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Spaces - October 08

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Axis Mundi is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in New York that works across architecture, interior design, furniture design, and art. Founder John Beckmann does not separate the different design disciplines, believing they inform one another. The studio's projects range from large residential buildings to furniture and lamps. Beckmann aims to position Axis Mundi between art and design, creating luxurious yet contemporary work.

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Multi-MediuM Axis Mundi Design comes in many different forms. We at Spaces often find ourselves dealing with designers who work solely in one medium, be it architecture or interiors, furniture or art. Rarely do you come across a firm that transgresses these individual fields to work in all areas at once. But Axis Mundi is one such company. WORDS: Fergus McShane iMAgeS: Courtesy of Axis Mundi PHOtO: Andrew Garn 70 71 10.08 10.08 HOMe SPACe HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
PHOtO: Andrew Garn PHOtO: Andrew Garn PHOtO: Andrew Garn ‘I try to approach furniture design like an artist would, because otherwise you just get caught up in this plastic chair throw-away kind of culture.’ Founder John Beckmann explains is treated as a separate entity. But that the New York-based Axis Mundi these individual areas seem to inform is a multi-disciplinary design studio. and enhance each other, creating a ‘I don’t draw divisions between cyclical design process, but one that different disciplines, they all inform is always moving forward to create each other,’ says Beckmann. ‘The something new. above & previous page same thinking goes into any of the With Beckmann taking on such a Each room in the Greenwich Town fields. It’s a continuum.’ varied mixture of projects, the priority House has it’s own unique personality. Essentially the studio works in for him is not to get bogged down in three fields: architecture, interior one particular strand of architecture, 73 left design and furniture design. When interior design, furniture design or you look at the projects the firm sculpture. The thoughtful way in Car exhausts make for an interesting undertakes, every aspect of their work which he appraises each project is a and unique series of lamps. 10.08 HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
He declares himself on the ‘artsy’ side of design, with the desire residential projects, so interiors take but I like to use luxurious materials over as the firm’s creative core. and fabrics,’ explains Beckmann. to be positioned between the different mediums. The range found in Beckmann’s ‘I think a lot of our work has a finished interiors is astounding. ‘The glamorous feeling to it where a lot styles we use are very contemporary,’ of minimalism doesn’t. Many people says Beckmann, adding: ‘We try to come to us who like modernism, but make every project different.’ they think it can be too cold. I think Recently, the growing Axis we do a more sexy kind of luxury in Mundi firm seems to have entered high-end works.’ its bachelor phase. ‘Purely by One aspect of the multi-disciplined chance, we’ve had a few recent system Axis Mundi uses which clients that were all bachelors,’ seems to work in their favour is that Beckmann explains. ‘They tend to everything they design, from larger left want a place that is pretty sexy. And projects like the Greenwich Town Toy Soldiers adorn the Great Wall I think that’s something we do well.’ House to the soon-to-be constructed of China adding extra security. large part of what makes his multi- The brunt of Axis Mundi’s The pinnacle of this ‘sexy’ style can Weekend Retreat for a Writer right faceted company work. Like many work is in interior design. Anyone be found in their design for the through to a simple line of lamps all centre of the great designers, he considers familiar with New York will be Greenwich Town House. has its own unique charm. The soldier barrier may nestle away for every fresh challenge in isolation, aware that most residential projects The renovation of this property Because of the lack of available rather than adopting a blanket style in the city come in the form of resulted in sleek and chic interiors building space in New York, the when needed in this Parisian plaza. or approach, saying: ‘I don’t like the numerous condominiums that that are also very welcoming and location of their business could be 74 75 right grandiose design theories. Each have been erected over the last colourful, quite a hard juxtaposition considered a hindrance, limiting the project is considered on its own terms, few years. Beckmann explains that to achieve well. ‘I think a lot of our architectural opportunities. However, Larger-than-life statues standing to conditions, site, client and budget.’ there is little room for smaller-scale interiors have a minimalist envelope, there are a few standout designs soon attention outside the US Senate building. 10.08 10.08 HOMe SPACe HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
iMAGes: Andre tobo ‘I don’t like grandiose design theories. Each project to be constructed. The previously mentioned Weekend Retreat for is considered on its own terms, conditions, site, a Writer comes in the form of a traditional American-styled ‘salt-box’ client and budget.’ house completely covered in mirrors. above This is definitely a project to Mirror house: The Writer’s Retreat will keep your eye on; with the exception of a few windows, everything on perfectly reflect it’s environment. the exterior façade will reflect its 76 right environment. Beckmann muses, ‘you can imagine, on a foggy day this place A beautifully simple modern interior will almost disappear.’ Architects with an impressive bookshelf. 10.08 HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
