Latest news with #PhilippeStarck
Tatler Asia
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback
2. Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chair for Kartell Above A rainbow of transparent Philippe Starck Louis Ghost armchairs, including pink, yellow, black, blue, green and clear versions, showcasing versatile modern dining chair options for contemporary interiors This iconic armchair masterfully blended historical Louis XV style with futuristic Y2K materials. Created by Philippe Starck for Kartell, the 'Louis Ghost' chair is made from transparent or colored injection-moulded polycarbonate, giving it an ethereal, almost invisible quality. Above Designer Philippe Starck's transparent polycarbonate Ghost dining chairs are styled with a mid-century modern table and natural plant decor Above Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost armchair for Kartell is made of crystal clear polycarbonate. It is a millennium design piece that revolutionised single-mould production and became a staple of the Y2K interior style revival Its transparency was a nod to the era's fascination with new plastics and a playful, modern take on classic forms, becoming a daring example of single-mould production and a staple in contemporary interiors seeking a touch of Y2K's innovative spirit. Don't miss: 7 family-led design brands you should know 3. Ron Arad Tom Vac Chair for Vitra Above Ron Arad Tom Vac Chair for Vitra with wave-like organic shell, stackable polypropylene construction Ron Arad's "Tom Vac" chair, developed with Vitra, evolved from a 1997 sculptural installation into a mass-produced icon of Y2K design. Its distinctive wave-like, organic polypropylene shell provided both comfort and a dynamic visual. Originally conceived in vacuum-formed aluminium, the production version offered an inexpensive yet stylish seating solution suitable for indoors and outdoors, embodying the Y2K interest in bringing avant-garde, flexible forms to a broader audience. Read more: 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture 4. Marc Newson Nimrod Chair for Magis Above Marc Newson Nimrod Chair for Magis with low-slung enveloping form, rotational-moulded polyethylene base and vibrant upholstery showcasing retro-futurist millennium aesthetic revival (Photo: Magis) Marc Newson, a highly influential designer of the Y2K period, created the Nimrod chair for Magis, showcasing his signature biomorphic and futuristic style. Characterised by its low-slung, enveloping shape, often realised in rotational-moulded polyethylene with contrasting upholstered elements, the Nimrod chair has a distinct space-age influence. This piece resonated strongly with Y2K's retro-futurist tendencies, offering a comfortable and visually striking statement that captured the era's love for smooth, flowing lines and innovative materials. See also: What goes into great hotel design? 5. Zaha Hadid Moon System sofa for B&B Italia Above Zaha Hadid Moon System Sofa for B&B Italia has a sculptural fluid form, monolithic curves and an integrated structure embodying late millennium digital design innovation (Photo: B&B Italia) Designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, the Moon System sofa for B&B Italia is a powerful example of Y2K's later-stage fascination with sculptural, fluid, and monolithic forms. Appearing as if sculpted from a single block, its dynamic, curvilinear shape embodies parametric design principles. With its integrated backrest, seat, and armrest, this sofa-sculpture challenged traditional sofa typology and reflected the era's embrace of complex geometries made possible by digital design tools. Don't miss: Bordallo Pinheiro and Esporão's Olival collection: Where art meets olive oil 6. Alessi Anna G corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini Above Alessi Anna G Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini is a chrome-plated zamak wine opener with an anthropomorphic smiling figure (Photo: Alessi) Above Alessi Anna G Corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini is a cult object embodying the millennium aesthetic revival's playful approach to household items (Photo: Alessi) While designed slightly before the Y2K boom, Alessandro Mendini's Anna G corkscrew for Alessi became a cult object whose popularity and playful spirit were quintessential to the era. Its smiling, anthropomorphic figure, crafted from chrome-plated zamak, brought personality and joy to a utilitarian household item. This approach of infusing everyday objects with wit and character perfectly aligned with the Y2K sensibility, making Anna G a beloved and recognisable icon in many homes. Read more: 7 Chic Cutlery Sets with Design Pedigree Above Marc Newson Dish Doctor for Magis is a Y2K design classic with a glossy green biomorphic form and innovative draining system (Photo: Magis) Marc Newson's Dish Doctor for Magis is a prime example of high design meeting everyday utility, a hallmark of the Y2K era's playful approach to household objects. Made from injection-moulded polypropylene, this dish drainer features Newson's signature biomorphic, smooth flowing lines and was available in vibrant, often translucent, colours. Its chic and functional design, which even considered the packaging, made it an instant hit, embodying the Y2K desire for aesthetically pleasing yet practical items that brought a sense of fun and modernity into the kitchen. NOW READ How 'interiors disruptor' Alex Alonso embraces colourful maximalism in summer homes Le Creuset at 100: How enamelled cast iron cookware conquered culinary culture 7 distinctive mid-century modern hotels in Asia for design lovers
New Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Crystal Clear
Back in the 1860s, the Maharajas represented Indian swish, and the ultimate in OTT luxury: think the Cartier bejewelled pet tortoise of the Maharani of Pudukottai. When it came to crystal it had to be Baccarat. The Bombay store of the legendary French crystalmaker was frequented by the Who's Who of the British empire until it closed. The brand is back with a bang with its brand-new flagship store at The Chanakya in New Delhi. Exquisitely sparkling vases and candle stands. Magnificent chandeliers. Opulent cutlery. Striking keepsakes. All made in the finest glass, in signature hues of clear crystal and red (obtained by fusing clear crystal with 24k gold). The clarity and cut of the crystals ensure a unique play of light in every piece. Limited edition selections include Baccarat's collaborations with globally renowned artists and designers for pieces such as Philippe Starck's 'Talleyrand', Virgil Abloh's 'Crystal Clear' collection, Arik Levy's 'Tuile de Cristal', as well as striking creations from Baccarat's 260th anniversary collection 'New Antique' made by Marcel Wanders. 'With over 260 years of heritage, Baccarat represents the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and luxury,' says Alexandrine Reille-Linyer, Baccarat Export Director. The new boutique offers an immersive experience where this centuries-long tradition of glassware meets cutting-edge innovation.
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How 'Durar Group' is Leading Real Estate Innovation
The company has built a reputation as one of the UAE's most trusted and innovative property developers, creating iconic masterpieces that elevate the real estate industry When it comes to luxury, quality, and innovation in property development, Durar Group stands at the forefront of the UAE's dynamic real estate landscape. Founded over 90 years ago in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Group has since expanded and flourished in the UAE, redefining the standards of excellence and creating world-class communities that reflect a legacy of trust and vision. From the cutting-edge design of J One in Business Bay to the luxurious Masa Residence by YOO with Philippe Starck, Durar Group continues to make waves across the region. With a portfolio featuring prestigious collaborations with globally renowned brands such as Elie Saab, Missoni, YOO, and Philippe Starck, the company delivers projects that seamlessly blend visionary architecture, elite craftsmanship, and sustainable innovation. A Legacy of Vision and Innovation Durar Group's journey started in Saudi Arabia, where a dream to shape the real estate landscape took root. With an acute understanding of the region's evolving needs and a commitment to high-end quality, Durar quickly became a recognised name in property development. As demand for innovative, modern living solutions surged, Durar expanded its vision into the UAE - a market that offered new challenges, opportunities, and a diverse, multicultural population. Jasmine Lane by Elie Saab, nestled within the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates, stands as a testament to Durar Group's commitment to luxury and refinement. Building on this legacy, Durar has expanded its footprint with visionary developments such as Moonstone and Trio Isle Interiors by iconic Missoni designs in Ras Al Khaimah, and the recently launched Masa by YOO, designed in collaboration with the legendary Philippe Starck. Today, Durar Group is not only known for building structures but for crafting vibrant, sustainable communities that redefine modern living. Their innovative approach and bold architectural vision have earned them the distinction of being the largest developer on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in terms of size, solidifying their leadership in the region's dynamic real estate landscape. Strategic Partnerships Driving Success Driven by a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and aligned goals, Durar Group's remarkable success is strengthened through strategic partnerships with some of the region's most respected entities. Among these is Ali & Sons Holding LLC, a renowned Abu Dhabi- based conglomerate with a diverse portfolio spanning real estate, oil and gas, the automobile industry, and several other