Task 4 -Essay

The Maltese designer that I interviewed is Kurt Vella. From his interest of style Kurt specifies on the Modern style, ''even though the contemporary style is coming into fashion'', he said. 

I was surprised by his answer after asking him if there was anyone that influences his own practice, and he replied ''my work is inspired by the client''. As he finds it very challenging and of an inspiration to contribute what the client wants from his or her habits and needs. After discussing all the needs and wants of the client he works on the distributed responses to create the clients desires. 

One of his most exciting works he mentioned was when he needed to design the offices of the AppleCore Foods. 

Since the requested theme of his client's project was based to be on music he designed the style of the place modern, it's where he included large formatted prints all over the place.

The characteristics adapted on this particular project were; to take good care of great details within costings, the chosen range of the furniture's quality was between low to medium, yet it still has a good sustainability... He said that from all the money he saved from the furniture, he spent them on large inspirational music murals. The ceiling was left raw, leaving the equipment and services shown, sprayed in dark grey. 

He concludes saying: that the colours from the mural and furniture, it created a very fun atmosphere to work in.

The photos shown below represent the project that Kurt Vella has designed. 

#1. 'AppleCore Foods' offices by Kurt Vella, 2013

#2. 'AppleCore Foods' offices by Kurt Vella, 2013

#3. 'AppleCore Foods' offices by Kurt Vella, 2013

#4. 'AppleCore Foods' offices by Kurt Vella, 2013

Observing the space and balance of the interior design and analysing certain elements that are combined with the chosen chairs and lighting colours, with different styles of furniture, floor tiles, use of large glass panels and large music murals, I could understand how the designer has put together the modern/ contemporary style, in addition with the traditional furniture, that reflects the classic European decor.

I am associating the frame work of the white seated chair design of picture no. #4 with the cantilever model of Mart Stem that was designed at the time of the Bauhaus era, where there were two other important designers that have designed other cantilever chairs, like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer.   

This chair was made of out chromium-plated or lacquered metal frame, with seat, back and armrest that are made out of saddle leather. Comparing both models, one could assume that there has been more development on comfort and luxury to the recent cantilever chairs.   

Cantilever armchair by Mart Stem, 1926

I could see and understand that the use of large glass panels were used to avoid the enclosure of the space and yet as an office one can still discuss and talk things in private. The large music murals have become really outstanding with the rest of the surroundings, as it featured the place with its characteristics that are in colour and music instruments included in the murals, they really gave a life to the place. 

Looking at the overall interior design style of what Kurt Vella has designed for a company, this may show that the design is being popularized for its aesthetics and function, on keeping the place clean with simplicity.    

References:

Dwell Candy, 2014. Traditional Interior Design. Dwell Candy. [online] Available at: <http://www.dwellcandy.com/interior-design-styles-2/traditional/> [Accessed 31 May 2016]

Classicdesign.it, 2016. Mart Stam chair. [online] Available at: <http://www.classicdesign.it/productDetails_lng-1-product-43-category-3-Mart%20Stam%20chair%20Chairs.html> [Accessed 31 May 2016]