BIID reveal winners of the 2022 BIID Interior Design Awards
(UK) - The British Institute of Interior Design is delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural BIID Interior Design Awards.
The accolades were awarded at the awards ceremony, which took place on 5 October 2022 at the Drapers’ Hall in London. The magnificent interiors created a spectacular backdrop to celebrate and reward the very first BIID Interior Design awards.
In front of an in-person audience of almost 200 industry professionals, the event proved to be an enjoyable and exciting day for all, especially for the winning interior designers who had gathered from all over the UK. "Drapers’ Hall was a wonderful setting to acknowledge and reward the excellence of our winners,” says Mathew Freeman, BIID President. “These first BIID Interior Design awards have been a long time in the planning and it was wonderful to have everybody together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our award winners.”
The event kicked off in style with a lively drinks reception, before attendees took their seats in the Livery Hall. Guests were welcomed to their tables by the host, TV Presenter and Design Historian Amber Butchart, and guests enjoyed a delicious three-course lunch, during which they were treated to a short presentation by Jonathan Deeming from architecture firm Purcell, on the restoration of the historic Drapers’ Hall. BIID President Mathew Freeman then presented the awards with the help of guest presenters including Philip Jones from headline sponsor Havwoods, and Edward Thomas, from sustainability sponsor Paragon Studio.
The winners of the 2022 BIID Interior Design Awards are:
- Central London Region - Pascoe Interiors for Vernon House
- Greater London Region - The Vawdrey House for Greenwich House
- Midlands & East Anglia Region - Studio Osborn for The Old Post Office
- North Region - Design by Jo Bee for Howgill Lodge
- Highly Commended - Dunning & Everard Interior Design for Upper Heights
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Region - Blacksheep for The Glenlivet Visitor Centre
- Highly Commended - Ampersand Interiors for Edinburgh mansion house, entertainment suite
- South West Region - Zelah Studio for Verdant Brewing Company
- South East Region - Pfeiffer Design for Design Studio, Chapel Barn
- Highly Commended - Dunning & Everard Interior Design for Exton Hall
- The Anna Whitehead Prize, awarded to the best achievement in sustainability - Pfeiffer Design for Design Studio, Chapel Barn
- Interior of the Year Prize - The Vawdrey House for Greenwich House
BIID President Mathew Freeman comments: “The judges all agreed that the Greenwich House project is an outstanding example of the power of great design to transform a space. It showed meticulous attention to detail, creativity and professionalism in its design and finish, and was deemed to be the best overall project. We warmly congratulate The Vawdrey House team and all our BIID Interior Design award winners on their very well-deserved accolades.”
SBID International Design Awards 2022: Winners Announced
(UK) - The winners of this year’s SBID International Design Awards for 2022 were revealed on 21 October at the InterContinental London Park Lane, celebrating the past year of industry excellence across the interior design profession.
Among the winners of the Interior & Fit Out categories, Mane Design created a smart fitness club that values visitor’s personal space and comfort; Rottet Studio designed a vibrant and luxurious hotel that encourages guest engagement; Kristina Zanic Design Consultants brought sumptuous style into workplace interiors; and JL Studio curated a modern interior for a historic building, seamlessly blending rough texture with comfort.
The title of Overall Winner was awarded to Clara Lleal Interiorista for the Art Gallery House project. The transformation of an artists’ house in Badalona, Spain maintained the building’s original materials for an industrial concept, whilst showcasing the owner’s unique works of art with stunning results.
Winners of the Product Design categories include the YiBrick created by Yi Design, which provides a solution to ceramic waste by upcycling into multipurpose architectural materials; glass lighting fixtures by Gabriel Scott that can be customised and stacked together to create bespoke chandeliers and pendants; and a wall-mounted thermostat by Polar Bear Design that delivers unique and intuitive client experiences, to name a few.
The coveted SBID Master of Design award was presented to Ghanaian-British architect, Sir David Adjaye OBE for his distinguished impacts on the field throughout his professional career. Today, Adjaye Associates operates globally with studios in Accra, London, and New York.