‘The styles we use are very contemporary. We try to make this plastic chair throw-away kind terror has had a huge impact on left of culture.’ There is little fear of this American life over the past few years. The Costa Rican Pool Pavilion has every project different.’ happening with such a wide range Axis Mundi has taken this fear and an unforgettable view of the sea. of beautiful, unique and practical turned it into both an artistic and pieces. Nothing gives a better practical concept. It is attempting right example of this than the line of to engage debate in areas that seem Axis Mundi goes over and under with lamps made from car exhausts. outside the realm and scope of the Bridge and Tunnel House. The lamps perfectly showcase regular architects or designers, but the design prowess of Beckmann the possibility of this security barrier and his team. It’s rare indeed that model being used in the future is something more recognisable for definitely an interesting one. spouting fumes can be seen releasing At the end of the day, Beckmann’s something as symbolic as light, but aim is simple, to be a designer. He it comes as a shining example of the declares himself on the ‘artsy’ side art behind the design found in all of of design, with the desire to be Axis Mundi’s projects. positioned between the different It seems only appropriate to finish mediums. The successful execution this look at Axis Mundi with what of these aims is evident in any of the are constantly struggling to create basis, especially outside of the design promises to be their most unique projects his firm, Axis Mundi have designs to match and reflect their hubs like Milan. Beckmann explains and artistic project to date, the ‘Toy completed. And with the number of environment, something that The that his furniture is often produced Soldier Barriers’. Beckmann says, ‘It’s promising projects soon to come, we Weekend Retreat will do with ease. in relation to architectural projects he an art project and a statement really wait with assured anticipation. Architecture and interior design is working on, has finished, or even on America’s hegemony and empire. clearly goes hand in hand. But it is projects that may come in the future. The concept is that these are enlarged Axis Mundi 78 79 rare to find an architecture firm that ‘I try to approach furniture toy soldiers, larger than life which T. +1 (212) 643 2608 designs speciality items like furniture design like an artist would, because form a working barricade.’ axismundi.com and lamps on a completely separate otherwise you just get caught up in The response to the threat of 10.08 10.08 HOMe SPACe HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk www.spacesmagazine.co.uk

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Spaces - October 08

  • 1. Multi-MediuM Axis Mundi Design comes in many different forms. We at Spaces often find ourselves dealing with designers who work solely in one medium, be it architecture or interiors, furniture or art. Rarely do you come across a firm that transgresses these individual fields to work in all areas at once. But Axis Mundi is one such company. WORDS: Fergus McShane iMAgeS: Courtesy of Axis Mundi PHOtO: Andrew Garn 70 71 10.08 10.08 HOMe SPACe HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
  • 2. PHOtO: Andrew Garn PHOtO: Andrew Garn PHOtO: Andrew Garn ‘I try to approach furniture design like an artist would, because otherwise you just get caught up in this plastic chair throw-away kind of culture.’ Founder John Beckmann explains is treated as a separate entity. But that the New York-based Axis Mundi these individual areas seem to inform is a multi-disciplinary design studio. and enhance each other, creating a ‘I don’t draw divisions between cyclical design process, but one that different disciplines, they all inform is always moving forward to create each other,’ says Beckmann. ‘The something new. above & previous page same thinking goes into any of the With Beckmann taking on such a Each room in the Greenwich Town fields. It’s a continuum.’ varied mixture of projects, the priority House has it’s own unique personality. Essentially the studio works in for him is not to get bogged down in three fields: architecture, interior one particular strand of architecture, 73 left design and furniture design. When interior design, furniture design or you look at the projects the firm sculpture. The thoughtful way in Car exhausts make for an interesting undertakes, every aspect of their work which he appraises each project is a and unique series of lamps. 10.08 HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