key industries. Established in 1979, Ali & Sons brings decades of expertise and a legacy of trust, contributing significant value to Durar's bold and forward-thinking vision. Another key partner is RKM Group, a property investment and development giant founded in 1985 by Sheikh Rashid Khalifa Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. With a vast portfolio of over 1,500 units across the UAE, RKM brings years of expertise, scale, and a shared commitment to quality in every project. Together, these collaborations have empowered Durar Group to not only deliver exceptional developments but to also contribute significantly to the region's growth. Redefining Luxury Living Durar Group's prestigious projects are more than just buildings - they are a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. Each project is an experience, designed to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of the UAE's dynamic population. J ONE, BUSINESS BAY J One, situated in the heart of Dubai's vibrant Business Bay, is a striking architectural landmark inspired by the rich heritage of the emirate's oldest traditional trade - the pearl harvesting business. Reflecting this legacy through its fluid, shell-like design, J One seamlessly blends cultural symbolism with modern elegance. Offering panoramic views of the iconic Dubai skyline, this high-end residential development exemplifies Durar Group's unwavering commitment to luxury, quality, and innovation. JASMINE LANE BY ELIE SAAB Designed by renowned fashion designer Elie Saab, Jasmine Lane in Jumeirah Golf Estate is the embodiment of sophistication and style. With meticulously crafted interiors and an unbeatable location, this project offers an unparalleled living experience that appeals to the discerning elite. MASA RESIDENCE BY YOO WITH PHILIPPE STARCK A collaboration with one of the world's most renowned designers, Philippe Starck, Masa Residence by YOO in Dubai is the epitome of stylish, contemporary living. Known for its bold design and unique aesthetics, this project combines innovation with luxury to create a truly exceptional living experience. Ras Al Khaimah plays host to two of Durar Group's most extraordinary projects: Moonstone and Trio Isle by the iconic Italian fashion brand Missoni. These projects bring together timeless elegance with modern flair, ensuring that every resident can experience the height of luxury living. The infusion of Missoni's bold design style with Durar's architectural expertise has set new standards for premium living in the UAE. Giving Back to the Community Durar Group's commitment to the UAE goes beyond creating luxurious developments. The company understands the importance of corporate social responsibility and has made a significant impact through its Dh10 million contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign. This initiative is a testament to Durar's dedication to supporting the local community and contributing to the welfare of families across the region. A Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Durar Group remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class developments that not only meet but exceed the expectations of its customers. The company's vision of creating modern communities with unparalleled amenities continues to inspire its team, partners, and a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality, Durar is well-positioned to contribute to shaping the future of the UAE's property development sector. Whether through groundbreaking new projects or continued partnerships with industry leaders, Durar Group is paving the way for the next generation of luxury living.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
A Tour of Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Zurich
While Switzerland beckons with its captivating scenery and rich cultural legacy, staying at the right accommodation will let you experience the real hospitality that Switzerland is known for. Whether you prefer the beautiful cityscape of Zurich or the serenity of the tranquil lakes with a view of the Alps, Switzerland has a diverse range of accommodation options to choose guide explores two popular types of accommodation that Zurich offers visitors, i.e., opulent luxury hotels that promise indulgence and quaint boutique hotels that ooze character. Here's a pick of some luxury hotels that each promise an unmatched stay. The Dolder Grand, perched high above the city of Zurich, has 175 exquisite rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the city, Lake Zurich, and the Swiss Alps. With an impressive art collection and a 4,000-square-metre spa, the hotel blends luxury and fine art. It also hosts four restaurants, with one of them Michelin-starred. Nestled on the Uetliberg plateau, Five Zurich offers breathtaking views, along with a rooftop terrace, a cosy lounge, and a lively nightclub. The hotel features elegantly designed suites adorned with unique artwork and seven exciting restaurants that serve a wide