We continue the special project “Real Estate with Olga Shafieva”, which started in early February 2020 on the international portal BERLOGOS. The project is supported by the agency of effective marketing “Brand Capitalization Studio”.
Olga is a partner relations manager, Premium and Business Class real estate expert at the "Orientir" Real Estate agency, coordinator at the Elite Real Estate Gallery.
Today is not an ordinary continuation of our project. In the process of its development, Olga Shafieva visited the Barkli Gallery Deluxe Moscow house, the lobby of which was decorated by the Dutchman Marcel Vanders, whom Olga met in Milan at one of the world-famous design exhibitions.
Olga, with the participation of the project expert group, prepared and sent questions to the "Marcel Wanders bureau" creative directors Marcel Wanders and Gabriele Chiave.
Today, as we promised, we are publishing the full text of their answers.
Marcel Wanders: «Designing the interior of an iconic space such as the Barkli Gallery has a meaning for me»
The interview with Marcel Wanders and Gabriele Chiave, designers and creative directors of Marcel Wanders Bureau.
– Barkli Gallery was inspired by the work of Russian artist of the late XIX-early XX cc. Leon Bakst, who was a member of the organisation ‘The World of Art’ (Mir Iskusstva). The members of this organisation, in turn, especially revered the composers Tchaikovsky and Wagner. Which musical compositions (or authors) of Russian classical music inspired you to create Barkli Gallery’s interiors? (we have information that it was Russian classical music that became a powerful creative impulse for this project).
Gabriele Chiave: I think when we consider the project as a whole; there are many things that influence our concepts and design. Because the Barkli Gallery exists as a way to preserve a sense of history that can be traced back to the famed Ballet Russes and Leon Bakst was so closely connected to these cultural icons, what we’ve done is reimagined this space to present a contemporary twist on the historic heritage of Moscow. Much of that heritage certainly finds its roots in the Russian classical music composed by Tchaikovsky. In many ways, the rich art history of Russia – including music, paintings and theater – are all tied together.
– In one of the interviews you likened interior design to composing an opera, and personalized design was compared with the fugues of J.S.Bach. There is a well-known saying, in various forms, belonging to several authors – F.W.J.Shelling, Goethe, Madame de Stael – ‘architecture is frozen music’, but you compare design and music. How do you see the connection between music and design, what do they have in common and why?
Marcel Wanders: Design, especially interior design, is very much like music. It is the art of creating an ensemble where in each piece plays its own part in its own way. But through materials and spatial orientation they become harmonious. Much like a maestro or conductor of the symphony, the designer is the choreographer of beauty and meaning. Using a collection of colours, textures, shapes and arrangements in accord with each other, we envision the pieces working together. In every design there are high notes, the bold objects and surfaces and also low notes, the background colours and materials that support everything else.
– Do you find the art synthesis necessary today? In your opinion, how and in what does it appear? If possible, please show this by the example of Barkli Gallery, the residential complex located near the key cultural and historic sights of Moscow, inside there are libraries, art pieces and so on.
Gabriele Chiave: I do believe that the art synthesis is relevant and necessary. With the definition of art being so very different from generation to generation I feel that it is important to assemble various forms or art powerfully into one place. This give people the chance to interpret art for them; celebrating the contemporary while still revering the classics.
- Once you commented that ‘'Design is the international language. It's what binds cultures and it's the most subtle way to create change in cultures. It's a political act’. There is an interesting cross-cultural phenomenon in Barkli Gallery: it’s your first project in Russia inspired by Russian artist who was impressed by the work of Dutch artists: Rembrandt, Rubens and Alma-Tadema (the British artist of Dutch descent). When you were working on Barkli Gallery’s interiors, were you acquainted with the work of Leon Bakst? How congenial (like-minded) he seems to you?
Marcel Wanders: Yes, we were very aware of Leon Bakst and the role he played in the cultural heritage of Russia. As a Russian painter and scene and costume designer, he brought much inspiration to our design. Thus, the creativity and genius of Bakst is reflected in the style and imagery of the Barkli Gallery. It is why you will find that the interior design is accented by many precious materials including a leaded glass entrance, wooden wall panelling, textile tapestry and draping and brass.
- You say that you’re interested in developing things that surprise, excite people and make them alive. By the way, Bakst adhered to a similar approach, as he used to say: ‘the thing needs to cause the audience involuntarily exclaim ‘oh!’ By its surprise’. How to create a design capable to amaze? Should it be based on paradoxes or cause slight cognitive dissonance?
Marcel Wanders: Our purpose is to always surprise and delight. For design to be good, to be worth anything, it must mean something. It has to create a meaningful connection to people. It has to stir something within someone, surprise them, move them, and stop them in their tracks. I don’t think it has to be specifically based upon a paradox or juxtaposition every time, but it does have to fit the space and moment in time. In the right time and place, design can startle the soul and create a lasting impact that gives people a sense that they are somehow better for having seen it. When people experience it and discover something new within themselves we’ve done our job well.
