Latest news with #Modernism
Hypebeast
19-06-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
The Mesonia House Conquers Design's Fear of Color in the Heart of Mexico
Mexican design studioMestizhas unveiled a striking 'handcrafted' guest house in San Miguel de Allende, realizing founder Daniel Valero's vision of creating every detail for a space from the walls, doors, furniture, tableware, textiles, lamps, tiles, and more. Flooded with saturated hues and traditional crafts by artisans across the country, the one-bedroom Mesonia guest house captures the vibrant essence of Mexico's culture. The resulting design challenges the austerity of Modernism and the neutrality of contemporary residential spaces with organic materials and bold color choices ranging from magenta, sky blue, kelly green, and bright red. Glossy sky blue floors and matching walls contrast with the warm wooden ceilings boasting rustic beams, while a red shiplap headboard doubles as an accent wall. The scalloped details above the bed are woven throughout the space on the red bed frame, the green sideboard, and various wooden furniture pieces. San Miguel de Allende's woodworkers carved, tinted, turned, and assembled furnishings by hand, rooting the space in the region's carpentry traditions. Stand-out case goods include a green bistro table covered in thorns at the base and scalloped around the top; a textured red side table carved into a flower-like shape. Cutting through the high-saturation hues, earthy tones ground the suite in the natural beauty of Mexico's terrain. Mestiz's glossy brown tiles clad the mantle and the en-suite bathroom, and tan wicker is the medium for a statement armchair and stepped dinette benches. See the gallery above for a closer look at the Mesonia Guest House by Mestiz. Interested parties can visit the officialMesoniasite for booking information.
CairoScene
15-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
The Pioneering Art of Egyptian Architect Hassan Fathy
Beyond the mud bricks and arches, Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy created artwork that expressed his deepest thoughts on design. Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy is regarded as one of Egypt's pioneering architects and among the most influential figures in the world of design. Yet his passion for architecture did not end on the blueprint or at the foundation of his structures. Beyond the native mud bricks he used and the traditional arches he shaped, Fathy expressed his relationship with architecture through a vast variety of mediums - from dreamy visual art that depicted the opportunities they give us, to literary scripts delving into the importance of human interaction through design such as in 'The Story of the Mashrabiyya'. We take a deep look at the illustrations he created to express his innermost thoughts about design. Born in 1900, Fathy was destined to be called 'The architect of the poor'. It was a title given to him due to the nature of romanticism he displayed when approaching his projects, and the care he put into ensuring that they were accessible and replicable across class lines. At a time when architecture was being shaped by Modernism, Fathy was freeing himself from foreign influences and looking instead at home. For the past couple of decades, architects and designers have spent hours rendering and visualising their projects using advanced software, and more recently they've been experimenting with artificial intelligence and its text-to-image engines. Fathy worked a century before any of these technologies existed, when an architect's closest companion was a pen or pencil. Fathy focused on ancient Egyptian architecture, before deriving an excellent understanding of Egyptian design vernacular. Constantly finding himself drawn to rural Egypt, Fathy's work attempted to reimagine a way of living that involved affordable construction, relying on local materials such as mud bricks, and natural cooling systems. Aside from the malkafs that acted as windcatchers within Fathy's suk designs, we're here to marvel at the beauty of his illustrations. In New Gourna, Luxor, like most of his housing projects, Fathy focused on rural improvement, creating an environment that elevates the standard of living. Artworks include Hamid Seif Al Nasr Resthouse, created in 1944, and is part of the AUC library collection. In it, he illustrates the elevation but, as he does with the rest of his drawings, contextualises the house with its surroundings through colour, brightness and texture to create a mood to his visualisations. In other works, such as the Animal House at the Royal Agricultural Society Farm, 1941, elevations are placed over the layout plans. There are examples where Fathy got playful with perspectives, laying both the elevations and plans over each other for further indication. Generally, Fathy's known for his New Gourna, New Baris, New Mexico projects, as well as stellar residential designs, but the scale with which he worked was immense. Drafting new visions for developments around the region, Fathy's work reached Iraq, when he worked on the Iraq Housing programme. Of course, the axonometric of the programme's housing units offered a window into Fathy's brilliant mind as it wrestled with Modernism and originality. A good portion of Fathy's work was produced in his studio at Ali Effendi Palace in Dar El Labbana, while his house, which sits at the foot of the Cairo Citadel, was turned into a museum of design aptly called 'The House of Egyptian Architecture'.
