Latest news with #MarcelBreuer
Hospitality Net
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
What Hotels Could Learn from Monks
A Journey to the Abbey Somewhere along I-94, just less than two hours northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, amid Minnesota's rolling farmlands, spread across twenty-six acres of land adjacent to Lake Sagatagan, sits St. John's Abbey. Arriving in late March with sideways snow, not much, but enough to know you were in Minnesota—driving into the Abbey along a sweeping drive, the emergence of the Abbey Church is startling. Contemplation of brutalist architecture has had a reexamination due to a recent Oscar-winning film. But nothing could prepare you for the gargantuan cement testament to faith Marcel Breuer conceived in the 1950s. A 'Bell Banner' with many bells, peals for prayer three times a day. There is no mistaking it. Gorgeous, beckoning as its intention and raw in its testament. A Hotel Hidden Within a Monastery My mission was to help the Brothers, Benedictine Monks all, improve the hotel's sales performance of a gorgeous, spare, thirty room jewel box called, 'Guest House', of St. John's Abbey. I am not Catholic. I might best be described as a failed Episcopalian. But none of that matters. What mattered is that my host, Brother Benedict, needed to turn a profit, at least a modest one. Brother Benedict was my employer, my guide, my inspiration. His is a difficult task; lead a Benedictine Monastery, curate a remarkable collection of creative Monks, and make payroll. Added to this, every day, no matter what befalls him, he stops three formal times a day: and prays. Every day. Today there are 90 men who comprise the Monks of St. John's Abbey, in 1950 there were 450. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune are well documented about the Catholic Church. The fact that a Conclave begins tomorrow is no small matter either. But, back to Brother Benedict. A man with a twinkle in his eye and faith in his heart. The critical skills of running a charitable, endowment leveraged, joyful expression of monastic artists who produce Church pipe organs, milled from lumber they harvest on property built over three years at a selling price of three million dollars with minimal margin, or pottery that rivals the world's best in class, or St. John's Bibles of gargantuan size lovingly scripted and illustrated complete bibles, or curating a library repository of the worlds Benedictine aspirations—is no small feat. He also has to run a hotel. A Jewel Box of Hospitality With Brother Isidore (A GM we would call him), they do that spectacularly. I call it a jewel box because it is. The Guest House is spare in all furnishing, Scandinavian perhaps, but Japanese in its simplicity and accents of glass, carved blocks and windows prominent to let all the light refract as it will. The rooms are spare, designed for solitude and contemplation. No TVs. I didn't miss it once in my three days. And a massive window dominates the wall facing their wonderful lake. After fourteen years of 'original equipment' (no renovations), the property is immaculate. This is a property running close to 60% annually, and 100% in peak season. — Source: Cayuga Hospitality Consultants The food was delicious. The staff attendant. The genuine hospitality evident. Yet the world is a tricky place when you minister to the poor, the downtrodden, the seekers, who at times cannot pay, who need a hand. It's a fact of Benedictine service: you give comps. You have to, it is what you do. Serving Guests, Serving Souls The financial reality says, 'Ah, within reason…' So, on the culminating moment of the last day; six men, dressed in monastic robes, sat before me and my flip charts. With a little tweaking, it was clear St. John's Abbey Guest House will be fine, and profitable. Brother Benedict, at my request, on a slick, snowy Minnesota afternoon took the wheel and toured me through St. Jo's and the local hotel competition, the adjacent St. John's University and St. Benedict's College (for women), and some of the local fare of restaurants, it looked like Ann Arbor. With a whimsical smile of a man, 'in this world, but not of it', Br. Benedict would chuckle at my typical routine of getting young desk clerks to tell me more than they should about rates, best clients, and ADR. 'You sure see many things I would have no idea to look for!' I suppose so. Learnings from Monastic Life What I saw in Br. Benedict was faith in action, financial realities, and an openness to the world, oftentimes the cause of his profession. His gentle brilliance is that he takes it all in and judges none, laughs out loud at goofy consultants, and saves souls with nowhere else to turn. I share what hotels can learn: Contemplating what is happening three times a day is a good thing. Faith is a matter for each to their own. Striving for perfection is a journey, even if never reached. Laughing at the absurdities of our world, even Monks do it! Discipline is its own reward. A profit, even if a small one, makes the mission—possible. As I stepped to my rental car, escorted by Brother Benedict, he offered, 'Do you think I could call you? Especially if I get stuck on something about hotels, I just don't understand?' Sure, anytime. No charge. — Source: Cayuga Hospitality Consultants View source