The Aesthetic of Sustainability
Tala and darc magazine presented 'The Aesthetic of Sustainability', a panel discussion at Tala's pop-up showroom on Club Row in Shoreditch, on Wednesday 28 September.
Hosted by darc Editor, Sarah Cullen, the panel included biophilic design expert Oliver Heath, founding member of the Green Light Alliance, Sophie O'Rourke, and Tala co-founder William Symington.
darc to host 'The Aesthetic of Sustainability' talk with Tala
(UK) - In partnership with darc magazine, which will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary during LDF, Tala is hosting a panel discussion at its pop-up showroom on Club Row in Shoreditch on Wednesday 28 September 2022.
Hosted by darc's Editor Sarah Cullen with an incredible panel including biophillic design expert Oliver Heath, Tala's William Symington and Sophie O'Rourke founding member of the Green Light Alliance.
Oliver Heath is an Architectural and Interior Designer and his practice Oliver Heath Design is focused on delivering health and wellbeing in the built environment. Heath is a passionate advocate of sustainable design and has acted as a spokesperson for the likes of the UK’s Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
Sophie O'Rourke is a Senior Lighting Designer from Brisbane, Australia working at AECOM in London. She is also a Founding Member of the Green Light Alliance, founded in 2020 with a vision to help everyone in the lighting sector understand their role in adopting and promoting the circular economy.
William Symington is a Director and Founding Member of Tala a sustainable British Lighting Brand launched in 2015. Tala design lighting inspired by nature centred around wellbeing and 'healthy light' where the light source takes centre stage.
'The Aesthetic of Sustainability' will cover sustainability and circular design, the trade-offs between efficient and beautiful 'healthy light', and how bringing nature and the feeling of natural light indoors by adapting colour temperature directly impacts our health and wellbeing.
Event arrival is from 5:30 pm, and the talk with begin at 6:00 pm, followed by an evening of networking and refreshments.
To register for your free ticket to attend, click here.
Slamp opens new London showroom
(Italy) - After much success in Italy, decorative lighting design brand Slamp has landed in the UK.
The end of 2021 proved fruitful, with doubled earnings arriving at 11.5 million Euros, and a breakthrough in 2022 when Slamp opened its first flagship store, Slamp Milano Duomo. Now the brand is expanding this September with Slamp London Knightsbridge and a new e-commerce site specifically designed for UK customers.
Exploring foreign markets, especially within the UK, is part of the brand’s honed focus on the contract sector. These first flagship stores in Milan and London are the beginning as the brand looks to 2023 as the fit time to expand its reach to other locations.
Slamp’s Sales and Marketing Director Erika Martino Mazza says: “Slamp establishing a presence in London is part of a larger strategical picture, strongly concentrated on the hospitality and contract sectors. London is certainly the place to be; the capital city is the hub of innovation, a trampoline for highly-concentrated architectural studies undertaken by international designers with undeniable connections to large contract projects spanning from the United States to China. The choice to root the brand as an essential and permanent presence was effortless.”
Slamp London Knightsbridge opened in September during the much anticipated London Design Week within one of the city’s most elite neighbourhoods. Inside the space, an exclusive look into the collections created with renowned architect Zaha Hadid, as well as a selection of pieces intended for the contract and architectural sectors. The heightened creativity, numerous events, and surprising installations of London Design Week served as the perfect backdrop for the inauguration.
darc magazine celebrates 10th anniversary
More than 100 industry professionals across the lighting and interior design sectors joined the darc magazine and Haberdashery teams to celebrate a decade of reporting on the decorative lighting market.
Held at Haberdashery's showroom in the Design District, Greenwich, the evening celebrated the contributions towards and support of the magazine and its [d]arc media events from designers and manufacturers.
Ben Rigby, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Haberdashery, says: "In 2021 we opened our first showroom, located in the inspiring new design district in Greenwich; a flexible space for showcasing our work whilst engaging with the design industry via events and thought leadership.
