The Aqwa Corporate Lobby is not just a space; it's an experience. Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the grandeur of the interior. The layout is designed to complement the space, drawing attention to the beautiful scenery of Guanabara Bay and the stunning works of art positioned against aluminum panels. The lobby's central span is kept clear, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its architecture, noble materials, and large scale.
What sets the Aqwa Corporate Lobby apart is its location and the materials used. The complex is part of the Porto Maravilha Project, a revitalization initiative in the Port Area of Rio de Janeiro. The lobby overlooks the Bay of Guanabara, offering views of the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. The color scheme was carefully chosen to complement the existing materials, including Brazilian exotic stones in the floor and granite walls of White Macaubas with Black Cosmic granite details.
The lobby's furniture, sourced from Arquivo Contemporaneo, includes pieces by renowned Brazilian designers like Oscar Niemeyer, Ricardo Fasanello, Bruno Faucz, and Jader Almeida. The artworks, curated by Vanda Klabin, are by Angelo Venosa, Gustavo Prado, and Walter Goldfarb. The rugs are from Phenicia Concept, and the cachepots were produced by CAP Marcenaria. The result is a space that not only complements the architecture but also showcases the best of Brazilian design.
The design process was a careful one, with the team taking into consideration the existing architecture and the function of the lobby as a public waiting area in a commercial building. The layout provides options for individualization, offering a space for last-minute adjustments before important business meetings. The project, which started in August 2017 and finished in October 2017, was a challenge that the team successfully overcame, creating a lobby that truly reflects the DNA of its occupants.
The Aqwa Corporate Lobby is more than just a space; it's a testament to the power of design and architecture. It's a space where Norman Foster welcomes Niemeyer, a space that showcases the best of Brazilian design, and a space that has earned Gisele Taranto a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and the Aqwa Corporate Lobby is a deserving recipient.
In conclusion, the Aqwa Corporate Lobby is a masterclass in design and architecture. It's a space that seamlessly blends grandeur, artistry, and functionality, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. It's a testament to the power of design and the talent of Gisele Taranto and her team. And most importantly, it's a space that truly embodies the spirit of Rio de Janeiro.
Project Designers: Gisele Taranto
Image Credits: The photos were made by Andre Nazareth, Celso Rayol and LT9.
Project Team Members: Architect/Designer/Partner: Gisele Taranto
Architect: Rafael Pessanha
Architect: Jorge Vinicius
Architecture internship: Gabriela Baldi
Architecture internship: Marina Rasche
Secretary: Anne Rocha
Project Name: Aqwa Corporate Lobby
Project Client: Gisele Taranto