Audemars Piguet marks its second year as a global associate partner of Art Basel with a special lounge conceived by Mathieu Lehanneur. the overall atmosphere intended for the space is meant to emulate the natural surroundings that are found at the Swiss watchmaking manufacturer’s remote home in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de joux.
Lehanneur’s scheme draws on the worlds of nature, science and technology, resulting in an intimate environment that is at once functional, while responding to one’s physical and emotional senses.
The standout feature of the french designer’s idea are large formations of rocks which he has cast to replicate boulders he discovered while in the pristine forest that is Audemars Piguet’s home. This was achieved using the latest developments in resin and fibre moulding techniques – through an archaeological process and stoneprinting methodologies – thus envisioning his own version of nature, while speaking to the precision of watchmaking savoir-faire.
An exhibition of the luxury watchmaker’s historic and contemporary timepieces are showcased within – from its origins in the 19th century until today – alongside a presentation of six new models of its signature royal oak offshore model in 42mm. Demonstrations of the watchmaker’s craft and polishing process are also performed live to show visitors what each audemars piguet design undergoes.
Commenting on the partnership, Olivier Audemars, board member and great-grandson of one of the company founders, said: ‘we are delighted to be collaborating with two outstanding artists. Mathieu’s innovative new lounge design and Kurt’s beautiful film work both capture the true spirit of Audemars Piguet, and will enable us to bring the essence of our home in the vallée de joux to hong kong, basel and miami in 2014.
AUDEMARS PIGUET LOUNGE BY MATHIEU LEHANNEUR AT ART BASEL
Audemars Piguet marks its second year as a global associate partner of Art Basel with a special lounge conceived by Mathieu Lehanneur. the overall atmosphere intended for the space is meant to emulate the natural surroundings that are found at the Swiss watchmaking manufacturer’s remote home in Le Brassus, in the Vallée de joux.
Lehanneur’s scheme draws on the worlds of nature, science and technology, resulting in an intimate environment that is at once functional, while responding to one’s physical and emotional senses.
The standout feature of the french designer’s idea are large formations of rocks which he has cast to replicate boulders he discovered while in the pristine forest that is Audemars Piguet’s home. This was achieved using the latest developments in resin and fibre moulding techniques – through an archaeological process and stoneprinting methodologies – thus envisioning his own version of nature, while speaking to the precision of watchmaking savoir-faire.
An exhibition of the luxury watchmaker’s historic and contemporary timepieces are showcased within – from its origins in the 19th century until today – alongside a presentation of six new models of its signature royal oak offshore model in 42mm. Demonstrations of the watchmaker’s craft and polishing process are also performed live to show visitors what each audemars piguet design undergoes.
Commenting on the partnership, Olivier Audemars, board member and great-grandson of one of the company founders, said: ‘we are delighted to be collaborating with two outstanding artists. Mathieu’s innovative new lounge design and Kurt’s beautiful film work both capture the true spirit of Audemars Piguet, and will enable us to bring the essence of our home in the vallée de joux to hong kong, basel and miami in 2014.
Olivier Audemars, Audemars Piguet, Mathieu Lehanneur, Art Basel, Swiss Watchmaking, Vallée De Joux, Kurt Henschläger