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) Partners with Guident to Redefine Campus Safety with AI-Powered Inspection and Surveillance Technology
'Guident Watch Bot' Source- Guident Corp Boca Raton, FL, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC), a 1.7-million-square-foot multi-tenant office campus and IBM's former R&D facility, is partnering with Guident Corp. ('Guident') on the deployment of Guident's cutting-edge Autonomous Surveillance & Inspection Robot, known as WatchBot™. This collaboration reflects BRiC's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and innovation to enhance security and operational efficiency, while delivering an exceptional tenant experience and a vibrant community destination. 'Guident Watch Bot' Source: Guident Corp The WatchBot™, provided by Guident, a BRiC-based leader in teleoperation and autonomous systems, could represent the future of campus safety. This advanced autonomous solution provides real-time monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and automated security operations, allowing BRiC to proactively address security concerns while optimizing maintenance strategies and operational processes. Harald Braun, Chairman & CEO of Guident, stated, "We are proud to partner with BRiC to deliver cutting-edge autonomous solutions that redefine campus management. WatchBot™ is the culmination of Guident's commitment to innovation and safety, and we are thrilled to contribute to BRiC's vision of creating a world-class environment for technology and life sciences tenants. Together, we are setting a new standard for operational efficiency and intelligent campus management." This collaboration reinforces BRiC's position as a leader in technological advancement and demonstrates its dedication to fostering a forward-thinking campus that meets the needs of its tenants and the broader community. ABOUT BRiC Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) is the state's largest single-facility office building at 1.7 million square feet. Designed by Marcel Breuer, the campus was originally built in 1969 for IBM and is home to the invention of the first personal computer. The campus was acquired by CP Group in 2018 with the vision of building off BRiC's history and evolving the campus into a science and technology hub. An ideal landing spot for companies with large footprints, BRiC is currently home to 18 national headquarters and 19 regional offices, including Baptist Health, Kroger, Modernizing Medicine, and Canon. To learn more about the campus, visit ABOUT GUIDENT Guident delivers proprietary technology solutions to enhance the safety, efficiency, and functionality of autonomous vehicles and ground-based surveillance and inspection robots. To learn more, please visit For more information or media inquiries, please contact:Skyline Corporate Communications GroupScott Powellscott@ CP GroupGiana PacinelliDirector of Communications CP Groupgpacinelli@ Attachment 'Guident Watch Bot' Source- Guident Corp
Tatler Asia
02-05-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture
Above Minimalist form, maximum impact, Mart Stam's S 33 chairs embody Bauhaus innovation (Photo: Thonet) Above With its minimalist geometry, Mart Stam's S 33 set a new standard for modern furniture design(Photo: Thonet) The rectilinear form—devoid of historical ornament—represented modernism's clean break from tradition. Thonet, which continues producing these iconic cantilever chairs today, recognised their dual significance as both functional objects and design milestones. See also: Home tour: A contemporary Beijing home that melds natural light and unique architecture 2. Marcel Breuer Cesca chair/ S 32 (1928) – the versatile classic Above The S 32 chair by Marcel Breuer proves that good design transcends trends (Photo: Thonet) Above Functional, flexible and forever stylish, the upholstered Cesca chair by Breuer (Photo: Thonet) The S 32 chair, designed by Marcel Breuer and known as the Cesca chair when produced by Knoll, resolved a central tension in modernist cantilever design: how to reconcile industrial materials with tactile comfort. Named after Breuer's daughter Francesca, the design paired cold-bent steel tubing with handwoven cane surfaces, creating a material dialogue that felt both progressive and accessible. Photo 1 of 2 From dining rooms to boardrooms: Marcel Breuer's S 32 chair is a modernist masterpiece (Photo: Thonet) Photo 2 of 2 The S 32 chair showcases Breuer's genius in balancing industrial design with organic materials (Photo: Thonet) Today, Thonet continues to manufacture the S 32 model, while Knoll produces the Cesca chair, ensuring Breuer's landmark design remains accessible across continents. This careful balance explains the chair's adaptability across contexts, from residential dining rooms to corporate boardrooms, and underscores its enduring status as a modern design classic. Don't miss: Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections 3. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe MR10 chair (1927) – the refined expression Photo 1 of 2 From the Weissenhof Estate to Knoll's modern collection, the MR10 chair by Mies continues to shape design history (Photo: Knoll) Photo 2 of 2 With its graceful steel curves, the MR10 chair redefined cantilever furniture for the Bauhaus era and beyond (Photo: Knoll) Less is more was Mies van der Rohe's guiding principle, and his MR10 cantilever chair, often referred to as the Weissenhof chair after its debut at the landmark Weissenhof Estate exhibition in 1927, demonstrates how rigorously he applied this thinking to furniture design. Above Mies van der Rohe's MR10 chair, also known as the Weissenhof chair, exemplifies Bauhaus elegance in curved steel (Photo: Knoll) Above The MR10 chair blends functional minimalism with flowing form—Mies van der Rohe at his finest (Photo: Knoll) By introducing fluid curves to the cantilever form, Mies enhanced both structural performance and visual sophistication. These subtle refinements—nearly imperceptible to casual observers but immediately felt by users—exemplify his conviction that 'God is in the details.' Today, Knoll continues to produce the MR10 chair as part of its Mies van der Rohe Collection, preserving its refined Bauhaus legacy. Read more: 5 female patrons who revolutionised modern architecture 4. Thonet S 411 (1930s) – the comfortable compromise Photo 1 of 3 Crafted in the 1930s, Thonet's S 411 chair remains an enduring example of modernist ergonomics (Photo: Thonet) Photo 2 of 3 Elegant, enduring, and ergonomically designed—the Thonet S 411 is a cantilever chair for modern living (Photo: Thonet) Photo 3 of 3 Upholstered for relaxation, the S 411 proves that Bauhaus design can be both sleek and soft (Photo: Thonet) While many early cantilever chair designs prioritised formal purity over cushioned comfort, Thonet's S 411 demonstrated how the structural principle could accommodate more generous proportions and upholstery. Above With its padded seat and steel frame, the Thonet S 411 is a masterclass in comfort-forward modern design (Photo: Thonet) Above The Thonet S 411 chair pairs Bauhaus principles with upholstered comfort for timeless appeal (Photo: Thonet) Featuring a slightly more robust tubular steel frame that supports amply padded leather or fabric surfaces, the S 411 bridges modernist innovation with traditional expectations of seating comfort, which Thonet continues to manufacture to this day. See also: Home tour: Malaysian indoor-outdoor home blends concrete design with African influences 5. Alvar Aalto 42 armchair (1932) – the Scandinavian interpretation Photo 1 of 2 The 42 chair by Alvar Aalto shows how cantilever construction can be natural, elegant and enduring (Photo: Artek) Photo 2 of 2 Alvar Aalto's 42 armchair brings Nordic warmth to modernist cantilever design (Photp: Artek) Finnish architect Alvar Aalto translated the principles of cantilever chairs through bent birch laminate, establishing a distinctly Nordic interpretation of modernism. Unlike his Bauhaus counterparts, Aalto prioritised natural materials and organic forms, exemplifying how regional design cultures adapted international movements. Above Made of birch laminate, Aalto's 42 chair redefined what modern comfort could look and feel like (Photo: Artek) His 42 armchair demonstrated that cantilever construction could extend beyond metal, creating a warmer aesthetic that influenced generations of Scandinavian designers. The 42 armchair remains in production today through Artek, preserving Aalto's vision of natural modernism. Don't miss: Upcoming Not A Hotel Setouchi fuses Scandinavian and Japanese design values 6. Gerrit Rietveld Zig-Zag chair (1934) – the conceptual reduction Above Gerrit Rietveld's Zig-Zag chair fuses radical geometry with functional form—an icon of De Stijl design (Photo: Cassina) Dutch designer Gerrit Rietveld approached the cantilever chair principle with characteristic conceptual rigour, reducing seating to four essential planes arranged in a Z configuration. This radical simplification, influenced by his De Stijl affiliations, demonstrated how structural clarity could achieve both visual impact and surprising functionality. The Zig-Zag chair reads simultaneously as furniture and abstract sculpture, challenging conventional distinctions between applied and fine arts. Cassina currently produces the Zig-Zag chair under license from the Rietveld Foundation. Read more: 7 distinctive mid-century modern hotels in Asia for design lovers 7. Verner Panton Panton chair (1967) – the material innovation Photo 1 of 3 Verner Panton's iconic chair was the first single-piece, injection-moulded cantilever design in modern furniture history (Photo: Vitra) Photo 2 of 3 Bold, playful, and endlessly modern—the Panton chair remains a design icon of the 20th century (Photo: Vitra) Photo 3 of 3 The world's first stackable, single-form plastic chair—Verner Panton's legacy lives on through Vitra (Photo: Vitra) Danish designer Verner Panton's namesake chair represents a watershed moment in cantilever chair history, as it was the first to be produced from a single piece of injection-moulded plastic. This technological breakthrough, achieved after nearly a decade of experimentation, enabled Panton to create a truly continuous form uninterrupted by joints or connections. Manufactured by Vitra, its sinuous S-curve captured the optimistic futurism of the 1960s while opening new possibilities for mass production. NOW READ Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts Private islands and wealth: How 6 tech and business leaders built their secluded domains Le Creuset at 100: How enamelled cast iron cookware conquered culinary culture
