While Sir Isaac Newton believed that “We build too many walls and not enough bridges,” he wasn’t focused on interior architecture. And, of course, Newton was being metaphorical. Literally, he wasn’t too off mark because, in many ways, bridges are walls, in the sense that they create a physical separation within space, while simultaneously connecting them. Walls separate and unite. They help distinguish one space from another, and in so doing, create two spaces from one (if building a wall up to the ceiling), or one from two, (if one removes the wall). They unite spaces in bridging one to the other, creating an important relationship between adjoining and contiguous areas. Walls can be straight or curved, tall or short, thin or thick. In addition, while we traditionally think of walls made of sheetrock, they can be fabricated out of glass, wood, fabric, metal, stone, light, even trees. There is no limit to the imaginative aspects of a wall. The brilliant thing about them is that they can be functional and beautiful, at the same time. They can evoke mood and feeling, surprise and delight, create an attractive backdrop, or simply be an aesthetic objet d’art unto itself.
The glass wall partitions designed by the French company, Fred & Fred, are one such example. While in France, I had the opportunity of seeing their beautiful work and how they transform the mundane into the sublime. No mere piece of sandblasted glass, their walls were made of different materials and different colors. This is architectural seduction at its best. It leads the viewer to its plane, and then, up close and personal, it becomes a camera obscura. This brilliant design is a bridge to the functional, aesthetic, and intellectual. The beauty of the glass block wall is its ability to transmit light. In this way, it acts as a bridge, a transmitter between wall and light source. The architect Pierre Chareau, whose Maison de Verre in Paris is a masterpiece of wall light, knew the advantages of using the material. Even in a New York City apartment, these walls are extremely effective in creating a light, airy feeling to two adjoining spaces. Cleverly used by the professional, glass block allows the light to be transmitted, while precluding a less attractive view, say an alley, beyond. In place of glass block, sandblasted glass serves a similar purpose. Dan Flavin’s light transforming plaster walls, from sources somewhat disguised, offer a more spiritual perspective. Here, the artist blends art with architecture in creating planes of radiating color. In this respect, Newton and the artist crossed paths in their thinking.
What interesting types of walls have you created in your space? Call me to discuss how to bring imagination to your interior walls, while enhancing the value of your home. For a complimentary article on “How to Maximize the Value of your Home” and the value of the design professional, email me at gegandco@gmail.com. —————————- WORD OF THE DAY: PINSTRIPED – Formal, conventional
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up a pen to write.” William Makepeace Thackeray TRICKS OF THE TRADE: Pocket Doors Pocket doors create magic by disappearing into walls and economizing space. They are also very elegant, when outfitted with beautiful hardware. COMPANY HIGHLIGHT: URBAN-DELTA Upholstery, NYC, Custom Upholstery and Draperies Extraordinare NYC, Where the Bespoke becomes Art in its Perfection!
BON MARCHÉ: DEAL OF THE DAY – Why buy a copy when you can get an Original Le Corbusier for almost the same price? Cassina sells the original at a fantastic price of $16,95. It comes in several colorful finishes, and, what a seminal Classic!
VISIONARY LANDSCAPES: Alexander James, Distil Ennui Studio, Butterfly
OBJET D’ART: ONE OF A KIND - Thomas Fechtner, Wiener Silber Manufactur WIEN
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