Latest news with #AntonioCitterio
Korea Herald
12 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
We don't need more obejcts, just better ones: Antonio Citterio
Italian designer and architect shares his philosophy working for high-end furniture company Flexform, which launched its Seoul flagship store in May Behind companies that manage to build a legacy and maintain the quality of their products, there are often people carving out the company's identity and helping to write its history. For Italian luxury furniture company Flexform, designer and architect Antonio Citterio is one such person. Flexform was founded in 1959 by the Galimberti brothers in northern Italy, and is renowned for its high-end sofas, armchairs, tables and beds. Last month, the company launched its brand in Seoul with the Infini Cheongdam flagship store, one of a series of flagship stores opening around the world. 'Flexform's uniqueness lies in its quiet consistency. In more than four decades of collaboration, we have developed a shared language based on measured elegance, comfort and timelessness. It is a company that does not follow trends,' Citterio said in a recent interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul. The brand's signature sofas, such as Groundpiece, Soft Dream, Perry, Gregory, Asolo and Camelot, have been around for decades, and were created out of the designer's observations of people — the way they live, sit, rest and gather. 'Groundpiece, for instance, was born from observing the everyday: how a sofa isn't just for sitting, but for reading, relaxing, even working. I rethought proportions, making it lower and deeper, and introduced more informal elements,' the designer said. Since its launch in 2001, Groundpiece has become one of the most sought-after sofas by the company. Gregory, a sofa that features leather straps, is an example of visual expression of craftsmanship and quality, 'balancing between technical precision with material sensitivity,' Citterio said. 'It is never about decoration; it is about making each component meaningful. In all these projects, the goal is the same: clarity, comfort and design that stays relevant over time,' he said. The designer noted South Korea's growing appreciation for fine art and high-quality design aligns naturally with Flexform's values. 'South Korea is an extraordinary cultural landscape: design-aware and deeply connected to both tradition and innovation,' he said. 'Flexform speaks a language of restraint, continuity and subtle luxury, and I believe that resonates with the Korean sensitivity to beauty, calm and authenticity in the domestic space.' His design practice traverses different fields. An architecture graduate of Polytechnic University of Milan, he is a co-founder of ACPV Architects and was a professor of architectural design at the Mendrisio Academy of Architecture in Switzerland. In fact, the design fields he bridges share a common aim — to improve the way people live through intelligent and coherent design, according to the architect. 'In Italy, there has never been a strict separation between architecture, interior and product design. They are different scales of the same conceptual process. 'When I design a chair or a sofa, I don't isolate it from its surroundings. I think about the space it lives in, the gestures of the people who use it, and how light, proportions and relationships shape the experience,' he said. In a world flooded with designs sporting loud aesthetics and where people can easily obtain objects or furniture with a single click, Citterio's designs stay grounded by his philosophy: clarity, durability and timelessness. 'I have always thought that creativity must exist inside the industrial process, not outside of it — that is where true innovation happens. When each component of an object has meaning, structural, functional and aesthetic, the result is not just elegant, it is durable,' he said. 'I believe the world does not need more objects. It needs better ones. Better means designed with care, with awareness of how people live, and with the intention to last. I would like to be remembered for creating work that endures not through recognition or style, but through coherence,' said Citterio.
Tatler Asia
12-05-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
How Riant Capital's Aaron Chan is set on redefining hospitality in Taiwan and beyond
Above Slated to open in 2028, Capella Kenting offers sweeping views of the azure sea and spectacular sunsets ACPV Architects, known for their work on Bulgari Hotels across the world, designed the 65-villa Capella Kenting. Helmed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, the firm is also designing another project for Chan—The Sky Taipei. Already built and opening at the end of the year, the newcomer to Taipei's skyline is now Taiwan's second tallest building after the iconic Taipei 101, just steps away. It offers two new hotels—Park Hyatt Taipei and Andaz Taipei. ACPV Architects designed the former, and Neri&Hu Design and Research Office the latter, while André Fu—of Hong Kong's The Upper House fame—is designing an exclusive urban clubhouse. Above The breathtaking arrival procession at Capella Kenting 'Some say it looks like a lipstick; others say it's like a bamboo shoot,' muses Chan. He is glad, for the nicknames mean the shimmery jade edifice eschews the sterile office tower look. 'I wanted to build a landmark that cannot be replaced by your computer in 10 years' time, hence we decided to create a lifestyle-driven product; everything in the tower, you have to come here to experience it,' says Chan of the programming, which excludes offices and includes a theatre. Above A bird's-eye view of The Sky Taipei, a shimmering jade tower that redefines urban hospitality with two luxury hotels, lifestyle amenities, and a landmark presence in the city skyline Above Aaron Chan, founder, chairman and managing director of Riant Capital The two hotels are set to rejuvenate Taipei's luxury hotel scene, which has not seen any exciting new properties for a while. They join upcoming properties like Capella Taipei (not by Riant Capital) and Four Seasons Hotel Taipei. Chan is not worried about the competition. Rather, he welcomes it. 