Azure was on site for the annual Interior Design Show West, which took place at Vancouver’s Convention Centre during the last weekend of September. A large crowd gathered for the Friday Trade Talks sponsored by Azure, in particular the keynote address by Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni. Lissoni delivered an entertaining exposé of his studio’s inspirational principles – Lightness and Quickness, for example, but also Stupidity – illustrated by images of his beautifully resolved product designs and architecture.
On the show floor, visitors got to experience the Lissoni principles first hand. Vancouver showroom LivingSpace, together with Italian manufacturers Porro and Living Divani, mocked up a chic living space, furnished entirely with products designed by Lissoni.
The luminous Azure booth was dressed for the event by Molo, utilizing the super-smart modular softblock and softwall system. It is still surprising how many visitors to IDS West are unaware that Molo is a Vancouver-based company.
But it’s no surprise that the bar was the most popular spot on the show floor. Presented byInform Interiors in the central square, the Bocci Bar was created utilizing the packaging for the lighting company’s 28d, designed by Bocci co-owner and architect, Omer Arbel. The glass orbs and entangled cords of the award-winning fixture emerged from the boxes like phosphorescent marine creatures.
Taking a cue from Tom Dixon’s giveaways, the 28d was available at a deep discount through the nearby Inform Interiors booth. Inform also launched the new Eclectic by Tom Dixon line of accessories and giftware as well as a handsome new Bensen sofa and a sculptural wooden chair by Shawn Place.
Other debuts on the show floor included new soft seating manufacturer Fawcett – a company based in Victoria making a commitment to environmental principles.
Brent Comber made a big impression with a tree trunk. The giant spruce hails from Squamish, north of Vancouver, where it was apparently too large to mill. The contrast with the massive, muscular tree made Comber’s new collection look even more sleek and refined.