variety of global cuisine. It's the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy vibrant social scenes while also finding a place to unwind. Situated along the picturesque lakeshore of Zurich, this stunning hotel recently designed by Philippe Starck comprises 40 tastefully designed rooms and suites that seamlessly merge classic elegance with modern artistry. The chic dining areas and bars are a perfect amalgamation of contemporary design and the allure of a century-old structure, all while showcasing the true essence of Swiss hospitality. Situated in the heart of the city near the lake and Bahnhofstrasse, its signature features include spacious and elegantly designed interiors, Club Olympus Spa & Fitness for wellness and the in-house Parkhuus restaurant, renowned for Swiss gourmet cuisine made from local ingredients. Combining traditional Swiss service with a contemporary design, this hotel is perfect for travellers looking for a central location that offers both business and leisure conveniences. In the heart of the charming Old Town of Zurich, right by the River Limmat, you'll find the Storchen Zürich, one of the city's oldest hotels, having an impressive 660-year history. With its stylish suites and delightful dining spots, including the Rôtisserie and Cigar Bar, it promises a luxurious experience like no other. Located at Enge Quarter in Zurich, this hotel is steeped in history and heritage, having been built in 1895. Designed as a beautifully designed all-suite accommodation with 22 suites, they also have a charming library and a posh pub, perfect for spending a laid-back holiday. Nestled in central Zurich's private park, the Baur au Lac's 150-year history is apparent in their hospitality and impeccable service. Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps, the park and Lake Zurich while working up a sweat at their modern fitness club. Savour Mediterranean cuisine and European classics at their in-house restaurants. Extra perks include limousine service and a round-the-clock concierge service. Located within the ultra-exclusive Kreis 1 in Zurich, Le Bijou offers lavish, fully serviced private residences with fully equipped kitchens. Perfect for those wanting high levels of privacy and personalised services, it combines hotel-like amenities with the comfort of home, thanks to VIP access, bespoke iOS applications, and even a digital concierge. Located in downtown Zurich on the banks of the River Limmat, this hotel features modern rooms and suites with a 24/7 concierge service. This hotel also has a world-class fitness centre and sauna for relaxed days, and the restaurant offers an expansive menu comprising Thai and modern Swiss cuisine. This choice will suit both leisure seekers and business visitors alike, providing the ideal mix between contemporary luxury and convenience. Unlike big hotel chains, Zurich's boutique hotels have unique and distinct features and are usually located in historic or uniquely designed buildings. Among the many in Zürich, here are some of the city's finest boutique hotels that offer cosy experiences, accentuated by personalised services. Hotel Europe has a mix of contemporary and historic design, with 39 individually designed rooms and suites. The on-site restaurant, Max & Otto, is a favourite for dining and drinking. This hotel is a brilliant choice for couples or anyone seeking a romantic, culture-soaked stay near Bahnhofstrasse. Just 12 minutes outside Zürich, this historic property outside the town of Küsnacht offers stunning views of Lake Zürich, along with sculptures and private sunbathing lawns. This hotel makes for an ideal choice for guests seeking peace, art, and renewal, along with a wellness retreat to unwind after a day of exploration. The Alma Hotel, in the Seefeld district of Zurich, is a fusion of conscious design, warmth, and elegance. Popular with female travellers, it has a ladies' wellness area devoted to only women and even features organic, regional breakfast options. For those seeking a contemporary escape that fosters social consciousness, this hotel provides the right setting. Near Bahnhofstrasse, the hotel has a rich historic past and offers a snug refuge to anyone interested in the arts. A restaurant and bar on the property give travellers a taste of the region's diverse culture. Every room is designed as a playground for mixing modern designs, classics, antiques, and art. Art lovers and travellers seeking a unique stay in a luxurious, whimsical setting hail the Widder Hotel as their preferred choice. On Zurich's famed Bahnhofstrasse, the Townhouse Boutique Hotel makes for a quaint getaway, as it combines English townhouse elegance and Swiss style, offering three large junior suites and 23 intimate rooms. Indulge in casual dining at the Palace Restaurant & Bar, then head out to explore the nearby Old Town and high-end shopping neighbourhoods – all right outside the hotel's door. Centrally located near the main train station in Zurich, the