1. Multi-MediuM
Axis Mundi
Design comes in many
different forms. We
at Spaces often find
ourselves dealing with
designers who work
solely in one medium,
be it architecture or
interiors, furniture
or art. Rarely do you
come across a firm
that transgresses
these individual fields
to work in all areas at
once. But Axis Mundi
is one such company.
WORDS: Fergus McShane
iMAgeS: Courtesy of Axis Mundi
PHOtO: Andrew Garn
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2. PHOtO: Andrew Garn
PHOtO: Andrew Garn
PHOtO: Andrew Garn
‘I try to approach furniture design like an artist would,
because otherwise you just get caught up in this plastic chair
throw-away kind of culture.’
Founder John Beckmann explains is treated as a separate entity. But
that the New York-based Axis Mundi these individual areas seem to inform
is a multi-disciplinary design studio. and enhance each other, creating a
‘I don’t draw divisions between cyclical design process, but one that
different disciplines, they all inform is always moving forward to create
each other,’ says Beckmann. ‘The something new.
above & previous page
same thinking goes into any of the With Beckmann taking on such a
Each room in the Greenwich Town
fields. It’s a continuum.’ varied mixture of projects, the priority
House has it’s own unique personality.
Essentially the studio works in for him is not to get bogged down in
three fields: architecture, interior one particular strand of architecture,
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left
design and furniture design. When interior design, furniture design or
you look at the projects the firm sculpture. The thoughtful way in Car exhausts make for an interesting
undertakes, every aspect of their work which he appraises each project is a and unique series of lamps.
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3. He declares himself on the ‘artsy’ side of design, with the desire residential projects, so interiors take but I like to use luxurious materials
over as the firm’s creative core. and fabrics,’ explains Beckmann.
to be positioned between the different mediums. The range found in Beckmann’s ‘I think a lot of our work has a
finished interiors is astounding. ‘The glamorous feeling to it where a lot
styles we use are very contemporary,’ of minimalism doesn’t. Many people
says Beckmann, adding: ‘We try to come to us who like modernism, but
make every project different.’ they think it can be too cold. I think
Recently, the growing Axis we do a more sexy kind of luxury in
Mundi firm seems to have entered high-end works.’
its bachelor phase. ‘Purely by One aspect of the multi-disciplined
chance, we’ve had a few recent system Axis Mundi uses which
clients that were all bachelors,’ seems to work in their favour is that
Beckmann explains. ‘They tend to everything they design, from larger
left
want a place that is pretty sexy. And projects like the Greenwich Town
Toy Soldiers adorn the Great Wall
I think that’s something we do well.’ House to the soon-to-be constructed
of China adding extra security.
large part of what makes his multi- The brunt of Axis Mundi’s The pinnacle of this ‘sexy’ style can Weekend Retreat for a Writer right
faceted company work. Like many work is in interior design. Anyone be found in their design for the through to a simple line of lamps all
centre
of the great designers, he considers familiar with New York will be Greenwich Town House. has its own unique charm.
The soldier barrier may nestle away for
every fresh challenge in isolation, aware that most residential projects The renovation of this property Because of the lack of available
rather than adopting a blanket style in the city come in the form of resulted in sleek and chic interiors building space in New York, the when needed in this Parisian plaza.
or approach, saying: ‘I don’t like the numerous condominiums that that are also very welcoming and location of their business could be
74 75
right
grandiose design theories. Each have been erected over the last colourful, quite a hard juxtaposition considered a hindrance, limiting the
project is considered on its own terms, few years. Beckmann explains that to achieve well. ‘I think a lot of our architectural opportunities. However, Larger-than-life statues standing to
conditions, site, client and budget.’ there is little room for smaller-scale interiors have a minimalist envelope, there are a few standout designs soon attention outside the US Senate building.
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4. iMAGes: Andre tobo
‘I don’t like grandiose design theories. Each project to be constructed. The previously
mentioned Weekend Retreat for
is considered on its own terms, conditions, site, a Writer comes in the form of a
traditional American-styled ‘salt-box’
client and budget.’ house completely covered in mirrors.
above
This is definitely a project to
Mirror house: The Writer’s Retreat will
keep your eye on; with the exception
of a few windows, everything on perfectly reflect it’s environment.
the exterior façade will reflect its
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right
environment. Beckmann muses, ‘you
can imagine, on a foggy day this place A beautifully simple modern interior
will almost disappear.’ Architects with an impressive bookshelf.
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5. ‘The styles we use are very contemporary. We try to make this plastic chair throw-away kind terror has had a huge impact on left
of culture.’ There is little fear of this American life over the past few years. The Costa Rican Pool Pavilion has
every project different.’ happening with such a wide range Axis Mundi has taken this fear and an unforgettable view of the sea.
of beautiful, unique and practical turned it into both an artistic and
pieces. Nothing gives a better practical concept. It is attempting right
example of this than the line of to engage debate in areas that seem Axis Mundi goes over and under with
lamps made from car exhausts. outside the realm and scope of the Bridge and Tunnel House.
The lamps perfectly showcase regular architects or designers, but
the design prowess of Beckmann the possibility of this security barrier
and his team. It’s rare indeed that model being used in the future is
something more recognisable for definitely an interesting one.
spouting fumes can be seen releasing At the end of the day, Beckmann’s
something as symbolic as light, but aim is simple, to be a designer. He
it comes as a shining example of the declares himself on the ‘artsy’ side
art behind the design found in all of of design, with the desire to be
Axis Mundi’s projects. positioned between the different
It seems only appropriate to finish mediums. The successful execution
this look at Axis Mundi with what of these aims is evident in any of the
are constantly struggling to create basis, especially outside of the design promises to be their most unique projects his firm, Axis Mundi have
designs to match and reflect their hubs like Milan. Beckmann explains and artistic project to date, the ‘Toy completed. And with the number of
environment, something that The that his furniture is often produced Soldier Barriers’. Beckmann says, ‘It’s promising projects soon to come, we
Weekend Retreat will do with ease. in relation to architectural projects he an art project and a statement really wait with assured anticipation.
Architecture and interior design is working on, has finished, or even on America’s hegemony and empire.
clearly goes hand in hand. But it is projects that may come in the future. The concept is that these are enlarged
Axis Mundi
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rare to find an architecture firm that ‘I try to approach furniture toy soldiers, larger than life which T. +1 (212) 643 2608
designs speciality items like furniture design like an artist would, because form a working barricade.’ axismundi.com
and lamps on a completely separate otherwise you just get caught up in The response to the threat of
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