"Over our 15-year history, we have worked closely with the lighting design community on incredible projects; the darc magazine 10th-anniversary party was a wonderful way to reconnect with this passionate community during LDF."
Images: Conor McKeown
Workspace Design Show to return in 2023
(UK) – After a hugely successful debut edition, Workspace Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre on 27-28 February and will once again be the venue where creatives from the UK’s workplace industry gather to discover the latest design innovations in workspace design.
With the theme of this year’s show is ‘Destination Workplace’ there will be more than 3,000 workplace professionals looking to source the latest furniture, lighting, acoustics, surfaces, storage, materials, tech and biophilic products and solutions to transform their office interiors.
Gensler, the worldwide integrated architecture, design, planning, and consulting firm will be designing the Show entrance around the theme of ‘Destination Workplace Rebirth’. Becky Spenceley, Design Director at Gensler, who is leading the project, said: “It feels like there has never been a more exciting and yet equally unknown time in the future of workplace design. We are inspired by this synergy between a new era of the workplace and a new outlook on how we can care for our planet, and how we as designers can affect that through pioneering and sustainable design. It’s about fresh perspectives to enable new ways of working and create unique and tailored destinations for people, hence the overarching theme of Rebirth.”
Over the course of the event, there will be a diverse range of speakers, within an enticing talks programme, providing three Talks theatres from which attendees can choose from. Refreshing, post-Covid opinions will be discussed in the Talks Lounge, beautifully curated by The Furniture Practice. In addition, attendees will be able to listen to the leading lights from architecture and design, and end-users talking about the latest trends, challenges and innovations in the workplace sector.
New to this year is the Bio Materials exhibition, designed by BIOHM, with biological systems at the heart of its inspiration. This will combine ideologies of the circular economy and human-centred design with future-tech, representing an exciting opportunity for visitors to discover advanced materials, that will be crucial to the future of design.
Major international architecture practice BDP is responsible for ‘Change by Design’ a lounge space concept for the 2023 Workspace Design Show. This will provide a discussion piece surrounding the current climate crisis and will question the impact of workplace design on the natural environment. It represents a problem-solving approach that will demonstrate how the use of recycled, reused and bio materials in design projects can help to shape a low-carbon future.
The FIS, (Finishes & Interiors Sector) Innovation awards will also take place at the show, recognising outstanding innovation in the finishes and interiors sector across various categories.
The Workspace Design Show party will also be making a welcome return, this time bigger, bolder, and better. The show will also provide visitors with the chance to explore the latest product launches that are transforming the employee experience in our workplaces, creating spaces for people to harbour creativity and enjoy working in.
London Design Fair celebrates its 2023 return at launch party
(UK) - With exactly 12 months to go, the official countdown for London Design Fair 2023 was celebrated at a launch party at Truman Brewery, in the heart of Shoreditch last week.
Key figures from the design community gathered in anticipation of the iconic fair’s return to the international design calendar and to discover exciting plans for the 2023 event.
The launch party was attended by over 90 guests, including leading designers, media and brands such as Dezeen, Damian Marcus Burrows Architects, Farrow & Ball, Heals and Crafts Council and many more.
Last held in 2019, London Design Fair has become one of the key cornerstones of London Design Festival and is known by many as the premier trade destination during the annual festival. Demonstrating the strong partnership between the Festival and Fair, Ben Evans OBE, Founder and Director of the London Design Festival, spoke at the launch party and comments: “London Design Fair is an important platform for a wide array of design businesses both domestic and international. A successful Festival needs strong events like the Fair and I welcome its return.”
Commenting at the launch party, Jane Langley, CEO and Founder of sustainable directory Blue Patch says: “London Design Fair is about everyone coming together. It’s not just about meeting prospective clients, specifiers, interior designers, and speaking to other designers, it’s also about our member brands speaking to and meeting each other. We’re absolutely thrilled to be back as this is our favourite event on the calendar. London Design Fair has a sensational atmosphere and we love the team that runs it. Fantastic that it’s back!”
