A sweeping staircase flanked in spectrum bright sheets of coloured glass welcomes you warmly to Kvadrat’s London headquarters. It’s clear immediately that this is no ordinary fabric showroom. An architectural gem by David Adjaye – slick and modern but with real warmth – it encloses the current collection of 320 fabrics neatly displayed along one wall. Njusja de Gier, Kvadrat’s branding and communication director, is passionate and animated about this company and with good reason. They have an extraordinary approach to contemporary art, architecture and culture through which they explore the potential of their fabrics. From the very beginning Kvadrat has collaborated with artists and established long standing relationships that evolve over time.
Founded in 1968 with the belief that “the hand weaver was to produce a fabric with such a personal aura that it could be produced by machine without losing its artistic integrity, and the manufacturer for his part was to show respect for the hand weaver’s wishes with regard to colours and materials,” Kvadrat has built its reputation on this philosophy. Primarily focused on plain coloured fabrics made with excellent durability, they have become the ‘go to’ fabric supplier for architects and interior designers across the world.
In close collaboration with Kvadrat Soft Cells, the artist Phillippe Parreno has devised a highly specialised moving installation of 19 acoustic screens that throughout the day will descend from above, creating intimate surroundings in the vast Turbine Hall. To meet the purposes required by the commission, the design of the Soft Cells panels had to be re-engineered. Part of the installation are three 16 x 2.5 metre Soft Cells panels, which were specially developed and built on site.
Make sure to see Kvadrat Soft Cells' collaboration with the artist Phillippe Parreno at the Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, London.
Hyundai Commission 2016: Philippe Parreno, Anywhen 2016
Until 2 April 2017
This is in part an extract from Ptolemy Mann's article in the
Millinery issue of Selvedge.
www.kvadrat.dk
