admin, Author at Garde Design Magazine

Reinstated Interiors Inspired by Asian Culture

Antique, art, furniture and fabrics that tell the story of Asian heritage and culture, enliven modern spaces.

ANTIQUE CERAMICS AND PORCELAIN
China

Blue and white floral bowl from the Ming Dynasty sold on auction for USD721,800 at Sotheby’s.

CHINESE ANTIQUE CERAMICS AND PORCELAIN are stunning art pieces beloved by taste makers for their craftsmanship, elegance, and beauty. Of all the Chinese antiques, vessels and ceramics are the most popular and highly prized. Precious porcelains that date back to the Ming Dynasty were made in the porcelain town of Jingdezhen, Jianxi Province. They are considered the most superior of all the antiquities from the region.

These distinctive blue and white jars and vessels are characterized by intricate depictions of daily life, nature, and the times. Art and antiquities experts describe them as elaborate compositions that “convey and glorify that majesty and benevolence of the Ming Dynasty.” At Sotheby’s, avid collectors of blue and white Ming porcelain can access these precious pieces of Chinese art. Through the work and research of its global Chinese Ceramics and Works of art department, the revered auction house has managed to grow a collection of over 1,300 rare porcelains and antiques. Bidders from all over the world can also access these iconic gems through dedicated live and online auctions.

BONE INLAY FURNITURE
India

INDIAN BONE INLAY is an ancient art form that originated in the Rajasthan region of India. These meticulously handcrafted pieces, similar to marquetry, were first made solely for the royal palaces and maharajas. This revered craft has been passed down through generations, taking at least a month to reach completion. The meticulous process begins with shaping of fragmented bones into the design. Each shaped bone is then attached onto the surface, piece by piece. To fill the empty spaces and create evenness on the surface, colored resin is poured as the finishing layer. The result is a mosaic-like visual narrative that brings centuries of culture and art to life.

As more modern homes adapt to minimalist and contemporary sensibilities, designs for bone inlay furniture have also evolved. Artisera, a curated space for Indian furniture, antiques, and fine art from India, showcases a more contemporary take on bone inlay furniture. Decidedly streamlined and intended for living spaces of today, patterns are more subdued and geometric. Often, they draw from the shapes and forms of the art deco movement. Similarly, color ways hint at modern French interior design palettes. From bedside tables, to consoles and lower coffee tables, the modern iterations of inlay furniture are striking accents that lend eclectic flair to well-designed spaces.

SILKS AND OBIS
Japan

JAPANESE SILKS AND OBIS echo an approach to luxury that is distinct only to Japan. Instead of gold and gems, the affluent were have said to distinguish themselves through the kimonos and fabrics they wore. These beautifully woven and embroidered silks, referred to as Nishijin were regarded as jewelry and used to dressed nobles of Kyoto’s imperial courts. There are countless other tales, best told through silks, kimono, and obis, that echo Japan’s rich history. While these narratives go as far back as 1,200 years, they continue to live on through emerging designers.

Mikan, an up-and-coming sustainable brand founded by French designer Clementine Sandner, was born out of a passion for antique Japanese kimonos. Since relocating to Japan in 2016, the founder and designer has been collecting pre-loved textiles from across the region and repurposing them into beautiful pieces. Clementine shares, “In Japan, as in most countries, the younger generations tend to lose interest in national costumes. With the modernization of Japan, people switched to western clothing, leaving behind beautiful and precious hand-woven fabrics, resulting of a precious heritage passed on through generations. Mikan looks at these discarded kimono and obi like treasures from the past and brings them back into a new life.”

Although primarily a maker of bags, Mikan has recently expanded into the home décor realm. Panels of rare kimonos or silks are hung all throughout the Kyoto-based studio. Like landscape paintings, they light up the space and serve as windows to the past. Clementine adds, “I wanted to create pieces that also decorate the room. During an exhibition I had in Kyoto, I hung more than 30 pieces of obi around the gallery so people could walk around the enjoy the beauty of the materials.”

