LUX Autumn 2018

1807LU20 Interior Inspiration Style Interior design and Architecture are areas of design, of living art, that invites innovation - to push the boundaries, and be ahead of the curve. The avant-garde, the unusual, the modern and the experimental, are celebrated, and admired. Perhaps no firm embraces the very spirit of innovation more than noa*. Their designs are eclectic, and vibrant – simultaneously defying convention, and challenging others to follow in their footsteps. In essence, noa* makes the impossible look easy. We asked Maren how they have achieved such a dynamic, future-focused firm, “noa* consists of an international team, possessing diverse skills and talents. With this resource, noa* creates a tailor-made solution for each specific place, person or project. Instead of picking standards, we think of each project as truly unique. Holistic solutions are the key ingredients.” Maren continues, “We conceived noa* as an open laboratory, where experimentation and curiosity are driving forces. ‘Limits’ are our constant companion, which we try to move, break and erase.” At times industrial, at others, utterly contemporary, noa* delights in subverting expectations and testing the limits of their own abilities. Guided by founders Lukas Rungger and Stefan Rier, the firm has found its niche – in exploring new frontiers, and inspiring others to do the same. For this, LUXlife named noa* the ‘Most Outstanding Architectural Firm (Italy)’ in the annual Top 50 in Interior Design Awards. Maren sees it as affirmation that their unique approach to design is enjoyed, and valued, by the community; “We feel flattered to be amongst the top 50, which on the one hand confirms the qualities of our approach, and on the other motivates us to continue to push the boundaries of architecture and interior design. Most of all, we value the opportunity to gain recognition in the world and be an inspiration to others.” When it comes to noa*’s most successful project, Maren drew our attention to one of their most famous pieces, “the Hubertus pool was one of our most successful projects in the way that it has been shared and published in many different magazines and platforms all over the world. It literally went viral. The infinity pool floats like a natural rock and appears to hover weightlessly, despite its length (25m) and height (12m) above the ground. At the very edge of the pool, the swimmer has the feeling of floating weightlessly between heaven and earth.” To finish, Maren detailed the potential future of the firm and the design sector as a whole, “we believe that design is and should be more and more focused on its cultural and social relevance, leaving its over-rational approach behind and rather playing with the emotional sides of its users more intensively.” Fundamentally, noa* (network of architecture) is an architecture and design firm based out of its offices in Italy and Germany. But, as LUXlife learned on the back of their win in the Top 50 in Interior Design Awards, they are so much more than the sum of their parts. We spoke to the firm’s Office Manager, Maren Sagmeister, who enlightened us about noa*’s work and how they have flourished in their field. Company: noa* network of architecture Address Italy: Viale Druso 231, 39100 Bolzano Tel: 0039 0471 188 0941 Address Germany: Zionskirchstraße 56, DE-10119 Berlin Tel: 0049 3027 979722 Web Address: www.noa.network