“London Design Fair is the must-go destination during London Design Week. A considered curation of established and up-and-coming designers and brands, which reflects the talent and creativity of homegrown and international talent. I look forward to visiting next year!” says Sabina Miller, Buying Director, Heals.
“Since Covid, it’s just great to see the return of the fair. I’m looking forward to seeing new innovation, some new design, and new creativity. I’m involved in the hospitality sector, so I’m interested to see what trends will come out of the fair, and get inspired rather than come in with any expectations! It’s important for the industry to attend London Design Fair because it’s a time to celebrate and bond again over design at these kinds of events,” says Jay Morjaria, Chef Consultant & Restauranteur.
“London Design Fair is the place to bring the design industry together. Attending or having a stand is a good opportunity to meet new buyers, schools, and designers from all over the world, and meet new people to collaborate with,” says Karolina Suchanek, textile designer, Cave Textiles.
Annie Lindsell, Event Director for London Design Fair, was delighted with the response from the launch party, commenting, “It’s fantastic being back after three years of enforced hibernation due to the pandemic. We have had so much support and encouragement from so many people, to whom the London Design Fair has become their most important event of the year.”
She continues “being part of London Design Fair is being part of something unique. It’s a movement. It’s a passion. It’s a feeling. It’s about inspiring the design community and stimulating debate. But above all, it’s about providing a sales and marketing platform for companies involved in great design. Design which enhances domestic and commercial interiors, as well as personal lifestyles. Over the coming months, we will be announcing several new initiatives, including the new Design Talks and the new THINK. Stage, new feature areas and the most inspirational speaker line-up to date.”
London Design Fair will return to the Truman Brewery, London, on 21-24 September 2023.
Surface Design Show announces 2023 theme of 'Shaping Communities'
(UK) – The Surface Design Show has announced the theme of its 2023 edition – Shaping Communities – with an ambition to improve the surroundings for all, through collaboration and meaningful design solutions.
Surface Design Show will take place at London’s Business Design Centre from 7-9 February 2023 allowing architects, designers and specifiers to discover the best in material design for the built environment.
The theme explores an open dialogue amongst industries and brands with the common goal of building stronger relationships between people and places. Where we live and the places in which we spend our time play a huge part in shaping who we are as people. The role our built environment plays within society should inspire new conversations where human experience and a community’s identity are paramount.
Surface Design Show Director Christopher Newton said: “We are seeing rapid change and progress in the design world, with digital platforms showcasing the real power of teamwork. And so, rather than working in isolation, we are fully realising the potential of bridging the gap across industries to create long-lasting values that reflect how we want to work, live and communicate within that space.”
The show will highlight how fundamentally important design decisions truly are, not simply for creating aesthetically pleasing areas, but for understanding how our surroundings hold the ability to evoke emotional responses, uncovering how a space can enhance your productivity and mental wellbeing.
It will also turn a focus to the wellbeing of our planet. As much as places need to have a positive impact on people, how buildings affect the environment must also be considered with the sustainable practice being imperative to both design and outcomes.
The Main Stage, located on the mezzanine level of the show, will play host to more than 40 speakers during the three days of the show. Several sessions, including Tuesday evening’s Opening Night Debate, will focus on the topic of Shaping Communities. The full programme will be announced in November.
Located at the heart of the show and a recurring highlight of the exhibition, Surface Spotlight Live features innovative and tactile material for visitors to touch and feel, providing a hands-on experience for architects and designers. Curated by trend and colour expert Sally Angharad, Surface Spotlight Live explores the narratives underpinning aesthetic choice, material selection and design ethos. The 2023 selection for Surface Spotlight Live highlights the importance of community and will encourage new exchanges between surfaces as well as industry sectors.
The theme of ‘Shaping Communities’ will unite the various elements of the Show, building on the event’s previous successes and making 2023 its most successful edition yet.
LiGHT 22 announces LiGHT Works
(UK) - This week [d]arc media's exhibition LiGHT 22 announces a convenient workspace for attendees to use when they visit.
The exhibition has everything you need to stay on top of those all-important deadlines while allowing yourself time to explore everything this new and exciting lighting event has to offer.