Reference:
https://www.studiointernational.com/index.php/treasures-of-the-ming-dynasty-are-unearthed-in-jingdezhen
https://www.worldhistory.org/Ming_Porcelain/#:~:text=The%20Ming%20dynasty%20is%20rightly,countries%20from%20Japan%20to%20Britain.
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-china/ming-dynasty
https://www.mikanbags.com/
https://www.sothebys.com/en/sell/sculpture/chinese-antiques
https://www.artisera.com/collections/bone-inlay-furniture
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/indian-craft-ones-to-watch
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/exotic-design-roundup-slideshow
https://www.fentonandfenton.com.au/pages/all-about-bone-inlay#:~:text=The%20time%2Dhonoured%20art%20of,of%20a%20three%2Dstep%20method.
http://craftsmartindia.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-timeless-art-of-bone-inlay.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/fashion/craftsmanship-kimono-silk-hosoo-kyoto-japan.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/26/arts/design/kimono-a-modern-history-at-the-met-tells-rich-stories-through-fabric.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jingdezhen_porcelain

Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku Kyu-Banke Residence – Transforming a Kyoto Cultural Property with Modern Design

Project

Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku opened in June 2021. GARDE was involved in the conceptualization, facade, basic planning, basic design, and project supervision.

The main feature of this hotel is that it is a redesign of a traditional Japanese townhouse, the “Former Banke Family Residence,” which is a very valuable registered tangible cultural property of Kyoto City. In particular, the tatami room, which consists of the main room and the next room, has been finished in the sukiya (Japanese traditional tearoom) style, with bark surface pillars and screens. In addition, the main room has a floor, shelves, and a hirashoin (non-projecting study window), and the shelves are decorated with ink paintings by artist Ike no Taiga. In order to maximize the charm of the house, the tatami mats in the reception room, lounge, and bar have been retained, and the original courtyard has been preserved so that visitors can enjoy the Kyoto townhouse style, while relaxing from the reception room on the first floor.

The combination of Kyoto’s traditional architecture and culture with modern technology and techniques, as well as a wealth of wisdom, has resulted in the creation of a unique Machiya experience in Karasuma, Kyoto. It is a “Cultural Experience Facility” and a “Machiya” that allows guests to experience Kyoto culture as if they were living there.

* What is the Banke Residence?
The Banke family was born in Omihachiman-cho and moved to the present location in 1896, where they have operated a kimono wholesale store for generations. The main building was built in the omoteyazukuri style, with an entrance building connecting the store building and the residential building in the back and is thought to have been in its present form in 1911. Architecturally, the tatami room is particularly noteworthy. The tatami room, which consists of the main room and the next room, is finished in the sukiya (traditional Japanese tearoom) style, with bark surface pillars and screens. The details are elaborate, and the design is excellent. Although the main house has been slightly altered, it retains the atmosphere of a traditional Kyoto townhouse. In addition, there is a tendency for townhouses in Kyoto to renovate only the tatami room during the Meiji and Taisho periods.
The tatami room of this house is one such example, showing the trend of townhouses in modern times.
(Registered in Kyoto City on April 1, 1991.)
(Quoted from the signboard of Kyoto City Historic Site)

【Design】
The hotel consists of three buildings: a reception building, a guest room building, and a public bath. The reception building, which serves as the entrance to the hotel, is a redesign of the former Banke family residence*, is a registered tangible cultural property of Kyoto City. The earthen floor itself has been left as is, creating a space that gives the impression of an alley in Kyoto. In addition to the lounge, a library and bar space have been created to increase your experience, and to make your stay more fulfilling.

●Reception Building
The reception room, bar, and lounge are followed up by the tatami space. In the reception room on the ground floor, the sliding doors are decorated with ink paintings by Ike no Taiga, a literary painter from Kyoto, and an entranceway scented with sandalwood, reminiscent of Japan, creating a relaxing space. In the bar on the second floor, the hanging lights on the street floor seen through the latticed windows create a scene resembling lanterns displayed at a festival, creating the feeling of living in a traditional Japanese townhouse.
The earthen floor, which has existed for ages, has been turned into a dirt floor, creating a space reminiscent of the alleys of Kyoto.

Left: Entrance Right: Tsuboniwa（Inner Garden）

Left: Reception room on the ground floor Right: Tori-Doma (Passageway of Earthen floor)

●Guest Room Building
While utilizing the characteristic straight lines of Japanese architecture, we introduced unexpected Western finishes such as travertine colors and warm pink bronze details in the patterns. By incorporating walnut, we created a space surrounded by a sense of luxury.
The gentle impression of the travertine and the indirect view of the townhouse reflected in the metal parts create a modern design while maintaining a sense of harmony with the historic architecture of the townhouse.

