MAKING SPACE by Studio Modijefsky consists a visual voyage that reveals to the reader in stunning detail every step from concept to construction on how the studio creates multi-layered spatial experiences.
-text by the author
On October 16 2020 Studio Modijefsky launches its first book: MAKING SPACE. Over 512 pages the Amsterdam-based studio takes the reader on a visual voyage that immerses you in every step of their design process. MAKING SPACE celebrates Studio Modijefsky’s first decade designing spaces and the people that bring them to life. Not just the designers who work in the studio or the artists and makers they collaborate with, but the visitors who fill these spaces with their energy.
‘We make space to create experiences, and that’s impossible without putting people at the heart of everything you do’, says Studio Modijefsky’s founder Esther Stam.
In the last ten years Studio Modijefsky has created interiors for bars, boutiques, hotels, restaurants and public spaces across Europe including Bar Botanique, Wolford, Kanarie Club, ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, Foodhallen Den Haag and The Commons. Until now the images showing these spaces have only told half the story.
“Their interiors are designed to be used, not to be looked at. They do look great in this book – when they’re new and pristine as well as when they’re in use. However, looking great isn’t their purpose. Aesthetics is just a means that Studio Modijefsky employs to entice people to use an interior”, says Jeroen Junte.
After Studio Modijefsky finishes a space, it becomes the property of the guests, visitors and staff who fill it. These people make it their own: a place they will laugh, try new food, meet friends, lovers and make new memories.
This vitality radiates off each of the 512 pages in MAKING SPACE. As a visual journey inside the process of creating spatial experiences, MAKING SPACE gives a twofold insight into Studio Modijefsky: the design philosophy and the process of creation; and the life that begins as soon as these interiors are inhabited.
The first part of MAKING SPACE is a visual narration of the design process, telling the story behind each design and highlighting the collaborations with the makers who add an extra dimension to each project: painters, builders, tile factories, wood and metal workers and many other artisanal craftsmen. Three sections – Tools, Layers, Platform – show how Studio Modijefsky turns concepts into physical spaces and objects, builds design concepts and uses collaborations to spark new ideas and insights.
In the second part of MAKING SPACE, Studio Modijefsky explores the dialogue between their designs and everything that happens in them once they open. Projects are portrayed all the way from concept to construction, before the ‘real life’ of the interiors is captured in a series of documentary photography by Maeve Stam. Through her lens the visitors who see, feel and breathe Studio Modijefsky’s designs appear as they can be found across Europe every day of the week: alive and bursting with energy and emotion.
MAKING SPACE is published by Lecturis and available in stores and online from October 16 2020.
Contents
Introduction & interview Studio Modijefsky by Jeroen Junte Philosophy: The story of Studio Modijefsky
Tools How we turn concepts into physical spaces and objects Layers: How we build a design concept
Platform How collaboration sparks new ideas and insights Projects: Interiors captured in a series of documentary photography
Projects featured in MAKING SPACE Bonnie, Wolford Amsterdam/Paris, Karavaan, Ketelhuis, La Cervecería, Foodhallen Den Haag, Otto’s Burger, ’t Blauwe Theehuis, Ramona, The Commons – The Student Hotel Maastricht, CityHub Rotterdam, Moods, Sardine, Da Portare Via ( Zwolle & Utrecht), Wyers & Miss Louisa, Home st. Willibrordus, Kanarie Club, Mama Dough, Bar Botanique, Bar Basquiat, Viscafé De Gouden Hoek, The Roast Room, Holy Smoke, Waterkant, Eddy Spaghetti, Bar Bukowski, Appelsap, Piet de Gruyter, Visaandeschelde.
About Studio Modijefsky
Studio Modijefsky is an interior architecture studio founded by Esther Stam in 2009. Its home in the centre of Amsterdam hosts an international team of architects and interior designers who provide a total creative service for spatial interventions for clients that range from hotels to boutiques and bars to spas. The six women that currently form the studio carefully design everything that is seen, passed and touched by a visitor for the duration of their stay whether it’s five seconds or five hours.
Facts & Credits
Title MAKING SPACE
Edition Hardcover
Language English
Size 28 x 21 cm
Pages 512
Publisher Lecturis
Date Published October 16 2020
Design Studio Modijefsky
Text Will Georgi & Jeroen Junte
Photography Maeve Stam & Maarten Willemstein
Buy the book, here!
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