DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Alon Credit Ed Simon
installation which undulates upwards through the central atrium of Solaire North. My vision was for a semi-transparent, flowing form that would transform under lighting at night. After an international search I found US glass sculptor, Nikolas Weinstein, and we worked together to turn my concept into something extraordinary: the‘ Wow’ moment, the embodiment of the spirit of innovation and artistry that defines Solaire North and an expression of the overall design narrative as an urban oasis. Significantly, the sculpture also encourages guests to look up and then explore the levels that they glimpse from below.
The broader collection of works at Solaire was curated with art consultancy Tarzeer Pictures. Together, we identified where and what art would complement interior scale, wall finishes and the individual ambience of each space from the informal to the sophisticated and, even, the fantastical. The result is a richly layered collection that includes paintings, printmaking, photography and textiles, all exploring the Philippines’, past, present and future.
Q: How important is sourcing local or culturally specific art in your projects?
SD: It’ s essential. Guests today want more than visual appeal; they want meaning and a sense of place. Local art brings authenticity. It roots the
Mangrove Credit Tom Epperson
space in its geography and culture; it tells you where you are without needing to spell it out.
At Solaire North, we celebrated Filipino identity at every level. Mangrove that spoke of the importance of the mangrove forests near Manila which are now at risk,‘ Alon’( meaning wave in Filipino) which is an 11-meter metallic installation by Filipino artist, Bea Valdes, that captures the essence and rhythm of the nearby ocean and hundreds of pieces from basket weavers to textile makers, painters and potters, often emerging talent that had never had such a platform to showcase their work.
For Samantha Drummond, art is not an accessory: it’ s a design principle.
From grand installations to finely crafted local pieces, her work shows how thoughtful integration of art can transform interiors into cultural touchstones and experiential destinations.
Sky Bar Credit Tom Epperson www. habitusdesigngroup. com
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