Left: Suite room Right: Twin room

●Public Bath Building

◆About Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
The 10-story hotel has 106 rooms, including 2 rooms with private spa facilities. The hotel also features the largest bath in the Candeo Hotels chain, which is an outdoor bath with a pleasant breeze blowing through it, allowing guests to bask in the fresh air. The men’s bath has a dry sauna and a water bath, while the women’s bath has a mist sauna, providing a delicate space where you can relax and refresh yourself after a long day of sightseeing in Kyoto.

During the Gion Festival, the busiest time of the year in Kyoto, a jomyoyama float is assembled in front of the hotel. As well as being both functional and well designed, the Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku is an exquisite and unique hotel where you can feel the Gion Festival at its closest.

Facility Overview
– Official name: Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
– Location: 149 Konyadori, Karasuma Nishiiru, Rokkaku-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8064
– Site area: 828.99m2
– Building area (built-up): 619.95m2
– Floor area subject to floor area (all floors): 3302.55m2
– Height: 31.00m, 10 floors above ground
*Only the guest room building and public bath are included.

Scope of Work
Concept planning, facade, basic planning, basic design and project supervision

Art Galleries That Enhance Mindful Living

Trend

Gallery spaces are where art and its observer can engage and interact. It is also where one can begin to find a sense for mindfulness and conscious thought.

Cuturi Gallery
Singapore

A next-generation gallery in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the Lion City’s art scene, CUTURI is challenging the conventional dynamics within the art world. The team begins, “Unfettered by conventions of the traditional art gallery model, founder Kevin Troyano Cuturi united his love for art with a disruptive entrepreneurial passion to challenge the norms and bring fresh perspective to invigorate the industry.”

Cuturi believes in art as a medium for empowerment and meaningful living. To achieve this, the team takes on the role as “curator of change and custodian of artistic diversity.” Breaking free from the usual processes and practices of most galleries, they endeavor to establish a mindset for transparency, inclusivity and openness. The team adds, “We connect broad audiences to high quality art by diverse talents that speaks to the heart and tells the story of an undiscovered generation of aspiring artists.”

When it comes to promoting mindful living or spaces, the CUTURI team chooses to walk the talk. They’ve started from within their organization in hopes of inspiring other stakeholders in the community to follow suit. “We present an inclusive and democratized art ecosystem, that fosters collaboration, understanding and appreciation among artists, collectors and the industry at large.” In harnessing an industry that thrives on support and cooperation, art collectors are able to bring home a works of art made, exhibited and sold following the very ideals of mindfulness. After all, our private spaces and the art in it reflect the energy with which we surround ourselves.

SALCEDO AUCTIONS
Manila, Philippines

Established in 2010, Salcedo Auctions is the premiere auction house in the Philippines specializing in fine art, decorative art, jewellery and other collectibles. Its team has played an integral role in supporting the appreciation and understanding of various art forms from all over the globe. Salcedo does not only work with seasoned collectors and acclaimed critics of the art world. They have also harnessed a sense of community that welcomes new enthusiasts through its subsidiary brand, Gavel & Block.

Since moving to a new and expansive space at the Mezzanine of the NEX Tower, Salcedo has continued to mount exhibitions and seasonal auctions to fit a wider range of art collectors. Through these creative engagements, the team hopes to match treasure works of art with new homes and enthusiasts. The partners at Salcedo share, “We always look at art in the context of space—whether it’s in our homes, in a gallery as part of an exhibition, or even online as part of a visual show. An art work inevitably interacts with the space you place it in and has a lot to with a piece’s size. Is it big enough to engulf you? Or is it small enough that you need to step closer to be drawn in?” Color palette and subject matter also factor into how an artwork can make its viewers feel and how it ultimately affects your space. And while these intimate interactions between art, viewer and space may vary, the team advices, “Generally, when you find the perfect piece that fits your space—and you’ll know this when an artwork seems to anchor the room instead of overpowering it—it will naturally lead to people feeling at ease in the space.”