New York Times
04-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
A Black Brazilian Artist Who Wields Poetry and Persistence
Rosana Paulino, one of Brazil's most influential artists, works from a narrow three-story house in Pirituba, a neighborhood of simple homes and shops that huddle along the hillside in the northwest outskirts of São Paulo. Her small balcony looks toward a pocket park, a railway line and a nature preserve on a ridge that belies the urban sprawl beyond. The daughter of a cleaner and a house painter, Paulino has pushed her way with stubborn insistence from modest origins in the Black working class into Brazil's top institutions — at one time working clerical jobs for three years to pay for prep classes to get into the best universities. But she remains rooted in São Paulo's north-side neighborhoods, where Black culture formed around the rail yards and the warehouses where laborers transferred coffee and other crops before shipping them abroad. 'It's very important for me to stay here,' Paulino, 58, said, on a muggy afternoon in April, as a tropical rainstorm gathered. 'It's that old story — you start to have a name and money and so you move out of your community. No, no, no. That's absolutely not for me.' She emerged as an artist when bourgeois tastes and Modernism dominated the museums and schools, making little space for the work and perspectives of artists from Brazil's Black majority. Lately the climate has changed. A survey at the prestigious Pinacoteca de São Paulo museum in 2018 and participation in the 2023 São Paulo Biennial cemented Paulino's hometown recognition; her inclusion in the 2022 Venice Biennale, with some two dozen large-scale drawings of part-human, part-plant female figures, brought visibility abroad. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Times of Oman
23-04-2025
- Times of Oman
A symphony of elegance in the City of Canals: Inside Nolinski Venezia
Venice—an enchanting blend of architectural splendour, winding canals, cobbled streets, and gondolas that glide effortlessly under ancient bridges—is truly a city like no other. For years, I had dreamt of visiting this floating masterpiece, captivated by YouTube vlogs and images of crumbling palazzi, Venetian cuisine, and a cityscape that seems to defy time. When I finally made the journey recently, Venice proved to be even more spellbinding in person. It is a place of infinite charm and art, steeped in history, laced with romance, and brimming with soul. And at the very heart of my experience was Nolinski Venezia. A timeless retreat There are hotels that impress, and then there are those that enchant. Nolinski Venezia belongs to the latter. Just five minutes from St Mark's Square and within a short stroll of the Rialto Bridge and La Fenice opera house, the hotel blends seamlessly into the historic soul of Venice, yet rises majestically as a beacon of elegance. Surrounded by Venice's most iconic luxury boutiques, just two canals away from Piazza San Marco and over a bridge from La Fenice, its elaborate façade compels passersby to look up in admiration. With mythological ornamentation inspired by the sea, its windows and balconies echo the city's maritime legacy. It's easy to imagine merchants of the past commissioning such symbols to grace the former Stock Exchange building this hotel now occupies. The reinforced concrete structure—pioneering for its time—was completed in 1929 and remains one of the tallest in Venice, surpassed only by the campanile and the dome of San Marco Basilica. Designed by Umberto Bellotto, the building's composite architectural style bravely merges Art Nouveau, Stile Liberty, and Modernism. Protected under Venice's Historic Monuments law, it showcases exquisite examples of wrought iron craftsmanship, uniquely Venetian. Climbing the grand staircase, one's hand naturally traces the ornate balustrades—each step a quiet celebration of detail. Inside, the original terrazzo floors and stucco marmorino walls have been lovingly restored, a tribute to the traditional artisanship of Venice. These noble materials offer a feast for the eye, and in harmony with the building's preserved historic elements, the interiors achieve a rare synthesis: contemporary yet timeless, bold yet respectful of the past. Designed by Lecoadic & Scotto, the interiors reflect a meticulous fusion of Venetian opulence and modern grace. Across five floors, contrasting textures—mango wood panelling against classical stucco, modern art placed near antique accents—surprise and delight in equal measure. 