Introducing LiGHT Works, a dedicated area for anyone who needs to complete office tasks during the two-day show, so you don’t have to worry about being out of the office.
In a quiet location upstairs in the gallery of the Business Design Centre, you will find a remote office space complete with dedicated wi-fi, charging points, co-working desk space, and comfortable sofas, there's no need to leave the exhibition to get the job done, as everything you need is on-site.
LiGHT 22 is so much more than your standard trade show, it is a great way to co-work and network with others in the industry, guaranteeing that time away from your desk will still be productive.
FOAID to go ahead in October and November
(India) - The Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing will go ahead in Mumbai on 7-8 October 2022, and New Delhi on 25-26 November 2022.
The event gives attendees the chance to lay eyes on some fascinating unbuilt projects by famous architects, be a part of thought-provoking discussions, experience creative exhibits, and much more.
Nine years ago, FOAID embarked on a journey to build a platform for architects, designers, and brands to grow and accelerate together as a community. FOAID has presented more than 74 design shows across the country with 1000+ inspirational design talks connecting 50,000+ audiences worldwide.
FOAID 2022 will include an enticing set of events, talks, panels, and conversations that strive to showcase the rapid growth and variability of the design fraternity.
Some of the events happening include:
The Creative Junction
Design Manthan - An inspiring conference designed to discuss thought-provoking ideas in the architecture and design fraternity with over 80 speakers.
The Beauty of Lighting in Design
Light First - A display of the latest lighting technology by the leading lighting brands, with a chance to witness insightful conversations from incredible lighting designers.
The 2-in-1 Exhibit
Design Arena - An exhibit of built and ongoing architectural projects.
Appreciation of Gen-Next Designers
Merino Architecture Ideas - An annual national competition crafted to recognise the excellent works of the Gen-Next designers.
Acknowledging the Seniors
Creative Minds Next - A progressive platform intended to award senior, experienced design professionals in the ongoing category of projects.
The Next Generation Creativity
Expressions - The Art Installation Competition is an exhibit showcasing remarkable art pieces made by students.
Ask away!
Uncensored - Designed exclusively for the students of architectural discourse, it’s a platform where ideas are communicated and questions are answered.
A Distinctive Display of Art
Art Arena - A unique collection of gallery spaces for artists to display their finest collection of artworks.
To register and receive further information on the event, click here.
1700 Broadway Atrium Campus, USA
Interior design studio MAWD teamed up with Warbach lighting design to produce a stunning exterior-influenced scheme for the Denver-based Atrium Campus. Using lighting was key to making the vast space feel inviting.
Downtown Denver’s first high-rise, 1700 Broadway, was designed by I.M. Pei in 1954. Then, an adjoining Atrium by architect Philip Johnson was added much later in 1983. This iconic building has undergone a contemporary revival by UK and US-based Mawd design studio, with the new space now a nucleus meeting spot for tech firms and leading creatives in Colorado’s capital, providing a flexible and responsive workspace for today’s workers. Beacon Capital Partners, an American real estate investment firm which acquired 1700 Broadway in 2019, appointed Mawd to bring the expansive 27,000sqft glass atrium down to scale, providing a more comfortable, flexible workspace.
Unique to the Atrium’s entryway, visitors can find a front-of-house bike room, complete with lockers, makers tables, and tool storage space. The thoughtfully designed workshop not only supports the city’s biking trends but encourages individuals to enjoy time spent on campus.
Expanding 9000sqft, the communal amenity space features inviting fireplaces perfect for Colorado’s mountainous climate, as well as a wellness space with gym and yoga/sound bath studio, all to enhance the active lifestyles of Denverites. Lighting pieces from Roll & Hill and Artemide add further comforting layers to the communal areas.
darc spoke with Elliot March, Co-Founder of Mawd and Project Lead, to find out more about the firm’s approach to designing various spaces within the iconic building, as well as with Nathan Warner, Principal of the two-person run, US-based lighting design practice Warbach who were appointed to complete both exterior and interior lighting elements.