'I think these properties together will bring the overall standard up and put Taipei back on the destination map,' he says, citing Bangkok as an example of a city whose design and glamour quotient spiked when Capella and Four Seasons made their entry. In case you missed it: How Porsche Design Tower Bangkok is designed to be the ultimate collector's item for car enthusiasts Photo 1 of 2 The architecturally stunning entrance of the Andaz Taipei Photo 2 of 2 The handsome Standard Room at Andaz Taipei Having worked in real estate across the world for decades, Chan should know. His understanding of the market is acute, as is his awareness of prevailing international hotel and real estate trends. Born in Taichung, Chan's family migrated to Canada after he completed elementary school. He ended up on Wall Street after university, working for Citi Property Investors and eventually heading its North Asia department. Chan established Riant Capital in his home country after realising the dearth of international real estate management companies there; risk-averse insurance companies own most of the important real estate. 'Almost every building we see here could use some improvement or a different concept to increase income,' observes the self-professed lover of travel and the hotel life. Photo 1 of 3 The monumental scale of Park Hyatt Taipei's lobby backdrop creates a majestic arrival Photo 2 of 3 Park Hyatt Taipei's Presidential Suite includes a private bar and dining room—spacious enough to host a full cabinet meeting, and a reflection of the hotel's elevated approach to urban hospitality Photo 3 of 3 The bathroom at the Presidential Suite at Park Hyatt Taipei He elaborates, 'Hotels are my passion point. When I travelled to different countries as a banker, I always enjoyed my hospitality experiences. I think investing in hotels is very different from other property types because even with the same building, you can offer different types of services and brands.' Riant Capital's portfolio comprises only hotels. An early project was Episode Hsinchu, JdV by Hyatt, which opened in 2022. The brand conceived by Chan offers a streamlined yet elevated four-star experience through the tagline "less but better". Hence, there is no minibar, but guests receive a complimentary happy hour at the hotel's socially attuned lounge. There is a check-in kiosk, but a receptionist is also on hand to offer tips on where to eat or go. Above The Episode Hsinchu hotel's Studio Suite Above The Loft Suite of Episode Hsinchu hotel Above The Sode Bar at Episode Hsinchu hotel reflects a new era of hospitality—social, design-led, and attuned to the needs of modern independent travellers Episode embodies Chan's belief in how small but purposeful changes can address shifts in the hospitality industry, and the needs of modern, independent travellers who can do without a doorman but appreciate the Malin + Goetz amenities and better-quality hairdryers in the guest rooms. 'We want Episode everywhere,' says Chan on expanding even outside of Taiwan. 'We find this product works very well for markets like Vancouver, Hong Kong and Japan's second-tier cities such as Fukuoka.' The second property, Episode Daan Taipei, JdV by Hyatt, opened in May 2024. Both are existing hotels renovated to a neighbourhood-centric theme. Above The stunning vinyl wall at Episode Daan Taipei hotel reflects a layered approach to hospitality On the other hand, luxury properties will be rarer. 'You have to find the right site, the right brand, and so on. I don't know when is the next time I can get a plot like the one for The Sky Taipei or when I can step out on a piece of land, see the ocean and think 'Oh my, this is it,'' smiles Chan. His affection—for hospitality and for Taiwan—is palpable. How this will play out in the near future will be one to watch. Photo 1 of 3 The glamorous entrance of Episode Daan Taipei hotel Photo 2 of 3 The Social by LayLow at Episode Daan Taipei hotel redefines neighbourhood hospitality with a laid-back, design-conscious atmosphere Photo 3 of 3 The 1 King Bed room at Episode Daan Taipei featuring the view of Taipei 101
Trade Arabia
23-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Axor hosts exclusive event for Russian architects in Dubai
Axor, a forward-thinking brand from German sanitary group Hansgrohe, recently hosted an exclusive event, for the Russian speaking architects and designers at Alici Dubai, Bluewaters. The 'From Schiltach with Love' evening highlighted Axor's wide-ranging collections, including the stunning Axor Citterio C, reinforcing the brand's dedication to design excellence in the Middle East. The event brought together 60 leading designers and architects evening celebrating Axor's dedication to design excellence and individualisation, said Axor in a statement. Guests had an opportunity to experience the Axor Bathtub Suite, featuring a brushed finish shelf and the floor-standing Axor Citterio C bathtub mixer—a seamless fusion of sophistication and functionality. They also explored a curated selection of Axor's most iconic faucets, including Axor Citterio C, Axor Edge, Axor One, and Axor MyEdition, each exemplifying the brand's unwavering commitment to bespoke luxury, it stated. Andreas Wolf, Director of Sales CIS, Middle East and Africa at Hansgrohe Group, said: "At Axor, we are dedicated to fostering strong relationships with the design community, and the 'From Schiltach with Love' event provided a unique opportunity to connect with the Russian-speaking talents shaping the future of luxury interiors in the region." "This event highlighted Axor's commitment to timeless craftsmanship and innovation and reinforced our vision of individualization in design. We look forward to continuing these meaningful conversations and inspiring new perspectives in the industry," he added. Building on this immersive experience, the event's presentation explored Axor's latest innovations and collaborations with some of the world's most renowned designers, including Antonio Citterio, Philippe Starck, Barber Osgerby, Jean-Marie Massaud, Patricia Urquiola, nendo, Phoenix Design, and Front. It highlighted how each designer brings a distinctive vision, shaping collections that go beyond functionality to become true statements of luxury, said Axor in a statement. The discussion also reinforced Axor's deep connection to individualization, showcasing how its designs empower personal expression and unique interpretations of luxury, it added.
