The introduction and fusion of diverse traditional cultures of the world into interior architecture is a trend that has greatly influenced contemporary design. Even though it isn’t a recent exercise, this combination of history, design and sophistication has made us rediscover in everyday’s life former spaces and, in the process, transformed them into new ways of life. The design of this apartment in Barcelona, realized by DNA BARCELONA AND PARTNERS led by architect of Iranian origin Aryanour Djalali, gives a clear example of this sophisticated combination. The ive was centered on the search of a language expressing the interest for Asian and Moroccan culture in a contemporary environment with straight lines and open spaces, perfectly suited for the exhibition of the various pieces of art gathered through several trips.
To achieve this goal, the apartment was divided in two. The social or living area was destined to the Asian culture and the more private area to the Moroccan culture. The living area is a single room that contains a sober kitchen, the dining room and a chill out lounge. The latter can receive several guests seated comfortably in the numerous colorful cushions but can also be used as a TV lounge or even as an extra bedroom. A large cupboard behind the kitchen counter hides all the accessories and domestic appliances while harmonizing itself with the whole kitchen. The space generates warmth and mysticism. This is emphasized by an elegant lighting that creates shades and reflections on the dark wood floor, the glazed surface of the dining room table and the polished counter of the kitchen. Thus, light becomes another fundamental element of the whole concept.
In the other area, one discovers the private rooms immersed in the Arabic Moroccan culture.
There is a transition between the tones of grey found on the walls of the social area and the white walls which gives a sense of space and allows a play of light projected by the traditional lamps from ancient medina. This intimate and calm space is ideal for relaxing with its carpets that create an even warmer atmosphere and a touch of elegance at the same time.
In the middle of these two culturally loaded and mystical areas can be found a cube of glass which shelters the bath. This contemporary and transparent element contrasts by its language with the traditional and historical part of the apartment. Playing the role of a junction, the glass cube creates space and entirely eliminates the claustrophobic sensation caused by the typically closed circulation. The bathroom, nevertheless, displays interesting decorative details and plumbing fixtures of the mentioned cultures, supporting the general concept and exploiting to the maximum the possibility of fusing East and West in a sophisticated space of relaxation.
Once again, it is clear that an exercise of design guided by clear premises and well developed concepts can consolidate diverse and new ways of life. In this case, the concatenation of the Asian, the Arabic Moroccan and the Western culture can remain represented in a luxurious apartment in the cosmopolitan Barcelona and be expressed in a contemporary language. This fusion is capable of answering a wide diversity of needs and ideas with a way of life inspired by the antiquity but projected into a present that pursue innovation, new ideas and trends of the future.