There is no one definite rule or guide to creating calm through art, asserts the esteemed curators at Salcedo. “It ultimately depend on the person, and that’ the beauty of collecting in general. Historically—and psychologically—however, certain colors really do lend themselves to creating more calm, peaceful atmospheres.” Exhibits that complete a home while giving back to community also add a sense of mindfulness to the art journey. Salcedo’s Gavel & Block will open the bidding floor on July 24 for its much-awaited “Interiors” auction. “It is another opportunity to find pieces that will fit into your home. For this sale, we’re excited to be working with local charity organization, Hands on Manila, raising funds to support its community development programs.”

SOLUNA FINE ART
Hong Kong

An emerging space that carries fine art pieces from around Asia, Soluna Fine Art aims to revitalize passion and interest for Eastern design and philosophy. Its founder, Rachel Lee, had the intention of taking Asian contemporary artworks to the international arena when the doors of Soluna Fine Art opened. At the same time, the founder also had a vision for ringing in mindfulness through a curated selection of works that harnesses good energy, intention, and inspiration.

Rachel explains, “Artworks that harmonize with a space can add a wealth of experiences that awaken an individual’s psychological inspiration beyond the synthetic experience created by design… When choosing an art piece with considerations to the space, it is important to first understand the characteristics and purpose of the space. This is because each work of art is a product of the energy created by the artist and has its own physical properties.”

Art, regardless of size, medium or genre, is food for the soul. When filling our homes or private spaces with art works, we essentially welcome new energy. Rachel expounds, “Space designs and reflects our lives. Humans create different thoughts, energy and inspiration depending on what kind of ambience they are in.” Case in point, the current solo exhibit of Kim Young-Hun at the gallery drawing inspiration from our experience of the digital world.

Aptly dubbed, Ripple Ripple, this showcase of oil paintings uses vibrant colors and energetic strokes (using a leather brush) to convey modern perspectives or points of view. Each canvas is filled with colors and forms that convey one’s take on the ever-changing digital world. Although inspired by a new and faster way of living driven by technology, the exhibition “retains a kind of peaceful composition of Asian art.”

Cuturi Gallery
https://www.cuturigallery.com/

Salcedo Auctions
https://salcedoauctions.com/

Soluna Fine Art
https://www.solunafineart.com/

Hotel ARU KYOTO, a “Taisho Romance” in Kyoto’s Sanjo Kiyamachi district. “A modernist worldview created by an Italian designer is ‘there’ (ARU)”

Project

GARDE carried out the grand opening of HOTEL ARU KYOTO on Sanjo-Kiyamachi Street in Kyoto in July 2021and was involved in the conceptualization of the façade, planning, basic design, implementation of design, and general supervision of the project.

The space overall, is a well-balanced and elegant combination of Japanese and Western elements, transporting guests into the world of Taisho Romanticism. It features Western damask wallpaper and traditional Japanese house ceilings and tiles, European furniture, Japanese wooden lattices, and Western style stained glass.

● Background of the birth of HOTEL ARU KYOTO

The world of Taisho Romance, a modernist Japan of about 100 years ago, as interpreted by an Italian designer.
Italian designer Francesco Ristori was in charge of the design of this property. He studied architecture at the University of Florence and continued to work on residential and retail design as well as the restoration of historical buildings in Italy before coming to Japan in 2014, after which he joined Garde.

To date, he is still involved in projects that allow him to demonstrate his experience and customs in Italy. So why “Taisho Romance”? Italians and “Taisho Romance” – At first glance, seems incongruous. However, the key to the success of this project lies in that “sense of incongruity”.

The encounter between the Italian designer and “Taisho Romance”.
He first discovered Taisho Romanticism when he joined the project, a style of Japanese art and culture expressed through a unique worldview. At first, he had the impression that it resembled the Western style, but as his learning deepened, he was impressed by this unique worldview created by incorporating new interpretations into Western architecture and art.

The more you learn about Taisho Romanticism, the more fascinated you become.
The Taisho era (1912-1926), which lasted only 15 years after the Meiji era (1868-1912), was a time of modernization and a blend of Japanese and Western culture. It was a time of contrasts between light and shadow, with urban glamour, but also social unrest caused by economic stagnation. He felt “a gentle melancholy and a spiritual longing” for the architecture and art that had a somehow somber atmosphere in contrast to the glamor of the era.

The Design of HOTEL ARU KYOTO
The overall design takes in the culture of the past and sublimates it with modern technology and taste in order to create a new space. It is not simply a matter of reviving an old-fashioned atmosphere but also creating a place where people can experience “Taisho Romanticism” in Kyoto, a new purpose to visit the city. He believes that it is a sustainable design that will generate modernism 100 years from now.