'Art and noble materials reign supreme here,' says Piero Pastore, General Manager of Nolinski Venezia. The hotel houses 43 rooms, including 13 one-of-a-kind suites, and every corner—from the Library Bar with its 4,000 books and ceiling fresco by Simon Buret to the rooftop pool adorned in golden mosaic—conveys a sense of refined wonder and feels both intimate and expansive. From the Ottoman-inspired spa to the rooftop pool with its golden mosaic and panoramic skyline views, every space is curated to evoke serenity and wonder. The hotel's beating heart lies in its immersive spaces: Il Caffè, a quiet courtyard for morning espresso; the Library Bar; the grand yet intimate lobby; and the Palais Royal Restaurant Venezia, set in a theatrical auditorium. What truly makes Nolinski stand apart is how seamlessly it merges the past with the present. Original terrazzo floors and stucco walls restored to their historic brilliance coexist with sleek, contemporary touches. Even the grand staircase—with its intricate wrought iron balustrade—invites admiration at every step. Look closely, and you'll find delightful surprises: a mosaic octopus with outstretched arms greeting guests in each bathroom, an architectural flourish echoing the building's maritime themes, and a design ethos that is both bold and respectful of tradition. Guests can enjoy moments of private calm, a quiet reminder that every detail at Nolinski carries both elegance and intention. Gastronomy with soul Nolinski's culinary journey is as refined as its setting. Chef Philip Chronopoulos helms both Il Caffè and the fine-dining Palais Royal Restaurant. Drawing from French techniques and flavours from Italy and Greece, his creations are a reflection of cultural harmony and elevated taste. Whether it's a leisurely breakfast in the courtyard or a gourmet dinner beneath the restaurant's domed ceiling, dining at Nolinski is an immersive experience in itself. A sky-high sanctuary Crowning the hotel is the rooftop spa and pool—Venice's only one of its kind. Here, amidst golden tiles and warm waters, guests can enjoy an uninterrupted 360° view of the Venetian skyline. The gilded waters reflect the Venetian skies, inviting guests to unwind while gazing at domes and bell towers in the distance. From the campanile of St Mark's to the shimmering rooftops of La Serenissima, it's a vista that soothes and stuns in equal measure. In an age where luxury is less about opulence and more about authenticity, privacy, and meaningful experiences, Nolinski Venezia rises to the occasion. It offers not just impeccable service, but an atmosphere that feels like home—if home were a Venetian palace where time pauses for art, history and serenity. For travellers seeking a hotel that honours Venice's soul while providing modern indulgence, Nolinski is not just a place to stay. It is an unforgettable part of the Venetian experience.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
"The Normandie" a 1960s Era Mid Century Modern Apartment Community Featuring Newly Renovated One, Two-, and Three-Bedrooms, Begins Leasing
LOS ANGELES, CA / / April 16, 2025 / VF Developments, LLC, a minority and female owned and run company, has begun leasing "The Normandie" a 1960's midcentury modern apartment community. The attractive infill Los Angeles multifamily rental community offers fourteen newly renovated rental homes with one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans. 111 N Normandie Avenue, located in the heart of central Los Angeles, features a 14-unit, two-story low-rise building with exterior enhancements that include a 1960s retro dingbat sign that complements the natural materials used. Blood red accents the original style wood façade along with main entry doors. VF Developments, LLC acquired the Los Angeles multifamily property with the plan of repositioning and adding capital improvements. A renowned LA designer carefully restored and designed these late 1960s modern luxury rental homes featuring keyless entry door locks to spacious one, two and three-bedroom floor plans with newly renovated kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchens boast sparkling white stone quartz countertops with brand new self-closing cabinetry and high-end stainless-steel refrigerators with matching gas cooktop with oven and microwave. iRing doorbells with a smart home video security camera are also included. Bathrooms feature porcelain tiled bath tubs and glass shower doors. Each rental home also includes central A/C cooling and heating with recessed lights with luxury style cellular shade window blinds and distressed wood plank floors. There's a community washer and dryer on site. 111 N. Normandie Avenue, located just minutes from the 101 Freeway and Larchmont Village, features a fourteen-unit, two-story low-rise building with enhanced modern architecture and a gray cement shade base and accents of earth tone colors. Inspired by midcentury Modernism architecture, these newly renovated rental homes are located in the heart of Koreatown, and minutes to hip Echo Park and Silverlake, Hollywood, and thriving Downtown Los Angeles. This location is Very Walkable with a Walk Score of 86 out of 100, so most errands can be accomplished on foot. 111 North Normandie Avenue is a 14-minute walk from the Metro B Line (Red) at the Vermont / Beverly Station stop. This location is in the Wilshire Center - Koreatown neighborhood in Los Angeles. Nearby parks include South Serrano Avenue Historic District, Wilton Historic District and Shatto Recreation Center. The apartment homes are featured on as well as VF Developments' website and on