“Initially, Mawd was brought on to develop and design the project’s amenity space. However, quickly after we presented the initial renderings, Beacon Capital asked if we could become more involved with the project’s overall scope - appointing us as the design lead for I.M. Pei’s lobby. As time went on, we were added to more and more projects, such as the campus’ Bike Room. We are still involved and are now working on F&B adjacent to the Atrium space,” explains March.
Similarly to Mawd, Warbach was approached by Beacon Capital initially for an exterior commission, which later developed into extended interior assignments. “We were approached by the developer and asked to create an extensive exterior light sculpture that would tie the three buildings together, and make them feel like one, unified campus,” says Warner. “After our initial talks with Beacon, they asked if we would expand the scope of our involvement and take on some interior projects as well. That’s how we were first introduced to Mawd.”
March continues: “We drilled into the Mid-Century details that were prevalent, authentic and timeless. We focused on wellness and learning amenities, which we know through research are a major driver for businesses looking to attract and retain the best talent.
“Atrium Campus stands out in terms of sheer scale. The lobby required a large-scale intervention, which provided rare opportunities for innovation in terms of both design and interior architecture.
“Furthermore, while our studio specialises in working within heritage settings, it was a great opportunity to be involved in a Mid-Century project built not by one, but two architectural masters.
"While we work with a number of lighting fabricators worldwide, Warbach was an exceptional fit for the Denver project, not only in terms of regional geography, but in terms of what the Atrium Campus audience would be looking for. Warbach’s focus on craftsmanship was a great match for Denver’s creative and tech workers.”
Lighting, both decorative and architectural, was imperative for achieving the desired atmosphere in the grand, glass-surrounded spaces. As March explains further, the decorative elements aided this concept predominantly: “Compared to the project’s architectural lighting, which was geared towards pure functionality, the decorative lighting helped to fill the space, bringing the lobby and streetscape back down to human scale.
“The street lamps, for example, stand at around 10ft, but provide different levels of lighting just above eye-level.”
Warner adds: “For the street lamps, the size of each lamp post was absolutely massive. There were only two of us installing them, which was difficult to manage due to the sheer weight and scale of the fixtures.
“Throughout the project, scale was our primary consideration. Due to the overwhelming size of the Atrium, we had to get the scale of each lighting fixture right. If the lighting sculptures were too big, they would be overwhelming for visitors. Conversely, if the lighting fixtures were too small, they would be overlooked.
“For Philip Johnson’s glass atrium, we worked to ensure that the street lamps were alternating throughout the walkway to provide the tenant with variation as they moved through the ‘street.’
“For the pendant [custom made by Warbach, situated above the front desk], the scale also remained key, ensuring that the installation height and dimensions were correct. For this pendant, we had to work around the ceiling's existing conditions to properly fix the chandelier. The weight of the pendant meant adding additional support.
“Working within such a large space, we wanted to ensure that the lighting fixtures were able to draw attention, and anchor visitors,” continues Warner.
“We felt that we were successfully able to accomplish this with the chandelier, which helps to show off the magnificence of the building. Although it was a challenge to install, the one large pendant was able to establish a greater presence compared to if we installed several smaller pendants.
“In terms of the street lamps, we feel that the scale of the lamps were able to perfectly mimic the feeling of being outside. In this case, the lamps brought warmth at a familiar height within an expansive atrium.”
March adds, with reference to the pendant: “A cost-effective approach would have been to opt for something along the lines of three smaller pendants. However, we were determined to stay true to our initial design plan. In the end, it was more than worth it. The grand effect of the chandelier creates an initial ‘wow’ moment upon entry. Additionally, the added bonus of the pendant doubling as a wayfinding mechanism is invaluable to the Lobby experience. While we didn’t necessarily need that large of a pendant to light the desk, the scale of the fixture helps to guide visitors as they enter the building.”
