belief in creating contemporary pieces that honor traditional craftsmanship definitely helped shape Origin Made into what it is today. THE ART OF SLOW MAKING: WHY HANDCRAFTED OBJECTS MATTER What are your backgrounds, and what led you to dedicate your life to design and craftsmanship? My (Gabriel Tan) journey in design began with my industrial design education at the National University of Singapore and then as a co-founder of the design collective Outofstock Design. But what shaped my perspective was working across different cultural contexts—from Singapore to New York, Barcelona to Japan, before finally settling down in Portugal, specifically Porto. These experiences showed me how design can be a powerful way to preserve and evolve craft traditions. Cherie worked in finance before joining me on this journey of reviving crafts through design. Her people skills and business acumen are key to the success of Origin Made. Can you tell me what the Japanese Mingei folk crafts movement is? The Mingei movement deeply resonates with our philosophy at Origin Made. Founded by Soetsu Yanagi in the 1920s, it celebrates the beauty of everyday objects made by folk artisans. What is fascinating about Mingei is its emphasis on the beauty that emerges from necessity and function—objects made to be used, not just displayed. The movement champions the idea that true beauty comes from integrating utility, necessity, and the natural making process. At Origin Made, we have expanded this philosophy in an interesting way—while we embrace Mingei’s core principle of functional beauty, we also recognize that beauty itself serves a function. We believe that objects and art perform an intangible but very real function. They generate emotions, pleasant moods, and lasting memories that contribute to our overall well-being. A beautiful, crafted sculpture might not have an obvious physical utility like a chair or a bowl, but its presence can transform a space, evoke joy, or create moments of contemplation. What was your first collection? How did you come up with it, and what was its underlying inspiration? Our first collection was deeply inspired by Portuguese craft traditions, particularly barro preto. The first pieces I designed for Origin Made were the Charred Vases, which have since become our perennial bestsellers. This traditional Portuguese way of firing clay in an underground kiln results in pieces that take on a distinctive finish and usually produce cookware such as oven pots and casserole dishes. The characteristic geometric forms of the Charred Vases introduced a new typology of products for barro preto application—decorative vases for floral arrangements. CRAFTED NARRATIVES, TIMELESS OBJECTS How do you see your evolution as a brand and studio since you first started? While Origin Made started by offering smaller collectible objects and home décor items, over the years, we began introducing small furniture items such as dining chairs, side tables, display plinths, and lighting. This year, Origin Made has made the jump to introduce larger furniture items, such as our first dining table—the Monumental Table designed by Gabriel Tan, and our very first upholstered seating, the Chalé Chair, a lounge seat designed by Hallgeir Homstvedt. We also launched our first collections of floor and wall rugs—Teia and Margem—signaling our foray into textile products. With this expansion of our interior offerings to cover a range of furniture, lighting, rugs, and design objects, we can now construct complete interior environments that genuinely reflect our philosophy where heritage crafts, modern design, and natural materials meet to create spaces that encourage gathering and connection. What do you enjoy the most about Origin Made and your work? The most satisfying aspect is witnessing the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. There is something magical about seeing an artisan with decades of experience interpret our designs through their craft, often adding subtle nuances that can only come from deep material knowledge. I particularly enjoy the moments of discovery—finding new workshops, learning about traditional techniques, and seeing how these can be reimagined for contemporary contexts. The relationships we have built with craftspeople have become the heart of what we do. CELEBRATING TIME-HONORED TECHNIQUES Can you describe the process of collaborating with small, family-run workshops, solo artists, and craftspeople? Our collaboration process is very personal and built on mutual respect. We and our collaborating designers spend time understanding each workshop’s unique capabilities, their traditional techniques, and their preferred ways of working. It is never about imposing our design requirements; instead, we develop designs that embrace their expertise while gently pushing into new territory. We are constantly learning from their deep knowledge of materials and techniques. This process requires patience, as making by hand can’t be rushed, but this slower pace allows for thoughtful development and refinement of each piece. A crucial aspect of our approach is understanding and respecting the natural rhythm and capacity of small, family-run workshops. Most of our craftspeople and workshops aren’t set up for, nor interested in, large-scale production. They are artists and skilled makers who prioritize quality and attention to detail over quantity. This is why we consciously work in small-batch