01/architecture New World Symphony Orchestra Miami Gehry Partners Initiated by Michael Tilson Thomas and Ted Arison in 1987, the New World Symphony tirelessly trains a comprehensive selection of exceptionally talented musicians to be worldwide leaders in their field. Built in the heart of Miami Beach, New World Center, the New World Symphony s new campus, is an innovative facility for music education and performance with state-of-the-art technical capabilities. The focal point of the symphony s new home is of course, the 756-seat performance hall, surrounded by acoustic panels that double up as projection screens, paving the way for increased collaborations between artists and composers. For the performance hall Poltrona Frau Contract supplied and installed customized Frank Gehry Chairs as well as benches with polished Photography by: Claudia Uribe (left), Jason Okutake (right) aluminum legs and fabric upholstery for the orchestra zone. The auditorium chair was modified in order to be foldable thus helping to remove and collect them from the rows. The chairs are made of fabrics designed by Gehry in the tones of blues with light colored wooden arm and backrests. In addition to the auditorium seating elements PFG Contract has also supplied custom made loose armchairs for the theatre s entrance area as designed by Frank Gehry.
02/design DINNER by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental London Mandarin Oriental and Heston Blumenthal worked with the internationally renowned designer, Adam D. Tihany, to create the restaurant interior. Inspired by Chef Blumenthal s deep interest and knowledge of 15th and 16th century cookery, the design is a contemporary British Brasserie concept; an innovative illustration which influences the senses, yet remains true to British culinary and design traditions. Rich, natural material such as wood, leather and wrought iron historical elements at the root of 16th century British style are utilized in modern ways. In the 120-seat main dining room, floor to ceiling windows provide guests with a full view of the chefs in action in their spectacular kitchen. Guests are ensconced in the comfort of dark chocolate brown leather and smoky grey vintage-inspired velvet seating with plush saffron colored pillows. PFG Contract contributed to the main dining area by providing chairs, signed and numbered by Tihany in wengé tinted solid oak and upholstered in leather. In addition to Photography by: Eric Lagnel the bespoke chairs, a bench system upholstered in velvet in various seating densities has been realized. The private dining room, with capacity to seat 10 people, offers a modern take on the traditional wood beamed ceiling and rust colored leather-clad walls. Cobalt blue fabric adorns the regal dining chairs and an antique oriental rug completes the space. PFG Contract supplied for the private dining area an extendable dining table as well as dining chairs all wengé tinted solid oak.
03/design q&a: emanuele svetti architetto PFG Contract Installation concept at Milano Design Village Q: What was your inspiration for PFG contract stand at SDM 2011 A: Made in Italy, custom made, craftsmanship aspect in various processes as well as characteristics that are distinctive to PF Group have led me to realize this project. Privileged to design the very first stand of PFG Contract at Milano Design Village was another incentive therefore I didn t have to introduce new forms, styles and materials. Instead I performed a careful study of the threedimensional materials. Q: Can you describe more the installation concept A: The Space conceived like a molecule represents the capacity of PFG Contract in its very consolidated form. A black shell symbolizing the unknown future, blazed by the words of the architects that are familiar with the company and the meaning of contract; and to give stability the huge acrylic monolith at the center of the installation indicating the new future. Q: What are the main elements of the installation A: I have already mentioned the thoughts of the architects that have been imprinted on the entire surface of the installation through an innovative method of laser processing on the carpet developed by Photography by:jason Okutake
03/design q&a: emanuele svetti architetto Anker. The central monolith instead is the result of my experience in working acrylic stones combined with the skilled laboratories such as 3MC; but especially in terms of a real innovation what I brought is BETACRYL by BTS, a material designed to disrupt the market for large orders with the wide size range of its plate. All interactive work defining in a highly sophisticated and conceptual way the film of PFG contract via 360 projectors was realized by Tangible. Q: Can you tell us more about your studio s design philosophy A: I have so far no interest in creating works whose purpose would be to published in design magazines, I rather live and love my job thus conquering my audience. I am delighted to develop new cuts, thinking new textures, use of recycled materials, harmonizing color and feel. I rather look out for my buildings to have substance, Photography by: Walter Monti (top left), Jason Okutake (bottom) Rendering by: Svetti Studio
04/life&people PFG Contract & Kvadrat Private Cocktail Poltrona Frau Group Contract and Kvadrat hosted an event together during Milan International Design Week at PF Group s celebrated Fuori Salone also known as Milano Design Village. While guests enjoyed a moment of relaxation in the cocktail atmosphere they experienced the installation called WHAT IS CONTRACT. PFG Contract and Kvadrat brought together architects, designers, influential people of contract sector and developers from across the world. The major success of the event was that design lovers; designers, architects, engineers or hand picked clients from the different countries found a way to exchange ideas on projects, architecture and other innovations. Photography by:jason Okutake