Tropical Loft, a 238m2 room created by Gisele Taranto as part of the event Casa Cor Rio 2014, the biggest and most important event of national architecture and decoration in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 24th edition of the event this year, keeping its innovative character, holds an area of 4500m² within the Casa Shopping, the largest decoration mall in the country. This area was divided into lofts, studios, apartments, living and entertainment areas. Gisele Taranto, Brazilian architect and constant participant in previous editions, signed 2014’s Deca Space - famous Brazilian brand of metal ware and bathroom accessories. The challenge of this project was to make the audience feel at home while admiring Deca products without having the feeling of being inside a showroom. With this in mind we designed a loft divided into two areas: social and intimate, divided only by a cabinet that, in the social side comprehends the kitchen and in the intimate side, the suite’s wardrobe.
Throughout the areas we found different ways of exposing each product, either explicitly, playfully or sensory. Holes were created in the drywall - referring to the work of Duchamp - Étant donnes - allowing the public to observe differently the various products displayed behind these wall. Through this experience people can also watch video installations by famous artists. The sensory experience is not just limited to the holes; smells, sounds and textures are everywhere. Children can also be part of this experience since small bathroom accessories and a cartoon video (all connected to the bathing universe) were placed behind the walls specifically for them. A long reflecting pool lined with a green wall, connect all areas and contribute to lower the ambient temperature and promote environmental comfort. Considering the product and the brand, we always had the concern of choosing each object and artwork that had some connection, whether on the side of comfort, durability, high design, technology and sustainability.