Josef Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel with a cosy, welcoming environment, stylish interiors, and even an on-site coffee bar that livens up the social atmosphere. Perfect for both leisure and business visitors, it features well-designed rooms and a bright seminar room for meet-ups. This small but cosy city hotel, located in the vibrant Niederdorf quarter just minutes from theBahnhofstrasse, is a great choice for both tourists and professionals. Guests enjoy quick access to Zurich's attractions, business district, and top universities. High-speed internet, a well-equipped room with essential amenities, and a sumptuous breakfast buffet ensure a comfortable stay. Situated between Sihlcity and the Financial Quarter in the tranquil Enge area of Zurich, this establishment appeals to both business and leisure travellers alike. While businessmen may value the modern seminar rooms and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the hotel's proximity to Sihlcity, which offers shopping, dining, and entertainment choices, makes it a convenient stay even for those on a leisure trip. This property also features a lovely on-site restaurant and electric car charging stations. Housed in the historic Hürlimann brewery, the B2 Hotel presents the unique opportunity for guests to stay in a building where beer was once made. The individually designed rooms and suites create an intriguing connection between urban design and Zurich's industrial past. Highlights of the experience include a mineral-rich thermal bath at the Hürlimannbad & Spa, a rooftop infinity pool with amazing views over Zurich and well-equipped conference rooms for holding meetings and get-togethers. Sorell Hotel Rigiblick: Generous apartments with panoramic outlooks and a bistro that focuses on regional dishes, ideal for visitors looking for a more restful House & Garden: This peaceful retreat features individually decorated rooms and a quiet garden, perfect for Located within the vibrant Seefeld Quarter near cultural landmarks like the Botanical Garden, NI-MO sets itself apart with its cosy wooden interiors and impeccable personalised services. Your Ideal Swiss Travel Awaits Deciding what kind of accommodation to book for your trip ultimately depends on personal preference. Luxury establishments like the Baur au Lac and the Dolder Grand promise an indulgent stay with exclusive services on call, while the intimate ambiance of boutique stays like Romantik Seehotel Sonne will leave you charmed with their distinct hospitality. Choose from a wide range of accommodation options in Zurich and prepare to immerse yourself in a city known for its historic charm, world-class shopping boulevards, a dynamic international arts scene, and picturesque scenery. To explore more travel stories, tips, and guides, visit our microsite: Note to the reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times.
Euronews
13-04-2025
- Euronews
LA Almazara: Philippe Starck on designing his surreal olive oil mill in the heart of Andalusia
ADVERTISEMENT This article includes a review of LA Almazara, followed by an interview with French designer and architect Phillip Starck. In the middle of a lush, green olive farm in southern Spain looms what appears to be a giant red cube. LA Almazara is an olive oil mill designed by Philippe Starck on the outskirts of Ronda, a city in Andalusia famous for its dramatic cliffside setting. Step a bit closer and you soon find it is much more than a functional mill; true to the Starck style, this is a work of art. Every inch is symbolic. Start with the giant horn sticking out of one side, which pays homage to the bullfighting tradition in this part of Spain. Related Rotterdam opens Portlantis 'storytelling machine' to explore city's past, present and future Stadiums as modern cathedrals: How Fulham's Craven Cottage is being transformed for all LA Almazara designed by Philippe Starck Credit: LA Almazara Exterior shot of the LA Almazara, located on an olive farm near Ronda in southern Spain. Credit: LA Almazara On another walled side emerges a half-circle. This represents the olives, the lifeblood of this mill. A huge Phoenician eye peers out from a third wall looking out across the 26-hectare estate which produces 60,000 litres of olive oil every year. Step inside and instead of a well-lit showcase, all is gloom. This is meant to encourage visitors to pay close attention to everything inside. So, we have a tiny bull - once again there is that homage to southern Spanish culture - even though Starck is a staunch defender of animal rights. Visitors can also enjoy what's billed as the world's only museum dedicated to olive oil . Did you know, for instance, that the classic Citroen DS car was oiled with the 'green gold' instead of traditional oil? Or that the British imported olive oil when they made the doomed liner Titanic in 1912? It was to cater to the refined tastes of its passengers on its fateful first voyage. As we amble around, a group of visitors arrive to marvel at the