naplesnews.com

Art is an important amenity in luxury high-rises

Special to the Daily News

Sunday, July 11, 2004

"Spaces, Dimensions of the Human Landscape" by Barrie B. Greenbie introduces readers to theories on the personal use of space and the effect of space on people. The writings of this stage director turned urban designer explain how man-made environments constrain or facilitate social interaction. Much of Greenbie's writings are applicable to amenity areas within high-rise buildings where strangers are encouraged to communicate and form relationships.

Much like Bonnie Manson, president of Nashville-based Interior Design Associates Inc., Greenbie believes in starting his urban design projects with a visual metaphor that anchors each of the design elements in place. Manson, creator of imaginative and impressive interior designs for amenity areas in La Scala at The Colony Golf and Bay Club, Aversana at Hammock Bay and The Seasons at Naples Cay, gives Greenbie's concept an interesting twist. Imagining a personality rather than a scenic metaphor for the amenity level in the tower she is working on, Manson said, "Each tower has a life of its own and if you let it speak to you, a distinct personality will emerge."

Specializing in interior design for grand spaces and relying heavily on visual communication, Manson knows that space is experienced in totality with all the senses and artwork plays a major role in anchoring everything in place. Through years of experience she has come to understand the importance of art to create a sense of place and community.

"Art is a visual means of communication and it speaks about the time in which we live, whether it's from living artists or past cultures," said Barbara Hill, executive director of the Von Liebig Art Center in Naples ."Conveyed visually as opposed to written literature, the power of art transcends all other forms of communication."

Manson prefers original artwork because it lends two elements � exclusivity and art appreciation � to an amenity level. Even if residents have not been formally exposed to art, Manson's experience reveals that they understand the important role it plays in good design. Through art placement in interior design, Manson promotes the appreciation of art exemplified by the Europeans.

"In France and Italy, nearly everyone from the policeman to the politician has a fascination with art and it can be seen everywhere, particularly in public areas. Not confined to museums, art in Europe is often a larger than life backdrop for the mundane tasks of daily living," said Manson.

Though it's commonly known in the art world that fine art doesn't need to match the furniture, it is essential to consider what kind of art will fit into a concept. "A fabulous painting that isn't harmonious with its surroundings or not in the right place, will neither enhance the interior, nor contribute to the overall statement," said Manson, who added that art is about eliciting an emotional response rather than covering a wall. She takes great care in searching out upbeat and uplifting art that can incite happiness.

Maryann Simon, who heads the Art in Public Spaces program at the Bonita Art League in Bonita Springs, agreed that art affects everyone who sees it.

"It really can change the way someone is feeling," she said.

Art that adds color and energy to a room can be edgy and modern, tempting the viewer to look a second time. In amenity areas, artwork is meant to attract attention so it should not be so integrated into the décor that it goes unnoticed and is taken for granted.

"Probably one of the worst things that can happen to an artist's work is to have it dismissed, which means that people pass by without acknowledging it," said Joanne Lizio, founder and owner of Atelier Lizio Naples, an open studio space in Naples. "Walter Gropius, a German-American architect (1883-1969) said that the human mind is like an umbrella. It functions best when it is open. I believe that the more people are receptive and open to art, the more they can gain, appreciate, value, acquire or even employ from their experience," said Lizio.

In the Seasons at Naples Cay, the lobby space is contemporary with what Manson considers fairly edgy contemporary artwork utilizing strong and bold colors � shades of blue, purple and brilliant orange. The backdrop for the paintings is blonde avodire mahogany from equatorial Africa.

The plan for the Seasons' lobby artwork began with an aquarium that inspired a palette of blue and sand. Commissioned paintings hang in the grand spaces of the lobby and the amenity areas. "The grand scale of most amenity levels requires large pieces of commissioned artwork," said Manson, who chose two 12-by-10 paintings by Sarafino to grace the lobby.

In La Scala at The Colony Golf and Bay Club, two commissioned, hand-cut and intricately assembled collages by Melanie Boone are at the base of each staircase where residents can admire them up close. Another piece of commissioned art in the grand salon is the hand-woven wool carpet from Nepal. Nearly 23-by-26-feet, it can best appreciated by looking down from the mezzanine level.

John Hawkins, WCI's senior project manager for La Scala, said the artwork selected for the amenity areas is reviewed by the project team to insure that it lends the intended depth of character and adheres to the chosen concept.

"La Scala's Mediterranean theme is reflected everywhere, in the color scheme, furnishings, artwork and even the sculpture that is integral to the outdoor water feature and décor of the grand salon," said Hawkins.

The bronze sculpture "Whirlwind" by Oregon sculptor Martin Eichinger is an exuberant figurative work of a man and woman. Its sense of motion not only enhances the outdoor amenity area, it is also the focal point of the grand salon since it is visible through a bank of windows that overlooks the water feature.

In Aversana at Hammock Bay, Manson chose to vary the artwork, including contemporary abstract and more traditional pieces. Behind the reception desk is a painting of a placid sun-dappled Mediterranean streetscape by Penio. In contrast, opposite the desk is a commanding abstract geometric piece in crimson and gold by renowned fiber artist Susan Singleton. The social room is very large with a seating area that includes a plasma TV, centrally located bar and game tables. At the opposite end of the room is a billiard table. The overall look of the room is transitional tropical with a contemporary edge. Van Beckum was commissioned to create the 6-by-7 painting of koi, a fish that often appears in oriental art, on the wall behind the billiard table.

Carefully selected artwork placed in amenity areas that are considered to be an extension of personal residences not only contributes an element of beauty, it also intimates that the amenity areas are private art galleries for the exclusive enjoyment of residents. Art adds color, patterns, dimension, a sense of energy and vibrancy which encourages residents to communicate, forming strong connections to their physical environment and to each other.