Surprisingly, this two-story space with an area of 2,700 square feet is very intuitive. Compared with the dark wood, organic curves and luxurious decoration of Taschen Bookstore,
This bookstore is obviously more refreshing, simpler and more like new york. However, anyone who regards it as contextualism will make mistakes. "I never wanted to design new york style in new york, Tokyo style in Tokyo and Paris style in Paris," the designer said in his trademark excessive way.
Stark's style and Taschen's business actually developed in opposite directions during the three projects. When the bookstore opened, publishers were famous for their cheap and good books. According to Stark's thinking, this "caused the contradiction between the price of books and the luxury of bookstores". However, as Muhammad Ali presented a 75-pound gift called "Goat" (this special edition work worth12,500 US dollars arrived with the sculpture and bookshelf designed by Jeff Koons), Tashin inspired Stark's logic in the art field: precious items will be displayed in an economical way.
In other words, he said, "new york Bookstore is more like a gallery." Of course, the nearby SoHo used to be a gallery, a channel for stark's cautious raw materials and simple materials. They have become the past, but they have not been forgotten. At present, the concrete side wall has certain functions. It has been repaired, sealed a little, and they are ready to start designing. The golden pear-shaped board of the bookshelf is reminiscent of the sandwich board, while its trumpet-shaped polished concrete base stands on the floor and is seamlessly connected with the floor. "Everything is as simple as possible," Stark said, "to highlight the works of art placed in various positions."
Or try to be more like a work of art, the skateboard graphics designed by Beatriz Milla decorate the indoor space like a psychedelic landscape. The murals are printed on canvas about 12 feet high.
Entrusted by Benedikt Taschen himself, he started collecting Milla Seth's works ten years ago. "Her South American understanding of bright colors, rhythms and myths is very suitable for the optimism of this bookstore, and it is also a perfect expression of Taschen's value system," he said. "Diversity is the spice of life." As a balance of visual disharmony, the monochrome soundproof brick grid on the ceiling also plays a role in isolating real noise. If Stark claims that his only style is "freedom and fantasy" or "my thoughts, my value system", then his creative integration may draw lessons from Brazilian contemporary art and the works of Scandinavian university library in the middle of the 20th century, which is completely feasible. I like the feeling of this place full of wisdom and knowledge.
He said. The ancient "Emirates Chair" designed by Finn Jules and the "Egg Chair" designed by arne jacobsen embody this analogy. "egg chair" is placed at the back of the bookstore and is illuminated by the skylight. Here, the concrete staircase leads to a small space for regular exhibitions, including the recent photo exhibition by Julius Shulman, a member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame. The small space is separated by two 20-foot-high concrete slabs, just like huge bookends. There is a cocktail table designed by Paco Rabbani in 1970s, and a set of seats, armchairs and back stools designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in 1958. Like all the antique furniture in the bookstore, Taschen chose these by himself.
The office is separated from the gallery by glass, which provides the only copy of the interior of Taschen designed by Stark: twisted bronze casting structure cylinder and matching door handle.
Stark said that apart from the theme and the huge whirlpool on the back wall designed by Milla Seth, the space was "very simple". It only has a conference table designed by Jean Nouvel and a working chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Do fickle art connoisseurs tend to be minimalist? "No," he said. "I create what I need when I need it." There is no doubt that tomorrow will be another matter.