Spanish modernism is finding a new global platform, at the Tribeca Grand Hotel’s new lounge bar. Unveiling during the week of May 13th, SALON will showcase the work of 16 leading Spanish furniture, lighting and rug manufacturers, as part of a new permanent installation conceived by Surface Magazine, designed by European Designer Winka Dubbeldam, and supported by the Trade Commission of Spain and RED association.
While Mies Van Der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, and works by Antoni Gaudi, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso represent some of the most celebrated contributions to Spain’s rich cultural heritage, scores of Spanish designers today are plying the modern idiom, yet their story remains to be told. SALON aims to give a voice and stage to the best of Spanish contemporary architecture and design.
Koo International
“For the large part, Spanish design has remained ‘under the radar’ historically speaking,” says Surface Publisher, Richard Klein. “Our vision for SALON is to tell the story of these creative individuals and companies, who don’t usually have the level of exposure stateside, that say Italian design does. The result is a permanent, three-dimensional environment, that will bring their work to life.”
Arturo Álvarez
Nani Marquina
Lladró
A selection of works by leading Spanish designers and manufacturers will be showcased at SALON, including BD Barcelona Design furnishings, Lladró sculptural vases and lighting, Nani Marquina rugs and more. New York City-based Winka Dubbeldam and her office Archi-Tectonics created an environment inspired by the works of Spain’s most lauded Surrealist artists, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Caballero.
From an interiors standpoint, the goal was to create a space that would transform from a light-filled environment, ideal for daytime meetings, into a nighttime venue for social gatherings in the evening. Creating an air of mystique and allure was key to the design strategy developed by Dubbeldam.
“My approach was to create an environment that speaks to Spanish modern design, drawing from the country’s deep-rooted history,” says Winka Dubbeldam. “With the generous support of Spanish designers and manufacturers, we assembled an eclectic mix of furnishings, presented in one cohesive exhibit-like space, while making it work as a lounge environment for the Tribeca Grand hotel.”
Lzf Lamps
Sancal
The 1,200 square-foot space, featuring a lounge area and separate bar area, reflects the rich cultural influences of Spain and its famous artists. A palette of dark colors, including purples, olive, green, matte black, gold and low sheen metals play off each other to create mood and drama. By day, the colors and textures are more apparent, where as by night, the lighting shifts the space and infuses it with more seduction and dynamism.
A pair of Dalí’s lip sofas by BD Barcelona Design, anchor the main seating lounge area, giving a nod to one of Spain’s most celebrated artists. Patterned wallpaper by Tres Tintas adorn the walls, while BD Barcelona’s bar and Dalí gold candelabras are highlights of the bar area. The existing dark wood floor acts as a canvas to the dramatic “Folk” and “Roses” rugs supplied by Nani Marquina.
Viccarbe
“SALON is part of an ongoing commitment by the Trade Commission of Spain to promote the heritage and culture of Spain,” says Mr. Javier Sansa, Senior Trade Commissioner of the Trade Commission of Spain in New York.
“Art and design are important exports of our country. The new lounge bar at the Tribeca Grand hotel is an original concept in achieving this goal, in a way that is inventive and authentic,” says Nani Marquina, President of RED, the Spanish association of design companies.
SALON is located at The Tribeca Grand Hotel, 2 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10013-2401.