  • 3. He declares himself on the ‘artsy’ side of design, with the desire residential projects, so interiors take but I like to use luxurious materials over as the firm’s creative core. and fabrics,’ explains Beckmann. to be positioned between the different mediums. The range found in Beckmann’s ‘I think a lot of our work has a finished interiors is astounding. ‘The glamorous feeling to it where a lot styles we use are very contemporary,’ of minimalism doesn’t. Many people says Beckmann, adding: ‘We try to come to us who like modernism, but make every project different.’ they think it can be too cold. I think Recently, the growing Axis we do a more sexy kind of luxury in Mundi firm seems to have entered high-end works.’ its bachelor phase. ‘Purely by One aspect of the multi-disciplined chance, we’ve had a few recent system Axis Mundi uses which clients that were all bachelors,’ seems to work in their favour is that Beckmann explains. ‘They tend to everything they design, from larger left want a place that is pretty sexy. And projects like the Greenwich Town Toy Soldiers adorn the Great Wall I think that’s something we do well.’ House to the soon-to-be constructed of China adding extra security. large part of what makes his multi- The brunt of Axis Mundi’s The pinnacle of this ‘sexy’ style can Weekend Retreat for a Writer right faceted company work. Like many work is in interior design. Anyone be found in their design for the through to a simple line of lamps all centre of the great designers, he considers familiar with New York will be Greenwich Town House. has its own unique charm. The soldier barrier may nestle away for every fresh challenge in isolation, aware that most residential projects The renovation of this property Because of the lack of available rather than adopting a blanket style in the city come in the form of resulted in sleek and chic interiors building space in New York, the when needed in this Parisian plaza. or approach, saying: ‘I don’t like the numerous condominiums that that are also very welcoming and location of their business could be 74 75 right grandiose design theories. Each have been erected over the last colourful, quite a hard juxtaposition considered a hindrance, limiting the project is considered on its own terms, few years. Beckmann explains that to achieve well. ‘I think a lot of our architectural opportunities. However, Larger-than-life statues standing to conditions, site, client and budget.’ there is little room for smaller-scale interiors have a minimalist envelope, there are a few standout designs soon attention outside the US Senate building. 10.08 10.08 HOMe SPACe HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
  • 4. iMAGes: Andre tobo ‘I don’t like grandiose design theories. Each project to be constructed. The previously mentioned Weekend Retreat for is considered on its own terms, conditions, site, a Writer comes in the form of a traditional American-styled ‘salt-box’ client and budget.’ house completely covered in mirrors. above This is definitely a project to Mirror house: The Writer’s Retreat will keep your eye on; with the exception of a few windows, everything on perfectly reflect it’s environment. the exterior façade will reflect its 76 right environment. Beckmann muses, ‘you can imagine, on a foggy day this place A beautifully simple modern interior will almost disappear.’ Architects with an impressive bookshelf. 10.08 HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk
  • 5. ‘The styles we use are very contemporary. We try to make this plastic chair throw-away kind terror has had a huge impact on left of culture.’ There is little fear of this American life over the past few years. The Costa Rican Pool Pavilion has every project different.’ happening with such a wide range Axis Mundi has taken this fear and an unforgettable view of the sea. of beautiful, unique and practical turned it into both an artistic and pieces. Nothing gives a better practical concept. It is attempting right example of this than the line of to engage debate in areas that seem Axis Mundi goes over and under with lamps made from car exhausts. outside the realm and scope of the Bridge and Tunnel House. The lamps perfectly showcase regular architects or designers, but the design prowess of Beckmann the possibility of this security barrier and his team. It’s rare indeed that model being used in the future is something more recognisable for definitely an interesting one. spouting fumes can be seen releasing At the end of the day, Beckmann’s something as symbolic as light, but aim is simple, to be a designer. He it comes as a shining example of the declares himself on the ‘artsy’ side art behind the design found in all of of design, with the desire to be Axis Mundi’s projects. positioned between the different It seems only appropriate to finish mediums. The successful execution this look at Axis Mundi with what of these aims is evident in any of the are constantly struggling to create basis, especially outside of the design promises to be their most unique projects his firm, Axis Mundi have designs to match and reflect their hubs like Milan. Beckmann explains and artistic project to date, the ‘Toy completed. And with the number of environment, something that The that his furniture is often produced Soldier Barriers’. Beckmann says, ‘It’s promising projects soon to come, we Weekend Retreat will do with ease. in relation to architectural projects he an art project and a statement really wait with assured anticipation. Architecture and interior design is working on, has finished, or even on America’s hegemony and empire. clearly goes hand in hand. But it is projects that may come in the future. The concept is that these are enlarged Axis Mundi 78 79 rare to find an architecture firm that ‘I try to approach furniture toy soldiers, larger than life which T. +1 (212) 643 2608 designs speciality items like furniture design like an artist would, because form a working barricade.’ axismundi.com and lamps on a completely separate otherwise you just get caught up in The response to the threat of 10.08 10.08 HOMe SPACe HOMe SPACe www.spacesmagazine.co.uk www.spacesmagazine.co.uk