architecture and also absorb the history of olive oil. Perhaps s urprisingly, given its importance in cooking in much of the world, it only makes up 1.28% of all edible oil production. Palm oil makes up 32.28%, followed by soya oil (22.37%) and canola oil (11.14%). Inside the LA Almazara, a striking olive oil mill and cultural space designed by Philippe Starck. Credit: alfonsoquiroga The sheer scale of the place is striking. This is designed to symbolise the vastness of Andalusia, Spain's biggest region. Inside the main building, is another huge horn and a vast sword to symbolise the estoque – the weapon used by a matador to dispatch bulls. On one wall hangs a huge portrait of Abbas Ibn Firnas, a 9th century inventor who lived in Ronda when the Moors ruled much of the country. He was credited with coming up with a flying craft way before Leonardo di Vinci . A model of his creation hangs next to his portrait which is perfectly lit so you can see his face. A huge metal tube runs from the portrait of the inventor to a lower level where it symbolically empties the olives into an enormous funnel which feeds the real mill below ground. There is a bar which gives out onto a terrace for meals. It is held up by enormous chains. From the terrace, you can see out into the lush green fields which house the olive trees. It's easy to see why LA Almazara is popular with filmmakers. Robin Wright, of House of Cards fame, came to film from the terrace. ADVERTISEMENT Inside the LA Almazara Credit: alfonsoquiroga Inside the LA Almazara building Credit: alfonsoquiroga Below LA Almazara is a state-of-the-art olive oil mill where visitors can see how the oil is made for themselves. A series of machines crush out the stones, purify the oil and finally leave it to be bottled. Unlike wine, which has to stay in barrels for years at a time, olive oil is ready to use once this refining process is over. Above LA Almazara, is the Greenhouse, where parties of visitors can enjoy a tasting of the oil. It is an unusual process in which you take the oil in the front of your mouth, swill it around and finally swallow. But before you even put it to your lips, then you should smell the liquid. Stronger oils have a stronger aroma when placed in a glass next to your chest. If any leave an aftertaste, they are not so smooth. LA Almazara is perhaps the project that most reflects this elsewhere of mine. This is how my life is. Everything is out of the ordinary, out-of-scale, radical, surreal. LA Almazara is a door I have opened on what a human brain can look like. Philippe Starck Architect For those who really want to enjoy the experience, there is a Cortijo - a country house – which is a short walk from LA Almazara. This luxurious five-bedroom country house comes with Starck designed bathtubs and chairs once again in the style of bulls' horns. A fireplace, surrounded by kindlers, gives the place a snug feel as does the idiosyncratic library. There are books on subjects as varied as the history of bullfighting and classics of Spanish literature. Naturally, it does not come cheap: rooms are about €2,500 per night but you can look out on the lush, green olives around. There is one huge television set but this is really for weekend parties. LA Almazara plans to open a hotel at some time in the future. ADVERTISEMENT Like wine tourism in the past, in an age when more people are giving up drinking alcohol , olive oil tasting is popular. I bumped into a middle-aged group of women from Britain who said that fitness was the motive for trying this trip. Designer Philippe Starck poses for a photo at the Cassina space during Milan Design Fair, 3 April 2017. Credit: AP Photo Philippe Starck: In his own words Euronews Culture: What was your inspiration for LA Almazara? Philippe Starck: LA Almazara in Ronda is a very special place that took more than 15 years to get off the ground. The background story however is simple, and reflects who I am and how I work. LA Almazara is all about poetic functionalism, using surrealist language as a universal vehicle of communication. Surrealism because of Andalusia and the village of Ronda itself. Andalusia is a desert with a very strong vibe, home to one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Ronda is one of them. I love this charming little place. I can't look at it without imagining that one day, God was in a bad mood; then suddenly annoyed, God took a sword and cut the village in two, turning Ronda into a normal village with an extra-ordinary cliff in the center. ADVERTISEMENT Functionalism has been another key, from the origin of the project. Over the last 50 years, I have been promoting organic food, starting with OAO, the first modern organic food company I created in 1996. A few years later, in 2003, with my late dear friend Perico (Pedro Gomez de Baeza), we collaborated to create a unique Andalusian-born organic olive oil called LA Organic. It has won many awards since, including 'Best Organic EVOO in the World'. It is still produced