现代的东方审美情趣
IN PRAISE OF MODERN CHINESE AESTHETIC
Shanghai, 2020
FF&E
Chinese calligraphy emphasizes “attention to spirit rather than form,” where the subtle spiritual atmosphere flowing from the nuances is its true essence.
Located in the bustling junction of the Bund, the Shanghai Bulgari Residence are crafted by the renowned Italian designer Antonio Citterio. Nestled along the historic Suzhou Creek, once adorned with the fragrance of luxury and frequented by elites, the Bulgari Residence seamlessly blend Italian and Shanghai-style aesthetics, conveying a cultural concept that reflects the growth and transformation of Shanghai. With the client’s steeped in both Eastern and Western cultural backgrounds, Slow Studio was invited to infuse our expertise in Eastern imagery into crafting a vibrant modern residence.
Drawing inspiration from the film “In the Mood for Love,” we sought to imbue the vivid hues depicted in the movie into the soft furnishings design.
The layout of the apartment is open and spacious. The boldly styled living room is the initial focal point, with Cassina’s red Utrecht armchair setting the tone of the space—classic, passionate, and filled with artistic flair. Its distinctive angular armrests echo the patterns on the carpet, with the Fret series from Tai Ping Carpets drawing inspiration from decorative elements in traditional Chinese architecture. The interlocking patterns of the carpet serve as the prelude to the Oriental charm that permeates the entire apartment.
The coffee table, designed by the influential Isamu Noguchi, bears the influences of both Eastern and Western cultures. The sleek lines of its black legs evoke the strokes of Chinese calligraphy, refined and vigorous.
Central to the room is the Francis sofa from Flexform, with its gentle curves and unique aquamarine hue, soothing the overall atmosphere. Adorning the back wall is an ink painting of a pine tree, with branches reaching upwards and blank space below. While employing a modern expression, the painting retains the noble and independent spirit of the pine tree, serving as the spiritual core of the space.
In the open kitchen area, an artwork of cranes from the Italian brand SICIS echoes the theme. Pines and cranes often appear together in traditional Chinese paintings, symbolizing nobility and auspiciousness. Here, we orchestrates a dialogue between the two artworks, conveying a modern Eastern aesthetic sensibility. It’s akin to a whispered message, decipherable only by those attuned to its deeper meaning.
The dining room features the Saarinen dining table from Knoll, paired with Gio Ponti’s Superleggera chair and Hans Wegner’s Wishbone chair. Wegner’s design itself draws inspiration from Ming Dynasty round-backed chairs, while the streamlined lines and materials of the entire furniture set seamlessly integrate modernity into the overall space’s style.
The master bedroom exudes a soft and elegant tone, inspired by the beauty of flourishing flowers with the Tai Ping Flourish series carpet. Paired with B&B Italia’s rounded Amphora bedside table and Minotti’s gentle Curtis bed, it establishes a palette of beige and olive tones in the space. Coupled with Carl Hansen & Son’s lounge chair and Eileen Grey’s floor lamp, they collectively create an atmosphere of elegant leisure.
The final presentation of the apartment owes much to the homeowner’s approval of the initial design proposal. Her reluctance to disrupt the harmonious arrangement of soft furnishings allowed for the complete interpretation of the modern Eastern aesthetic in the space.
Project Bvlgari Resendence
Area 144m²
Architect Slow Studio
Lead Designer Vincent GU, Chen JIN
Design Team Huang Xiyu
Service Provided FF&E
Photographer Zhu Hai
