Mexican lighting designer Federico Stefanovich has teamed up with Nama Studio to revitalize his workspace within the historically significant Edificio Humboldt in Mexico City‘s Centro neighborhood. The “edificio humboldt lighting” project is a remarkable example of blending historical architecture with modern design. Originally crafted by architect Thomas Sinclair Gore in 1922, this building now thrives as a vibrant cultural hub housing numerous art and design ateliers.
A Harmonious Blend with Edificio Humboldt Lighting
Retaining the building’s architectural charm, Stefanovich and Nama Studio introduced rich textures and striking colors to the studio’s interior. The studio functions simultaneously as a workshop, showroom, and creative space. Stefanovich expressed his admiration for the balconies, emphasizing their restored original features, such as the intricate handles and iron latches from the 1920s. The interior renovation is a testament to thoughtful design.
Lighting Innovations Amidst History
Visitors are greeted by a well-lit seating area leading to an expansive space featuring a lounge and a long display table. Although the windows offer abundant natural light, panels were ingeniously added to create optimal illumination. A custom modular system of blue-hued panels, described by Stefanovich as “muted mineral blue,” provides a textured and vibrant backdrop for showcasing his lighting designs.
For more inspiring transformations blending history and innovation, explore how OMA Transforms Edo-Tokyo Museum with a stunning play of light.
The panel color, crafted through layered tones, achieves a weathered appearance with depth and variation, melding seamlessly with the building’s original architecture, enhancing the illumination.
A Unique Fusion of Materials and Design
The studio’s main area marries this blue with chocolate-toned plaster and brown wood accents. The space’s floors hint at the edifice’s storied past. A semi-circular custom-made sofa anchors the lounge area against the consistent blue paneling, which complements the design concept.
Fibreglass panels, resembling translucent Japanese washi paper, form part of a sliding door system separating the showroom from the workshop, revealing elements like plywood furniture and steel racks. Stefanovich’s goal was to translate his ornate yet understated design ethos into the studio’s very fabric.
A Cohesive Design Language
Stefanovich aims to meld references from mid-century aesthetics with baroque gestures, resulting in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment that speaks the same language as his creations. Through the careful application of the lighting concept, he achieves a unified aesthetic.
Additionally, delve into Montpellier’s Hidden Courtyard, where hundreds of shapes create a luminous dance, reminiscent of Stefanovich’s lighting artistry.
To celebrate the studio’s opening, Stefanovich collaborated with Ago Projects to present his Salina Collection. The fibreglass choices here echo those in his studio design, tying his thematic vision together with the overarching theme of innovative lighting.
The captivating photography within the space is credited to Alejandro Ramirez Orozco. Additional noteworthy studios include Jasmine Fisher’s evocative London atelier and Victoria Yakusha’s dynamic Miami workspace.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who collaborated with Federico Stefanovich for the lighting project?
Federico Stefanovich collaborated with Nama Studio to revitalize his workspace within the historically significant Edificio Humboldt.
What architectural charm is retained in the studio?
The studio retains the building’s architectural charm by restoring original features such as intricate handles and iron latches from the 1920s.
How does the studio’s design blend with historical architecture?
The studio’s design blends with historical architecture through the use of textured and vibrant blue-hued panels, chocolate-toned plaster, and brown wood accents that complement the building’s original architecture.