Supported by Fantini Mosaici, the leading Italian hand-crafted luxury surfaces company, a stimulating entrance experience designed by AB+ AC Architects will welcome visitors to the 10th edition of Downtown Design. from 8-11 November in Dubai Design District The feature incorporates a unique integrated multi-sensorial walk-through installation – ‘Carved in the Now’ – that showcases the beauty of mosaic in a new light.
The symmetrical configuration of the tranquil entrance has been produced locally. Designed by Lisbon-based Arianna Bavuso and Andre Chedid, it features white walls clad in diamond-shaped, sound-absorbing foam panels, contrasting with orange polycarbonate panels and an elegant nude-tinted felt carpet. This first space will usher visitors to the octagonal shaped pavilion that houses the magical ‘Carved in the Now’ design experience produced by hand by Fantini Mosaici’s master mosaicists.
The tactile leather curtains of the pavilion open to reveal an enchanting cave of light, formed of irregular and organic precious mosaic yellow Siena stones, Murano glass, citrine crystals and shards of gold leaf, all hand-crafted by Fantini Mosaici.
“We took our design inspiration from the city of Dubai, with its dream for a unified humanity and a desire to push the boundaries and limits of architecture and design. 'Carved in the Now' is an encapsulating, kaleidoscopic room where the spiritual qualities of joy, abundance and creative transformation are projected in the infinite thanks to the fascinating magic of mirrors positioned both on the floor and ceiling, that create the illusion of a tower, seemingly carved from the cave, rising both overhead and underfoot,’ explain the architects.
They add: “The powerful message that we want to express through this hand-crafted piece is inviting you to stay, slow down and discover, while replenishing your energy.”
Invited by Downtown Design to design the main entrance experience and installation to the region’s leading design fair, architects Bavuso and Chedid are excited about making their debut in the vibrant Middle East design arena with a second collaboration with Fantini Mosaici, following the success of their ‘(Back to the Future)’ installation, which was shown during Milan Design Week and which leading media outlets – including major international publications – ranked as being among the best presented during the world leading design event. ‘Carved in the Now’ is a continuation of this narrative, which focusses on hand-crafted mosaic.
“We look forward to unveiling our innovative approach to mosaic design. The contemporary and unconventional language that we chose for this project will transform the way you think about this ancient art form,” the duo states.
“This is an amazing opportunity. We eagerly anticipate revealing our designs and interpretation of how mosaic can be used in a completely different way, with a modern and unusual approach to the size and cut of mosaic. The experience will be amplified by the use of light, sound and mirrors – and the therapeutic crystals intermingled with the mosaic generate an aura of contemplation, reflection and rejuvenation,” they add.
Enrico Fantin, CEO and President of Fantini Mosaici is looking forward to showcasing this innovative approach to transformation, saying: "As a testament to our dedication to the region, we have proudly exhibited at Downtown Design for the past decade. This year, our support of the main entrance will feature a specially commissioned octagonal space that houses 'Carved in the Now' – a one-of-a-kind experience that will inspire architects and designers to reimagine the use of mosaic in their projects.”
“Mosaic is a versatile and sustainable material with limitless applications, and one with which designers can experiment with to create bespoke designs,” says Fantini, whose Milan-based firm has worked on some of the world’s most prestigious landmark projects since its inception in 1900. In the UAE, the company’s portfolio includes the Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, the Palazzo Versace Hotel and Resort several luxury boutiques for Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Cartier, to name but a few. The soon to open new Cartier boutiques in Riyadh and Kuwait also feature mosaic work by Fantini Mosaici.
About AB+AB Architects
AB+AC Architects is an international multi-disciplinary studio operating within the field of urbanism, architecture and design.
Through a strong research-based approach, the practice is committed to developing innovative strategies, designing smart solutions, promoting positive change and building remarkable spaces for a better everyday life.
Established in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic, AB+AC Architects is a partnership and a shared design journey between Arianna Bavuso, Italian, and Andre Chedid, American-Lebanese, after more than 10 years of collective working experience at international award-winning firms such as Aires Mateus Arquitectos (Lisbon), Gehl Architects (Copenhagen), Superimpose Architecture (Beijing), Vector Architects (Beijing) and Buro Ole Scheeren (Beijing).
The office has recently completed a cultural space dedicated to healing through art, movement, education and food in the historical centre of Lisbon, as well as the renovation of a short-term housing complex.
At AB+AC, each project is guided by the conviction that architecture has the power to influence the sort of people we can become or the kind of life we will lead. Therefore, at the core of our design lies the pursuit of an architectural beauty that is contagious and fulfils a whole range of physical, social and emotional needs in order to stimulate a healthier quality of life.
The practice is primarily based in Lisbon but embraces the possibility of developing a series of itinerant office stations around the world, starting from the cities of Milan, Beirut and New York, as a resilient response to our current times.
www.abacarchitects.com
About Fantini Mosaici
Fantini Mosaici is a renowned Milan-based artisanal surface brand that has been crafting mosaic, terrazzo, and pebble stonework for over 123 years. From luxury boutiques to presidential palaces, their bespoke, high-quality floors and surfaces can be found worldwide.
Working in collaboration with leading architects and designers, Fantini Mosaici combines traditional handcrafts with state-of-the-art technology to create contemporary artisanal surfaces for the luxury sector. As a fourth-generation family-owned company, they are committed to their craft, heritage, and niche techniques, making them synonymous with handmade, customized surfaces that project the best of 'Made in Italy'.
With an in-house service that covers everything from design concept, engineering and procurement to installation, the company’s specialized artisans and designers ensure the highest quality across projects globally. Expert craftspeople precisely calculate the angle, proportion, symmetry and colour of each mosaic tessera to draw intense beauty from their extraordinary hand-made creations.
Fantini Mosaici has always maintained close relationships with leading artists and designers, including Bobo Piccoli, Gianni Versace, Luc Tuymans and Justin Teodoro. Fantini Mosaici also enjoys close collaborations with prestigious educational institutions, including the Bocconi University, the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. An in-house apprenticeship programme enables young mosaicists to become master craftspeople.
www.fantinimosaici.it
