Fine Living: 2026, Featured at L.A.DesignWeek

Los Angeles, February 8, 2006--Fine Living: 2026, the premiere case study installation of L.A.DesignWeek (2006), is set to feature a select mix of innovative and internationally recognized brands that will articulate a provocative vision of tomorrow’s live/work environment. Produced by L.A. Mart Design Center and Balcony Media’s LA Architect and LA Inside magazines, Fine Living is realized by the four-time, National AIA award-winning architectural firm of Tighe Architecture. Encompassing 1,300 square feet within the L.A. Mart/NeoCon West second-floor exhibit hall, Fine Living explores how design, technology and new product innovations, coupled with “person-centered” design concepts, address the transforming individual, occupational and recreational needs and desires of the 21st century homeowner. “Fine Living’s progressive concept demanded an architect with inspired foresight who would push the creative envelope yet sustain a credible design execution,” said Jeff Sampson, director of marketing, L.A. Mart Design Center. “Tighe’s selection of installation partners such as Apple, Arclinea, SensiTile, Panlelite, Knoll and Fireorb will authenticate a plausible suggestion of tomorrow’s urban dwelling.” The project’s cornerstone considers how a singular form and its corollary function can seamlessly morph into the next. “The components of the space are an integral part of the architecture, with each designated area defined by its function,” said Patrick Tighe, AIA, principal of Tighe Architecture. Tighe founded his firm on the belief that architecture has the power to enhance human activity. “The Fine Living concept, with its sinuous design, user-interface architecture and solid line-up of installation partners will illustrate this philosophy.” Tighe’s viewpoint also merges technologically advanced materials with organic, sustainable and rapidly renewable resources, creating a well-appointed yet environmentally responsible habitat that is imminently more fact than fantasy. Powering the Fine Living: 2026 control center are Apple’s Power Mac G5 Quads and Cinema Displays. “Activity inside the 21st century home, especially that of a live/work dwelling, will require cutting-edge technology and a smart user-interface to fulfill multiple pursuits,” said Tighe. “The Apple platform satisfies both recreational interests, such as music, video and gaming, and occupational endeavors like graphics, design and layout, modeling and archiving, and is well-suited for the urban professional that might inhabit our space.” Tighe’s environment represents three distinctive yet symbiotic areas contrasting in purpose while functioning in harmony with one another. The central living space consists of a raised plinth sheathed in a translucent, honeycomb material. Lit from beneath, the lighting morphs in color and intensity to suit the mood of the space. A Panelite raised floor system seamlessly integrates with the area’s built-in lounge seating upholstered in eco-friendly Knoll textiles. The system transitions into the technology control center with its aerodynamic console outfitted with Apple Cinema Displays and Power Mac G5 Quads. Extending over the lounge/tech center is a monolith clad with CaesarStone quartz surface material, projecting through the space to unite all areas. Tighe layered organic forms to create a counterpoint to the angular geometric lines. Undulating walls form an embryonic shell pierced with light portals. Penetrating the wall’s skin, SensiTile material containing an embedded, light-conducted matrix reconfigures shadows and redirects light. A simple yet massive, stainless steel island, designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio for Arclinea, symbolizes a linear kitchen of tomorrow. All components are self-contained in the 15-foot long island offering seating for eight.

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