Instagram and on Zumper The apartments community is managed by Drake Property Management. VF Developments LLC, led by Victoria Vu, restored these rental homes to its original 1960s condition with upgraded enhancements and features. Ms. Vu, managing partner of VF Developments, LLC, is a fashion designer turned real estate developer specializing in distressed multifamily apartments throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. Ms. Vu graduated from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Ms. Vu stated "We are excited to begin leasing these new rental homes. We really enjoyed restoring a 1960s era apartment community to its original condition. These luxury rental homes feature key-less entry door locks entering you into spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floorplans. There are bold designer touches throughout from the white stone quartz kitchen countertops upgraded with high-end stainless steel Whirlpool refrigerators with matching appliance package. Our bathrooms have been fully renovated with the spa as inspiration. Pebble floors complement the brand-new oversized tubs with glass shower doors and designer gold hardware. This property is truly a gem with its central location to hip Echo Park and Silverlake, Hollywood, and thriving Downtown Los Angeles, and everything that Los Angeles has to offer." James L. Kemple, a U.S military veteran, general contractor, and the owner of Patriot Painting & Construction, Inc., completed the exterior and interior renovations. He noted "We were able to legally reconfigure the original studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans to one-, two-, and three-bedroom layout like our project at 920 Everett Street in Chinatown and 1980 Park Grove near USC. This greatly helps maximizing the space for our future residents and assisting with the housing shortage. The team that completed the renovations on the units were entirely locally based minority vendors, employees, and contractors. This was the same team we used on the reconfigurations at 920 Everett Street near Chinatown and 1980 Park Grove near USC. We are proud to create jobs in the USC and DTLA area for minorities, significantly improve the community, and provide more affordable housing." Victoria Vu commented, "We are truly grateful for the opportunity to complete the renovations on 111 N Normandie, bring the property to market, and lease it up to provide much needed affordable housing to the city of Los Angeles. This project was similar to our project at 920 Everett Street near Downtown Los Angeles in the Chinatown area where we were able to legally convert a two bedroom to a three bedroom to maximize the space for our future residents. We strive to provide our residents with class A building finishes at affordable rents. As a first generation Asian American, myself and the team strive to enhance the communities around us and create modern living spaces for our future residents to call home." Kim Vu, renovation and maintenance manager for VF Developments, LLC, added, "After successful renovations at 920 Everett Street in Chinatown and 1980 Park Grove near USC we are excited to bring these units to market and welcome in our future residents to enjoy the space we have created. The apartment homes are high-quality finish with all new appliances." Established in 2015, VF DEVELOPMENTS, LLC, a minority and female owned and run company, has acquired over $77 million in multifamily properties with a portfolio consisting of 40 properties and 272 units located in Los Angeles and Orange County. VF Developments strives to provide neighborhoods in gentrifying areas of Los Angeles and Orange County Class A building design finishes at accessible and affordable market rents to future tenants. VF prides itself on the opportunity to create and provide modern living spaces to add value to its communities. With properties ranging from condominiums to multifamily residences in gentrifying areas throughout the greater Los Angeles area and Orange County. VF manages a multitude of processes including closing on unique, off market opportunities, syndication, interior and exterior renovations, and design using unique architecture and interior compositions transforming distressed properties into contemporary, market-ready homes and apartment communities. VF seeks value-add investment opportunities and creates significant value for clients and investors. VF Developments specialized in acquisitions, renovations, and multi-family management in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The company targets under-performing and mismanaged multifamily properties in gentrifying areas of these counties. VF completes significant renovations that modernize and transform dated properties into cutting edge, high quality, best in class living environments - ultimately creating substantial value enhancement for its investors. Videos of these stunning communities can be viewed here - Media Details:Victoria V. Vuvictoria@ 901-1189 SOURCE: VF Developments LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