in Ronda, and now in LA Almazara. When you have the honour to feed people, you have a duty to make sure that it is as honest and healthy as possible. That is why I have always been very proud to produce olive oil. Especially since it is such a delicate process. From the moment the olives are harvested, to when they reach the mill, time must be minimum. Once the olives are pressed, the oil must be stored in a cool and dark place. Temperature must be stabilized. With all these parameters in mind, I created this wonderfully efficient machine that is LA Almazara. Harvested olives come inside the building through a big tube. Within a few seconds, they are gathered in the central tank, and the milling process can start. All is done with the utmost efficiency and precision, in less than a minute. Supposedly you are in favour of animal rights, so why the bull's horn and an estoque which is the sword used to kill the bull? LA Almazara is a place made of symbols reflecting the passion and culture of Andalusia and its inhabitants. The building is a red monolithic cube, as if fallen from space. With a giant bull's horn on one façade and an enormous smoking eye on another. It is like an Andalusian Pandora's box. And I like this mystery of not knowing what you'll find inside. All dreams become possible. ADVERTISEMENT Bullfighting is represented in LA Almazara. What is your view on this? I am absolutely against bullfighting, as it is an unfair struggle between animal and human, and the animal never wins. Nonetheless, the people of Andalusia live for it, and one cannot deny that it does exist. Can you explain more about the symbolism of LA Almazara? As well as the symbols on the façade, when you step inside the building, the contrasts are striking. The building is dark and cool, to respect and preserve the delicate olive oil production process. ADVERTISEMENT You have the impression of entering a cathedral, a crypt. Inside, the shadows contain strong symbols, such as a monumental half-olive set into the steel wall in which I had originally planned to put a permanent flame inside, like a kind of holy spirit; a metal pipe that enters the building without ever leaving. The water flows. A monumental chimney welcomes the fire. There is a huge, headless figure - we don't know who it is. This is simply to teach you to think, to speak the language of surrealism. An aeroplane made of odds and ends, one of the first in history to fly, hangs above the monumental hall. A giant bullfighting sword and an equally disproportionate portrait of its inventor, a matador from Ronda (Abbas Ibn Firnas, a 9th century inventor from Ronda), tower above us. Mr Starck, how would you describe yourself? As I was diagnosed neurodivergent, I am on what is called the spectrum. I cannot live in this world as it exists for most people, thus I live in the ethers, I live elsewhere. ADVERTISEMENT LA Almazara is perhaps the project that most reflects this elsewhere of mine. This is how my life is. Everything is out of the ordinary, out-of-scale, radical, surreal. LA Almazara is a door I have opened on what a human brain can look like. What was the reaction to LA Almazara? LA Almazara is a service to the community, to humanity, that honours and protects olive oil. When you discover it, it is like a big 'slap in the face', that wakes you up and moves you. When I work on a project, I want people to come away more inspired, more creative. I have seen people come in and start crying, bursting with emotion. I think these reactions show that I have succeeded in that mission. In 1996, you established the Good Goods catalogue with La Redoute, proposing 170 sustainable life objects 'for the future moral market'. What inspired the idea? ADVERTISEMENT Good Goods, that I created with La Redoute, was a mail-order catalogue of 'non-products for non-consumers of the future moral market', including only responsible, ecological, honest and minimal products. Nowadays people are more aware of and committed to the ecological emergency. But back then, Good Goods was one of a kind, perhaps a little too early for this time. I am proud of that; proud of having worked hard to help and serve my community, so that together we look a little higher and a little further. What would you like your legacy to be? I work day and night to try to understand everything I can, what the future will be like, what will be good and what will be bad. I try to be a light in the fog, a pilot. Because I am living a little out of this world, I have a vision of what can happen and I want to raise awareness, make people react. In my small and humble way, I propose solutions and alternatives, like when I started fighting for democratic design and democratic architecture. We must manage to put a roof over everyone's head, and this will happen only if we reinvent traditional architectural construction, industrializing the development and production in the same way that cars are built. My slogan today is: ''a house for the price of a car''.
