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Patricia Urquiola, one of the world's most influential designers
Equestrian 31 March 2011
Spanish born Patricia Urquiola considered by the prestigious daily Il Mundo as one of the top 25 most influential trendsetters internationally, has been working and living in Milan. For the 50th edition of Salone del Mobile in Milan, one of the leading international furntiture and design trade fairs, Urquiola will present her exclusive collections for several Italian luxury brands such as B&B Italia, Kartell, Moroso and Molteni.
In a recent interview, Urquiola speaks about her love for Milan and Italy in general, which she considers as her vital place for working and living. Milan and Italy not only provide her space for creativity but also give her access to a worldwide audience, through major events such as Salone del Mobile. She also praises Milan for garnering a cast of very influential critics and journalists who have a truly internationally reach. In Italy, she says, ''I have discovered the passion for things well done and an incredible attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship''.
She attended the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Madrid where she graduated in 1989 having done a thesis with Achille Castiglioni. For the past 27 years, she has been conducting her professional activity in her own studio in Milan (her adoptive city) in the field of design, exhibitions, art direction, and architecture.
One of her most recent projects was the interior design of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, an impeccable reflection of her vision. Despite the space constraints of the building, Urquiola has created a very contemporary, yet comfortable and cosy interior for the hotel. Patricia Urquiola created the vibrant interior space, relying extensively on her own bathroom collection, Axor Urquiola. The collection’s fresh, unusual shapes perfectly complement the bathroom’s other minimalist pieces and the modern aesthetic evident throughout the hotel. The same fusion of stylish charm and sleek, contemporary design present in the Axor Urquiola collection is found in every hallway, restaurant, and in all 98 rooms and suites of the Mandarin Oriental.
Her latest hotel project has been the W Hotels Retreat and Spa in the Vieques Islands situated in the Caribbean. The resort offers intimate guest rooms with incredible beach fronted views of the ocean. The joyful interior is filled with large graphic prints and together with a clever use of space, combine to create a lush, exotic paradise.