Karim Rashid

Miami, FL – January 30, 2014 – On a mission for Democratic design, one of the most prolific designers of his generation, Karim Rashid, joined Jorge Perez at the grand opening of MyBrickell. The very colorful downtown condominium grand opening party was the first of its kind in seven years, making the celebration not only groundbreaking, but beautiful and imaginative as well. Esteemed designer, Karim Rashid, helped create an extremely fresh and unique space with his years of experience and a strong passion for the art of color and limitless possibilities for interior design. Rashid sees MyBrickell as an outlet to touch lives and show the world the potential of creativity while reaching a broad audience. Deeming orange as the new black, Rashid explains how no one should be afraid of color and every hue and tint of orange can transcend to the viewer. Here we have an inside look into the creative mind of Rashid and his poetic story of the creation of MyBrickell.

 Karim Rashid

I must touch many lives and show them how the world can be a different, more energetic, more inspiring, more creative place.

Karim Rashid

Having created thousands of successful designs, how did you find new inspiration for MyBrickell?  

Well I have designed thousand of objects and maybe 150 interiors but not all are successful! My inspiration for MyBrickell was very contemporary technorganic design that is a democratic design. I am an advocate of ‘designocrasy’ where design is democratic for the largest audience possible but it is also a great pleasure to create art, or an installation, or a luxury item. For the longest time design only existed for the elite and for a small insular culture. If the world is going to change and live in a more contemporary condition then I must reach a broader audience. I must be a populist. I must democratize design. I must touch many lives and show them how the world can be a different, more energetic, more inspiring, more creative place.

How did the color scheme develop?

I love color. Color is one of the most beautiful phenomena of our existence. Color is life and for me, color is a way of dealing with and touching our emotions, our psyche, and our spiritual being. Some colors are strong, some are soft, – what is important is the specific hue or tint or saturation of each color and how they work together. Color can be used well or poorly but no one should be afraid of color. It is spiritual phenomenological euphoria. So I wanted some colors that represent the energy and time of the digital age in which we live. Also, Miami is full of color as is the Latin sensibility, hence why my work is so popular in South America and Mexico.

Karim Rashid

How did orange become the color that brought the project together?

During a difficult recession and times in Miami, orange offers emotional strength in difficult times. It helps us to bounce back from disappointments and despair, assisting in recovery from grief. I use colors to create form, mood, feeling, and to touch the public memory. Color is not just ‘is’ and is not intangible- it is very real, very strong, and has a real physical presence. I am also thinking about using colors to create and work with the experience, or the human engagement of that certain task or function. The color orange radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. Orange relates to our instincts, as opposed to the physical reaction of red or the mental response of yellow. But also in the project are fuchsia and cyan, all against a medium grey.

Color is life and for me, color is a way of dealing with and touching our emotions, our psyche, and our spiritual being.

Karim Rashid

How do the colors and artistic decor make MyBrickell stand out in a sea of condominiums?

This condominium stands out because the sprit and feeling is positive, energetic yet relaxing. That is the core of the Miami lifestyle. The city has such a beautiful color palette full of lightness. There is such a sense of freedom in Miami. When I’m in that space I feel free. My designs manifest into something that will connect with the user, and sustain relationships with the consumer. Beautifying the world, and creating well designed, provocative, stimulating yet calming interiors is the impetus for everything I embark on.

Were there any artists you collaborated with?

No. My design included lentciular paintings and sculptures in the lobby. In addition to being a designer I am also an artist having gallery shows in Chelsea, Milan, Toronto. It is a joy to briefly abandon function for pure form. Though I do enjoy collaborating with artists. I am lucky I love some artists and collect art, but generally I rarely get a budget large enough to collaborate with outside artists.

It is a joy to briefly abandon function for pure form.

Karim Rashid

 

What did it take to make this the first tower grand opening in 7 years?

Well, everyone was nervous. But I think the design and renderings that were launched at the opening party sold the building out in 22 days. After that the ground was broken four months later. The presale being so quick was a guarantee and Related then believed in me that my name, my work, and my passion could shape success together.

Karim Rashid

There is such a sense of freedom in Miami. When I’m in that space I feel free.

Karim Rashid

 Jorge Perez, Karim Rashid, Sonia Figueroa, & Carlos Rosso 

La Trice Perry

La Trice Perry

Did you also design the furniture? How did you choose the style?

Yes the furniture in the lobby is designed by me for Nienkamper, Fabbian, and Gamma and Bros. All the furniture in the pool area is also designed by me for Vondom, Spain and Slide, Italy. The reception desk is a one-off, the planters I designed for Vondom, Spain, and in the game room are lamps for Kundalini, Italy and a custom designed one-off billiard table.

Do you see MyBrickell as a statement in the world of architecture?

I see MyBrickell as a statement for more democratic buildings with accessible price points for the mass, and yet super designed, very fun, very energetic, very positive, that affords great elevated experiences for domestic life. Design is for everybody, not just the elite and in that respect I believe MyBrickell is a first in North America.

Design is for everybody, not just the elite and in that respect I believe MyBrickell is a first in North America.

Karim Rashid

Karim Rashid & Carlos Rosso

GALLERY SLIDER