TIME LINE

Friday, December 21, 2012

The Thief Oslo

For the Tjuvholmen project, world-famous architect Niels Torp brought together a group of his most forward-thinking contemporaries. Contributors to the neighborhood include acclaimed Norwegian architects as well as international stars such as Renzo Piano, whose brand-new Astrup Fearnley Museum of Art as the crown jewel of what’s already been christened Oslo’s “Arts District.” Designed by the prizewinning Mellbye Architekter AS, The Thief fits right into its cutting-edge environment. Located at the edge of the peninsula, the sustainably-constructed building is almost entirely surrounded by water – it’s even possible to arrive by boat during the summer months from Oslo’s city center. 

The hotel features 120 rooms, all with French balconies and state-of-the-art amenities, as well as six Junior Suites. For true art and luxury lovers, there's ‘The Oslo Suite’, a penthouse with incredible views both inside and out, pop art in tribute to English living legend Sir Peter Blake, and a 360-degree panoramic view from its own rooftop terrace. The Thief provides travelers with world-class comfort, with its six state-of-the-art meeting rooms, as well as a cozy wine & champagne bar with a stunning waterfront vistas. 

The hotel is located right next door to Scandinavia’s most exciting new art museum, but the interior of The Thief is practically a museum in its own right. Alongside furniture from established designers such as Tom Dixon and Boca do Lobo, guests will find new, inspiring pieces from Norwegian up-and-comers such as Magnus Pettersen and Anne Haavind, selected yearly as part of The Thief’s collaboration with DogA (the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture). Resulting from that collaboration, “The List of The Thief” already established itself as an important institution and showcase for young, talented Norwegian designers. 

In each room, the design is complemented by carefully chosen artwork; curator Sune Nordgren heads the hotel’s art concept, in collaboration with the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Current featured artists include Sir Peter Blake, Magne Furuholmen and Camilla Low, with many more local and international artists to come. 

It’s a feast for the eyes, to be certain, but other senses are not neglected. The hotel’s brasserie serves expertly prepared cuisine centered on local, seasonal food – imagine fish caught just kilometers away, served with market produce – with much of the menu available for round-the-clock room service. Meanwhile, opening in 2014, a 750sqm spa and wellness center will offer visitors a swimming pool, training facilities and countless opportunities for relaxation.






















Monday, July 23, 2012

Takashi Sugimoto.

Takashi Sugimoto is the founder and principal of Tokyo-based Super Potato, often noted as Japan’s first commercial interior design firm. Thoughtful about the design of each of project, Sugimoto carefully considers the creation of every environment and the communication that will flow within it, as well as the incorporation of natural elements. Super Potato clients include commercial, retail, and hospitality.


Super Potato Design is the first full-length book to present the built work and conceptual ideas of the internationally renowned Japanese design firm Super Potato, founded by Takashi Sugimoto. Super Potato's powerful designs for the interiors of restaurants, shops and hotels, as well as Takashi Sugimoto's designs for tea ceremony spaces and utensils, are richly complex compositions of materials which create simple, strong spaces. By finding contemporary expression for important concepts present in traditional Japan and combining materials in unexpected ways to create exciting spaces, Super Potato's work has had a significant impact on interior design in Japan and around the world.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Reethi Rah Resort in Maldives

Located on North Malé’ atoll, in the constantly-fascinating Maldives, Reethi Rah five-star resort developed by One&Only, awaits guests with great services and an array of activities, making each holiday here memorable. According to the official resort description, “One&Only Reethi Rah is home to 130 private villas discreetly placed along the shore – with 98 Beach Villas secluded by lush tropical greenery, and 32 Water Villas set above the clear, protected waters of the lagoon. Amongst the largest resort villas in the world, each is detached, expansive and equally luxurious. Designed with a contemporary elegance, their stylish feel is combined with a diverse Asian influence, blending clean lines with the skillful use of natural materials such as coconut shell, sea grass, silk, rattan, teak, mahogany, terrazzo and thatch. Generous exterior spaces range from beach verandas to private swimming pools and large over-water decks“.

Jean-Michel Gathy, the visionary behind Denniston International Architects, crafted the architectural masterpiece that is Reethi Rah. His signature style, a harmonious blend of elegance, island charm, and class, permeates every structure. Gathy's masterful use of stringent geometry and gentle light creates a captivating interplay between modern lines and the natural world, fostering a sense of serenity. The resort's design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding Maldivian landscape, echoing the lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters in its every form.

Stepping inside the Reethi Rah Resort, guests are transported to a world of contemporary and sleek sophistication, where tropical luxury takes center stage. The spacious villas, designed with an emphasis on natural materials like wood, stone, and glass, exude a warmth that invites relaxation. Oversized windows and doors become portals to breathtaking views, seamlessly merging the interior with the mesmerizing Maldivian scenery. The resort's curated art collection, showcasing the works of local artists, adds a touch of cultural richness and reflects the vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people.

Amidst the idyllic setting of Reethi Rah, a chance encounter sparks an unforgettable romance between two souls seeking solace and adventure. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of stunning sunsets, candlelit dinners on the beach, and shared experiences in the resort's luxurious spa. A seemingly idyllic vacation turns into a thrilling mystery when a guest discovers a hidden cave on the island, leading to the unraveling of an ancient Maldivian secret. As they delve deeper, they must navigate hidden passages, decipher cryptic clues, and confront unexpected dangers, all while uncovering a piece of the island's forgotten past. A couple, facing the challenges of time and circumstance, arrives at Reethi Rah seeking to rekindle the spark in their relationship. Through intimate moments in the resort's secluded settings, engaging in enriching wellness experiences, and rediscovering the joy of shared adventures, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional reconnection. A young marine biologist, passionate about preserving the delicate coral reefs, arrives at Reethi Rah to conduct vital research. As she delves into the underwater world, she encounters the breathtaking beauty of the marine ecosystem and faces the challenges of protecting it. Her journey becomes a poignant story about the delicate balance between human impact and the natural world's resilience. A group of lifelong friends gather at Reethi Rah to celebrate a special occasion, marking a significant milestone in their lives. As they share stories, laughter, and unforgettable experiences in the resort's opulent setting, they forge a deeper connection and create memories that will forever bind them together.