Industrial Revolution – Cristina Rodriguez

When she first saw this old, derelict textile factory in the centre of Barcelona, interior designer Cristina Rodriguez wasn’t even fazed – she knew that eventually it would be her home, and how right she was…

This was once a buzzing, thriving factory where people came to work day after day to produce fabrics and textiles. The huge space could have been daunting but, instead of feeling negative about it, Cristina plunged into a whirl of ideas and thoughts about how to make this vast area into various living zones without adding partitions or walls.

When she first designed it she was very particular that it should be a continuous space. The bedroom for example, is cleverly concealed behind the chimney and is only cut off from the living area by heavy curtains. Cristina has deliberately kept as many of the original features as possible like the brick walls and columns and where she has had to replace things she has tried to keep everything as authentic as possible. The wooden floor is made up from old railway sleepers and the windows, although brand new, are based on the old wooden ones but with an enamel covering.

Everything is based on industrial design. The sunken bath is made of polished concrete and is reminiscent of a Moorish bathhouse where Cristina and her family can relax as well as bathe. The fact that the whole house has no vivid colours and is very neutral means that you can walk from area to area and continuously feel at one. ‘I wanted to make this one large space that we could live in together, eat, sleep, bathe and work. It is very important that everything blends into one so I couldn’t have lots of colour otherwise it just would never have worked as it does. I love the tranquillity – the negative colours work here perfectly and it isn’t necessary to break it up.’

The L-shaped floor plan has two areas – the private one that is the main sitting area, bed and bathroom plus a guest room and then there is the kitchen, dining room and chill out space. Where Cristina has been particularly clever is in her design of the furniture. Often in such large spaces the furniture is totally out of proportion, but everything here is definitely on the large side and the scale of the high settees, huge lampshades and fabulous Indonesian kitchen chairs work really well.

Particularly fun are the swing and vast steel interlocking rings that are not just eye catching but are Cristina’s personal touch. ‘It’s rather like having a signature, I just wanted to make everyone smile when they walked in!’ Everything is very geometric – the straight lines of the furniture, the way the kitchen and dining room tables are aligned but Cristina likes it that way ‘It gives expression to everything and a sort of silent elegance.’

After being in the apartment for a while you do unwind – you feel that the furniture doesn’t invade your space – there is room to breathe and certainly on a stiflingly hot day in the middle of summer it must be a lifesaver to retreat back to this cool, calm scene.

Cristina Rodriguez-L’Atelier.
cristinarodriguez.com.es T: +34 93 200 14 56.

Photos ©2004 Ken Sparkes Words: Lynda Clark.
First published in SPACES issue 07 ©2004 Polygon Publishing Ltd

Ministero del Gusto

Hidden behind an unremarkable wooden door in the heart of Marrakech's Medina lies the remarkable calling card of Italian design duo Fabrizio Bizarri and Alessandra Lippini.

Mention their names among the growing number of foreigners who are making Marrakech their home, and they will inevitably be greeted with nods of recognition and smiles of friendship. For the Europeans who have settled in Marrakech are a close-knit bunch, united by shared appreciation of the Moroccan way of life. In their ten years in Morocco, the two designers have become regular fixtures of the Medina. But, if the locals have grown accustomed to Fabrizio and Alessandra, you cannot help but wonder what they would make of their creation; the Ministero del Gusto.

Hidden in the exuberant bustle, the Ministero del Gusto is to be found in a small alley hidden behind a near invisible opening by one of the main arteries of the Medina. But, as soon as you step inside, there is no mistaking that this is something altogether different. The Ministero is not so much a home as a showcase for their design talents, it is an indication to potential clients of just what a unique space Fabrizio and Alessandra could create for them.

The first thing that strikes you is the incredible open courtyard in the centre of the building, where the sun shines down through the small opening in the roof, to cast the most wonderful and changing light upon the water beneath and the rough textured orange walls. Long wooden poles are suspended over the clear blue water and serve as a focal point, a centre of attention in this fantastic space. But, like any truly successful design, the real wonder of the Ministero is not solely visual. It is in its ability to captivate all of your senses and to affect your state of mind. The space is cool and calming, an escape from the Moroccan sun, but the infusion of light from above and the rich orange walls lift the spirits and remind you of just what a magical place is to be found beyond the front door.

Simultaneously a haven away from the frenetic hustle of the Medina and a connection to it, it echoes the rich colours and varied textures to create a space that is tactile alters its mood with the movements of the sun. One of the most captivating features of life in Marrakech is the way in which every sight, sound and even smell seems to indicate the time of day. The sound of the Adhan from the many mosques all serve as an indication of exactly what is happening outside in the city.

Upstairs, the views down onto the small pool are just as breathtaking but here other features of the space also compete for your attention. The fireplace is certainly unique and when the fire below is lit the whole top floor can be wreathed in smoke. The real treat, other than Alessandro’s enviable collection of vintage fashion, has to be the bathroom. The deep leather bath is filled from above by a tree trunk and conjures up images of standing beneath a waterfall in the open.

Showering in the open is also an option on the rooftop with its wonderful views across the neighbouring rooftops. The roof of the Ministero del Gusto is a large sun drenched space where the vibrant orange has been bleached to perfection; ideal for lounging, enjoying the weather and engaging in a bit of neighbour watching.

Ministero del Gusto, 22 derb Azzouz, el Mouassine, Marrakech, Maroc.
ministerodelgusto.com T: +212 44 426 45

Photos ©2004 Ken Sparkes Words: Carla Bower.
First published in SPACES issue 07 ©2004 Polygon Publishing Ltd