As designers that specialise in hospitality and residential environments, Mawd was continually looking to create spaces where “both tenants and employees are naturally encouraged to interact”. “Lighting plays a major part in this interaction,” says March. “Lighting makes spaces warm and welcoming, and in the case of the Atrium Campus street lamps, provide a natural anchor for people to sit down and congregate around.
“Compared to most architects and designers who work within a lighting range of 3000K, our team continually pushes for 2700K, which is closer to the incandescent lighting in your home. Working within this spectrum that we use frequently in our speciality fields of design, we are able to create an atmosphere that is welcoming, comfortable, and familiar. [Warbach’s team also ensured Edison light sources were used throughout to maintain consistency].
“While there was ample lighting in the tower to start, we saw decorative lighting as the jewellery of the space, as an opportunity to add warmth, and to create an inviting atmosphere,” continues March.
The street lamps within the glass atrium help reinforce directionality, guiding guests and visitors through the streetscape towards the Spanish Steps.
“Lastly, decorative lighting successfully helped to define each individual area, such as keeping the look and feel of the lobby distinct from the look and feel of the atrium’s streetscape. The light not only defines the space, but brings ambiance and atmosphere, which supports interaction.”
Throughout the process, Mawd’s approach evolved in two primary ways. March expands further: “Firstly, as the brief evolved to incorporate the lobby, it became an exercise in modern workplace design and architectural intervention. Not only was the lobby designed as a public space, but the area’s scale allowed us to transform the welcome experience and the ground floor’s directional flow. This was primarily achieved through the addition of Spanish Steps and transformation of the streetscape.
“Secondly, the addition of Philip Johnson’s glass atrium and the lobby space help to shift the design focus to preservation. The historic significance of both Johnson and Pei’s work impacted our design process in the sense that we prioritised keeping the Mid-Century design details alive throughout the renovation. One such example includes the lobby’s flooring, which we maintained, in addition to adding in furniture and fixtures inspired by this period.
“One challenge we encountered during the design build-out involved the placement of the street lamps throughout Philip Johnson’s streetscape. Fabricated by Warbach, we designed these in the spirit of Johnson’s original fixtures. In order to add the new street lamps within the Atrium, we had to dig into the ground to extend power to the fixtures.
“In the end, the unexpected digging was well worth it. We were able to add convenience power to the base of each lamp - a contemporary upgrade that allows the building’s tenants and guests to sit, relax, and recharge their laptops or tablets.”
March also notes that the use of strong digital renderings at the beginning of a project can aid in the process going as smoothly as possible. “Our studio prides itself on our photo-realistic renderings, which remain an integral part of our process. Our team’s ability to deliver designs that stay true to our initial briefs is something our clients appreciate.
“This also holds true for the lighting designers we work with. Getting the renderings right for Warbach, for example, provided their team with a strong visual to work off.”
Overall, the project has been a great experience and success for all parties involved. Warner reflects on the pride he felt upon completing the project in a favoured city of his: “We specialise in large-scale projects, so this was well within our area of expertise. However, working on the Atrium Campus project was notable as I have admired the work of I.M. Pei for decades, and I have created many past works that were inspired by his architecture. It was an honour for my work to be installed within his building. Also, I have always loved Denver, and have wanted to create work for this city.
“We’re craftsmen, and between me and my business partner, we fabricate and finish everything. There is a lot of love that goes into these projects. We are happy with how the project turned out, and the fact the entire project went smoothly, especially in terms of fabrication. We felt that the scale was spot on, and that all of the fixtures were oriented in the correct direction.
“In terms of working with the initial plan, renderings are so good these days, you know exactly what the final result is going to look like.
“Denver is a working city, and we thought that its residents would appreciate something that was made with our working hands.”
March reflects on the relationship between Mawd and Warbach and the value he gives to lighting fabricators on projects in general: “Our experience working with Warbach was exceptional. We regularly work with lighting fabricators due to the technical aspect of lighting, and the designer’s vast knowledge of millwork and LED technology.
“Both our team and the client have been thrilled by the project, and we look forward to continuing to work with Beacon. We appreciate our client’s faith in us, and support for the design details we believed to be important.”
