Category: SPACES

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL

23/9/2014

The London Design Festival 13 -21 September. A week of perpetual installations, gatherings, shows and previews. I gently sampled it every day, working my way through streets, zones, galleries and buildings. How do I summarise such a stimulating and varied week?

Of the 6 main areas, I spent most of my time in the Clerkenwell, Chelsea, Islington and Shoreditch, and the first nights at the after hours shop parties in the Shoreditch Design Triangle, meeting talented people, sipping wine and nibbling on cheese. Thanks to Deborah's open wardrobe policy I stepped out one night in a electric orange / red shirt and gold jacket and was told I looked like Jerry Hall. Sorry what did you say? "You look like Jerry Hall but a tiny one!" Haha. Yes it's definitely been a lot of laughs, and very stimulating in the best possible way. I'm a buzz with possibility. Thank you London Design Festival.

LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL / www.londondesignfestival.com
Images: ℅ Google images

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THE HOXTON

19/9/2014

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I fell in love at first sight last night…

…with The Hoxton Hotel…

It is heaving, what a buzz, what a place! It has it all. Large lounge areas filled with comfy lounges, an edgy restaurant, meeting rooms, and all were a buzz with activity. Such an up vibe. It was rocking, and let me tell you, there were a LOT of people there! Every room was a party and this was just part of it. Unique spaces roll into each other, I don't even know how to describe it…contemporary, industrial meets eclectic?

They opened in 2006, they were labelled the "no bullshit hotel" because they took away everything that pissed people off in traditional hotels; the expensive mini bars, phone calls and internet. They started their "no rip off" policy. They provide a place for people to EAT, DRINK, WORK and PLAY, and from what I saw each of these things are very much in play and thriving. They curate an events programme inspired by the local area, that showcases the city they are very much a part of. They provide a platform for guests to hang alongside the locals.

In a matter of days their second hotel will open in Holborn, and I have absolutely no doubt that it will be a killer too!

THE HOXTON / 81 Great Eastern Street, London / +44 207 550 1000 / www.thehoxton.com
Images: ℅ Google images

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SHOREDITCH GRIND

15/9/2014

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Check out this circular building. Fabulous huh! Shoreditch Grind just happens to have great coffee, yummy simple food PLUS it becomes a bar by night AND is a recording studio. What a combo! Architecture, coffee fix, a snack, knock off drink and a little recording. Lovely! The shop signage mimics an old time movie cinema sign board, and the tag under the name (Shoreditch Grind) is regularly changed. Today's tag is "Please do not feed the models"… hahaha!

SHOREDITCH GRIND / 213 Ols Street, London / +44 207 490 7490 / www.shoreditchgrind.com
Images: ℅ Shoreditch Grind website, Google images

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OBLIX @ THE SHARD

12/9/2014

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Oblix. Now this is not a hidden treasure you needed me to find, it's an overt one there readily available and obvious to all, nevertheless it is a treasure grand and true. We booked a table at 7:30pm. We asked for a window but no one ever gets a window. We walk in along the slick dimly lit wooden corridor into the sultry bar and dining space. Greeted by our beautiful waiter dressed in a stunning Ted Baker dress we get escorted to our table. We got a window! and what a view! Oh hello there tower bridge all lit up looking regal…Thames…Gherkin… Seriously stunning.

Why is it a treasure? Well for me it's the space, it's sophisticated and glamorous and the view? well it's the whole of London. Amazing!

OBLIX / Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London / 0207 268 6700 / www.oblixrestaurant.com
Images: ℅ Google images

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OPENBARE BIBLIOTHEEK (Library) - Amsterdam

14/8/2014

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Now this is a library that you'll want to go to.

I wandered in because I wanted to check out a few magazines, but it's so impressive I almost forgot about that. It's simply fabulous. It's interesting, abundant, fun, quirky and inspiring. It just happens to be right near Amsterdam Central station, surrounded by water, and with views across the city. If you happen to be a little peckish you can treat yourself to some super fresh food at La Place Cafe on the 7th floor too. I enjoyed the terrace, sun, and views, sipping on a delicious, fresh pineapple and mint juice.

Centrale Bibliotheek Amsterdam was conceived by Jo Coenen, the former state architect of the Netherlands. Completed in 2007, it cost 80 million to build, and occupies a whopping 28,000 square metres. Curved furniture and shelving gives a sense of flow throughout the spaces. All the zones are defined, yet flow into and around each other. I was drawn into each one. Curved desks, seats, seating pods; all comfortable and conducive to work and relaxation. I could have stayed there for hours, exploring and appreciating it floor by floor.

So how about its functionality? In addition to unique collections, the library also consists of a theatre, a radio station, conference rooms, exhibition space, a music department, study pods, 600 Internet-connected computers, 50 multimedia workplaces, 110 catalogue reference terminals and 11 print and copy stations. Basically whatever you need, you will find.