Historic Singaporean School Hall Reimagined as Dynamic Pickleball Court
Open Studio has transformed the 1960s New Bahru Hall in Singapore, originally a school hall, into a versatile pickleball court and event space. The renovation meticulously preserves original teak paneling and mosaic flooring while introducing contemporary galvanized-steel elements. This adaptive reuse project revitalizes a modernist structure, part of a larger complex now housing shopping, dining, and serviced apartments, seamlessly blending historical reverence with modern functionality.
Dévo Restaurant: A Blend of Marseille's Culinary Soul and 70s Italian Glamour
Designers Axel and Mélissa Chay infused Dévo, a Marseille restaurant, with local spirit and 1970s Italian bar aesthetics. Featuring glossy lacquer, smoked glass, and custom furniture, the space reflects Marseille's unpretentious yet expressive food scene, creating an atmosphere for genuine connection rather than mere display.
Jorge Penadés Transforms Camper Tokyo Store with Terracotta Tiles and Mediterranean Hues
Madrid-based designer Jorge Penadés has revamped Camper's Tokyo store with an "archipelago" of terracotta-tiled structures, blending Mediterranean aesthetics with local Japanese precision. This innovative approach focuses on sustainability and a globally adaptable retail system, utilizing locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact while creating a distinctive brand identity.
A remarkable architectural endeavor has seen a section of Antoni Gaudí's renowned Casa Batlló in Barcelona re-envisioned as a cutting-edge art gallery. Mesura, a local design firm, spearheaded this transformation, infusing a contemporary artistic vibe into the historic structure, particularly through a distinctive wavy metallic ceiling that evokes the gentle undulations of the Mediterranean Sea.
This new exhibition area, dubbed Casa Batlló Contemporary, occupies what was once residential apartments and later a preservation workshop on the museum's second level. Mesura's challenge was to respectfully integrate a modern exhibition space while honoring Gaudí's design philosophy. They addressed several complex issues, including adapting a former living space for art displays, harmonizing with Gaudí's distinctive style without imitation, and incorporating the technical infrastructure required for digital art installations. The studio achieved this by focusing on the ceiling and flooring, creating a visually compelling metal ceiling using advanced robotic technology that echoes Gaudí’s organic forms and innovative construction methods, all while subtly referencing the building's façade and the surrounding natural elements.
The meticulous renovation extended to the flooring, which will feature a subtle pale green microcement, interspersed with patterns made from reclaimed ceramic and terracotta from the original apartments, further weaving the past into the present. This thoughtful approach ensures the new gallery not only serves its function but also acts as a dialogue between historical preservation and forward-thinking design. The project is a testament to Gaudí's enduring influence, as Mesura believes the architect, a lifelong innovator and researcher, would have appreciated their modern yet respectful interpretation of his work. The inaugural exhibition, "Beyond the Facade," by United Visual Artists, showcases light installations, reinforcing the gallery’s commitment to contemporary digital art.
This project beautifully illustrates that architectural heritage can be dynamically reinterpreted for modern uses without losing its soul. It reminds us that innovation and respect for tradition are not mutually exclusive but can converge to create spaces that inspire and engage new audiences, ensuring that the legacy of architectural masters continues to thrive in contemporary contexts. This initiative encourages us to look at our built environment with fresh eyes, seeing potential for transformation that marries historical grandeur with future aspirations.