By Hall Studio
Designed as a response to James Turrell’s immersive piece, Unseen, Seen perceptual cell, this outward-looking hospitality offering plays on the principles driving perception, materiality and light. Set within the newly added Pharos wing of MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) by Nonda Katsalidis, Faro is a counterpoint to the strength, robustness and masculinity of its architectural framework. The layering of such a formally defined space, as a destination after entering through Turrell’s work, was key. The deliberate integration of softer elements, texture and the use of colour add a depth and richness, together with the niches of luminosity to engage the user within the space.
As a destination of divergence, the offering of a bar and tapas dining also acts as contrast to the contemplative and meditative work of Turrell. The space is designed for everyday dining as well as functions and custom events, and each piece needed to accommodate the alteration of the interior as needed. Custom pill shaped rose quartz tables were designed as jewels along with the luminous arabescata white marble tables, working with Kirsha Kaechele to compliment the bespoke tableware & cutlery and providing a creative match to the food and beverage offering by the talented MONA team As a destination and place of respite from the sensory chaotic engagement of the gallery, Pharos provides the ultimate milieu – a place of reflection.
Project Type: Hospitality/Gallery
Location: MONA, Hobart, Tasmania
Project Size: 280sqm
Completion: December 2017 (with further works 2019)
Designer: Hall Studio
Architect: Nonda Katsalidis/Fender Katsalidis Architects
Builder: Fairbrother
Artist: Unseen Seen by James Turrell
Photographer: Remi Chauvin, Brett Broadman, Jessi Hunniford, Matt Newton
Hall Studio is a collective of design-driven individuals that aims to create elevated sensory spaces through experience. With art (in all its guises) as muse, the underpinning of the studios’ work is a meticulous attention to detail and an expansive exploration of ideas and opportunities through concept. Inventive and constantly questioning, the design process is led by founding director, Kathie Hall, whose vast industry expertise is testament to the dedication of rigor of each project.
The practice is underpinned by its background in Architecture and Interiors, where a holistic approach to understanding context and appropriateness is applied in each case. Spanning portfolios of Cultural Spaces, Galleries, Hospitality, Hotels, Private Residential, Multi-Residential, Commercial and minor alterations, every project is seen as a new untold design opportunity. The practice is well-versed on all stages of the project lifecycle, and regularly engages in concept and ideation, construction and detailed documentation, through to project management and hand-over on site.
Through a combined sense of enthusiasm, and an excitement of the endless possibilities through design, Hall Studio sees themselves as the conduit to better spaces. Their experience in varied solutions to spaces, with an array of exciting international and local clients, forms the foundations of the studio. Through a process of considered and analytical methodologies, the team works to their client’s objectives to create sophisticated articulated built works. Hall Studio offers full Architectural and Interior services: Concept Design, Design Development, Documentation, Styling Furniture Procurement, Project Management and Design Advisory services.