7NEWS
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Temple & Webster huge 40 per cent off sale: Bargains on furniture, homewares and more for a limited time
There's something about Autumn that makes you want to completely redo your home. With fresh linens, a cosy new sofa, maybe even a statement rug that says 'I know interiors'. If you've been holding off because you didn't want to pay full price, now's your moment. Temple & Webster's 'Now's the Time' sale is dropping up to 40 per cent off across their most stylish furniture, rugs, kitchen gear, and more with an extra 10 per cent off using the code KD10 at checkout. The only catch? It all ends Monday, 28 April – and with deals this good, the best pieces won't last long. So if you've been meaning to give your space a seasonal glow-up, this is your sign. Let's break down the best buys that are flying off the virtual shelves. The customer favourite, the Gala 4 Seater Boucle Sofa with Chaise is now $200 off at $1,499, ideal if you want that Pinterest aesthetic without blowing the budget. Or go all-out plush with the Cream Softy Premium Slipcover Sofa, now $1,899 (was $2,199). Don't sleep on accents either. The Evie Arch Full Length Mirror (was $419, now $329.99) adds instant chic to any room, while the Lazy Caterpillar Replica Chair is the ultimate nap station, down from $649.99 to just $179.99 (no, that's not a typo). Big Buys for Less Cream Softy Premium 3 Seater Slipcover Sofa with Chaise was $2,199, now $1,899 Premium Cannes Curved Entertainment TV Unit was $999, now $899 Eames Premium Replica Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman was $1,09,9 now $$1,029\ Bedroom Autumn means more time snuggled up, so why not upgrade your bed? The Ellora Boucle Gas Lift Bed Frame is only $349.99, and adds storage for all your 'just in case' linen. The Logan Upholstered Bed is now just $169.99, and if you love a matching set, grab the Holly II Rattan 4 Piece Suite, a total vibe at $485. Ellora Boucle Gas Lift Storage Bed Frame was $399, now $349.99 4 Piece Holly II Rattan Bedroom Furniture Set was $549.99, now $485 Beige Logan Upholstered Bed Frame was $229.99, now $169.99 Robin Eucalyptus Wood Storage Ottoman Bench was $149.99, now $109.99 Living Room Evie Arch Aluminium Full Length Mirror was $419, now $329.99 Eithan Sling Accent Chair was $149.99, now $129.99 Lura Shelving Unit was $159.99, now $129.99 Lazy Caterpillar Replica Lounge Chair was $649.99, now $179.99 Kitchen and Dining Set the table for less with the Almora Outdoor Lounge Dining Set, now $999, or dine indoors with the retro-cool Cesca Velvet Chairs, marked down to $279.99 for two. Even the bar stools are on sale — the Roselin Boucle Pair now just $249.99. 6 Seater Almora Outdoor Lounge Dining Set was $1,199, now $999 Marcel Breuer Cesca Replica Velvet Cantilever Dining Chairs (Set of 2) was $349.99, now $279.99 66.5cm Roselin Boucle Bar Stools (Set of 2) was $289, now $249.99 4 Seater Abriana Pine Wood Dining Table & Chair Set was $299.99, now $249.99 Rugs goals Dreaming of a designer rug? The White Alyna Contemporary Rug, once a whopping $2,490, is down to $679.99. For something fun and functional, try the Green Alure Machine Washable Rug for just $99.99; your dog and your vacuum will thank you. Pistachio Elowen Contemporary Rug (400 x 300cm) was $1,890, now $2,490 Ocean Blue Vintage-Look Rug was $399, now $159.99 Green Alure Machine Washable Rug was $399, now $99.99 White Alyna Contemporary Rug was $2,490.00, now $679.99 Don't sleep on this sale Whether you're revamping your entire home or just want to finally fix that weird corner of your lounge room, this sale has something that'll spark joy (and save you serious cash). Just don't wait, once Monday hits, prices go back up, and you'll be kicking yourself for paying full price next week.
South China Morning Post
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Why experts are slamming The Brutalist, and more about the film nominated for 10 Oscars
The Brutalist, an epic drama loosely inspired by the life and work of architect Marcel Breuer, is one of the favourites for this year's Oscars. Advertisement But the film has drawn scorn from design experts, who accuse it of glaring errors and question whether its main character is even a Brutalist architect. Here are five things to know about the film, which is up for 10 Academy Awards, including best picture: 1. Who is the Brutalist it depicts? The film's director, Brady Corbet, has said his protagonist Laszlo Toth is an 'amalgamation' of several famed architects, most notably Breuer. Like the fictional Toth, Breuer was born in Hungary, honed his skills at interwar Germany's influential Bauhaus school, and immigrated to America. Both were born to Jewish families, both designed iconic chairs before turning their focus to grand buildings, and both were commissioned to construct giant Christian buildings in remote parts of the United States that became their masterpieces.