- You consider the lobby is the most important area. Do a lobby in a hotel and a lobby in a residential complex differ in this regard? Or was the lobby in Barkli Gallery created by the same principle as in hospitality segment?
Gabriele Chiave: I believe all areas to be important, but yes, the lobby is the first impression we never get a second chance to make. Lobbies are often larger spaces to make your grand entrance and where to see and be seen. However it is also the place we like to design around the concept of welcoming people and creating a celebration of friendship – where people gather together to connect. This is why in many lobbies we use bells, they are a symbol that unite people and underline togetherness.
- The public interiors you created in the Barkli Gallery Moscow were furnished with items by MOOOI, and lightening was by La Soleil (Baccarat) chandelier. How did you choose the perfect pieces of furniture and décor to these interiors? Was something specifically created for this project?
Gabriele Chiave: Along with oversized artwork, without question, the Le Roi Soleil chandelier is indeed the highlight of this interior. However, other areas were thoughtfully designed as we considered specific pieces and where they fit into the flow of the experience. The areas designed were the lobby, elevator cabins and corridors. Utilizing a warm, light grey colour palette and soft carpets, carved wood and marbles, we were able to express a bright and sophisticated, yet soft and intimate style throughout.
- In one of the interviews in 2017 you admitted that Barkli Gallery was your favorite project at that moment. It’s clear that for these years there are more, but what place does this project take in your practice today? Does it mean something special for you?
Marcel Wanders: Designing the interior of an iconic space such as the Barkli Gallery has a meaning for me that is rooted deeper than design itself. I say this because while having the opportunity to design within the pre-existing architecture that finds its origins at the start of the twentieth century, the project was based in an effort to preserve a sense of history. When we talk about design connecting with people that is a special thing. But to be able to design something that closes the gap between eras and traditions long gone and the values and attitudes of today – that is priceless.
– Are you planning to take part in any new project in Russia?
Gabriele Chiave: Not at the moment, but we would be delighted to be a part of any project based in one of the world’s richest centres of culture and art.
The agency of effective marketing “Brand Capitalization Studio” asked Olga Shafieva to answer several questions in the continuation of the dialogue with Marcel Wanders and Gabriele Chiave.
- Olga, what do you personally like most about the work of Marcel Wanders?
- Marcel Wanders is one of the outstanding, legendary designers of our time. Creating a design, he prefers not only to work with the form and function of the object, but also with cultural codes, rethinking traditions and history. Actually, it is history that is the key intersection of such a cult object as the Barkli Gallery and Wanders' artistic creed, passionate about history and advocating respect for it, traditions and culture. Therefore, the result was so impressive
- What impressed you about the Barkli Gallery?
- I will not be original: by what is already widely known. The colossal advantages of this truly elite property in the capital's center. This is the proximity of the Tretyakov Gallery, as well as other historical and cultural attractions of the capital. And the preserved historical façade built in the early 20th century.
Of course, there are magnificent interiors inspired by, again, the art of the early 20th century, mainly, the work of Leon Bakst, an artist and stage designer, a member of "The World of Art".
Art is the core that is so important in our turbulent time. It helps us all to understand the past and take care of the present, anticipating the future.
- Has your conversation with Marcel in Milan left vivid memories, except for the photo of the two of you together?
- First of all, in a good way I was surprised by his democracy, openness. The absence of those moments, which, unfortunately, often characterize the domestic "celebrities".
But Marcel doesn’t have them. By the way, the fact of prompt answers to our questions with Tatyana Viana de Barros also eloquently confirms my observation. And then in Milan, and now in a remote dialogue (and now most of the dialogs are remote for obvious reasons) Wanders is exclusive, really great, but at the same time open to communication. Alive. Natural. Smart and subtle.
– Do you agree with the opinion that his mission is to create an atmosphere of love, live with passion and make dreams come true?
- It is said well and accurately! And he himself repeatedly emphasized that design should provoke, excite and surprise and the designer should be honest with himself.
Being honest with yourself is always very important and right!
- What principles applying by Marcel Wanders are especially close to you as a person, as a specialist in eternal values, since elite real estate can objectively be attributed to this category?
- I am impressed that Marcel returns poetry, respect for the past, humanity, imagination and individuality to the modern industrial world.
All this is fully manifested in the Russian project of Wanders – Barkli Gallery. And as an external observer, and as a specialist in the field of elite real estate, I felt with bated breath this poetry and respect for the past. This frozen music of the present moment and true, very great talent. A talent who wants to express maximum respect and sincere appreciation.
Drawing parallels with the atmosphere of the famous Diaghilev ballet entreprise, looking at the Barkli Gallery, I want to stun the surrounding area with thunderous applause and exclaim loudly: “Bravo !!!”