Click here for the designer profile
https://www.garde-intl.com/aboutus/?lang=jp

● Introduction of Facilities

The word “ARU” (meaning to exist in Japanese) refers to a hotel that continues to exist in a place beyond time. Sanjo-Kiyamachi Street was once a bustling lumber wholesaler district along the Takase River. Throughout the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho eras, the town was influenced by Western culture, but the universal values and the romanticism rooted in the town have been passed down from generation to generation.

While preserving the history and traditions of this town, the hotel creates new values and culture to weave a better future. Without being bound by a framework, they continuously incorporate new cultures. During this time, unique cultures were born in many fields such as architecture, design, and entertainment, including stonework and brick architecture, Japanese and Western interiors, and culturally, the establishment of the Takarazuka Revue and the popularity of cinema. HOTEL ARU KYOTO was born from the inspiration of a one-of-a-kind era and the architectural style of “Taisho Romance”.

Front desk with a chic and modern interior.

Rooms with pleasant light coming through the stained-glass windows.

The designer’s favorite authentic bar counter made of a single piece of wood. The dim, atmospheric lighting gives the place a “Taisho Romantic” air.

The rooftop overlooks the beautiful scenery of Kyoto and can be enjoyed as a beer garden in summer.

Facility Overview
– Official name：HOTEL ARU KYOTO
– Location: 48 Daikoku-cho, Sanjo-shitaaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8031, Japan
– Use: Hotel (55 rooms, including 1 barrier-free room)
– Scale: 9 stories above ground
– Height: 29.50m
– Structure: Steel-frame construction
– Site Area: 391.44m2
– Building Area：1707.30m2

Scope of work
Concept planning, facade, basic planning, basic design, implementation design, and supervision

Corporate Wellness Practices

Trend

The global pandemic has affected everyone in many ways and has been a fundamental shift in the advancement of Corporate Wellness. For many employees, the health crisis ushered in significant changes to the workplace, with a major shift to remote work, heightening health consciousness as a priority－not just physically but also emotionally and mentally as well.

In response to this shift, companies have given in-depth focus to their employees’ holistic wellbeing through designing and managing wellness initiatives that will boost the productivity output of team members, foster mental and emotional health, improve physical wellbeing, and make them comfort in all areas of life—including work.

Why invest in corporate wellness programs?

As Sarah Kalmeta, Success Coach and head of Pivot Point, shares, “At the end of the day, your business is run by people, and happy people are productive people and productive people are happy people. By taking care of your people, your business will see reduced costs, reduced stress, lower turnover, greater productivity, increased morale, and improved employee and client relationships. Corporate wellness programs are shown to have a positive impact on both the employer and employee.”

How does corporate wellness play a role in the effectiveness of a team/business?

Judy Xu, life coach and owner of Balance Health Hong Kong, shares that wellness programs are an integral part of business and how keeping the employees happy, motivated, and engaged equates to high productivity and overall business performance.

“It used to be the case that working as a team towards a common goal made everyone happy. But nowadays, millennials in particular, have a clear sense of purpose in their work and are aware of how the company can take care of them.

Our approach to corporate wellness is to take a holistic view of our employees’ work lives as well as their lives in general, and by taking care of their mental and physical health, we can align their life purpose with the company’s purpose while increasing their satisfaction and fulfillment at work. As a result, we aim to improve the productivity of our employees and teams and their ability to solve problems.

What kind of corporate wellness programs are currently being executed considering COVID-19?

The five elements theory categorizes everything in nature into wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Thiz Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness program, which includes meridian exercises that help to balance each of these elements, is very effective in boosting the immune system. This self-healing workout is designed to unblock major meridian (energy pathways in the body) and stimulate the circulation of ‘Qi’. Practices such as meridian stretching, acupressure, and meditation with singing bowls, and lead to a healthy body and mind.

Also recommended are interactive, remote workshops that can be practiced at home. These are designed to take care of mental fatigue, strengthen connections within teams, and maintain wellness in the workplace. Breathing techniques, self-awareness, mindset, meditation, and moderate exercise can all help you take control of the mental fatigue one experiences when working from home.

By implementing a situational wellness program, companies can create a healthier work environment for their employees. This allows for maximum performance, high productivity, and minimized economic loss.