productions, typically creating limited quantities of each piece. This approach allows our artisan partners to maintain high standards without feeling pressured or overwhelmed by production demands. Sometimes, this means longer lead times, but we believe it is worth preserving the integrity of the craftsmanship and ensuring our artisan partners' well-being. THE HUMAN TOUCH BEHIND EVERY OBJECT What are your absolute favorite materials to work with? I have a particular affinity for wood and also metal, such as brass, because of how it ages and develops character over time. These materials tell a story through their use and wear. I am also drawn to pottery and ceramics. What makes clay unique isn’t just its physical properties but how they have been understood and worked with by the seasoned hands of craftspeople over generations. Which techniques are closer to your hearts and definitely part of your creative process? There is just something profound traditional joinery techniques, including joints that have been refined over centuries and can hold up structures and weights without any need for mechanical fasteners. We are also deeply interested in metal spinning, clay throwing techniques, stonemasonry, and basket weaving. What is it you desire the most for Origin Made going forward? While our journey began in Porto and our roots in Portuguese craftsmanship remain strong, our vision for Origin Made’s future is increasingly global. We see incredible opportunities to discover and support craft cultures not just in the Iberian Peninsula but across Asia, South America, Africa, and beyond. Each region has its own rich heritage of craftsmanship, often preserved through generations of artisans, and we are excited to explore these diverse traditions and techniques. https://origin-made.com @originmade

March 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS REDEFINING MODERN LIVING on the EAST COAST words Karine Monie photos Brian Wetzel interior design Melissa & Miller Color served as the driving inspiration behind this home, nestled just outside Philadelphia on the East Coast of the United States. Guided by the homeowners’ impressive art collection, the design team at Melissa & Miller expertly blended vibrant and moody hues—minty sage, deep plum, emerald, and duck egg blue—to create interiors that are both striking and highly functional. The result is a dwelling brimming with energy, character, and fresh ideas—perfect for those who value thoughtful design. The project was commissioned by a married couple in their 60s, who sought to downsize from a larger home while retaining a sense of sophistication and a flair for entertaining. “We wanted the house to reflect the creativity in both husband and wife: polished, well-traveled yet not flashy,” explains Melissa Urdang Bodie, co-founder of Melissa & Miller. Long-time residents of the Philadelphia area, the couple desired a single-level home that was warm, welcoming, and conducive to hosting guests. Their open-minded, decisive nature allowed the design team to explore bold, unconventional choices. A COLORFUL APPROACH Abandoning traditional white kitchens, Melissa & Miller embraced a non-traditional approach that celebrated color as a central theme. Starting with a neutral base in the central living area, the design team built out a spectrum of vivid accents across the home: - Kitchen: The calm kitchen features a refreshing minty sage hue (Farrow & Ball Eddy) paired with a soft sage De Gournay wallpaper, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere. - Living Area: The central living room is painted in a warm white, offering a subtle backdrop that allows bolder colors in adjoining spaces to shine. - Private Spaces: In the den, moody midnight tones (Farrow & Ball Hague Blue) create a contemplative setting, while the home bar and cigar room are awash in rich plum tones (Farrow & Ball Brinjal). The two bedrooms present contrasting moods—one with duck egg blue accented by hints of blush, and the other in crisp, burnt orange with wheat details. SPECIAL DETAILS AND LOCAL ARTISTRY In collaboration with architect Neil Young, the design of the bar area features lateral mesh metal shelves, setting the stage for the “Cigar” artwork that became the focal point of the room’s color palette. The team also placed a strong emphasis on incorporating artisans, small makers, and female designers into the project. Local woodworkers such as East Otis crafted the L-shaped bookshelves that flank the stepped-down living room, while pieces from Nat Fry, Hoffman Hardware, and large globe pendants from Cuff in LA add bespoke touches throughout the home. Luxurious throw pillows from Aldridge & Supple (London) and a curated selection of high-end fabrics, wallpapers, and rugs from renowned suppliers complete the layered, textured interiors. DETAILS - ENTRY: Wall lights by Apparatus. - LIVING ROOM: L-shaped Varickk sofa by Maiden Home with Schumacher fabric. Elyse freeform coffee table by Eternity Modern. Sumo chair and Sumo ottoman by Holly Hunt. 1960s vintage Czech chairs from 1stdibs with Rogers and Goffigan fabric. Maker’s chair by Lawson Fenning. Amber small Soda tables from Comerford. Suspended lighting by Cuff Studio. Potosi area rug by Erik Lindstrom. - DINING ROOM: Lance dining chairs by Palecek with Brook Perdigon fabric. Stave dining table by Black Creek Mountain. Mollino large tiered chandelier by Visual Comfort. Stella sconces by Lostine.