CAPTURING THE SOUL OF SPACE
TEN QUESTIONS WITH ARCHITECTS SONJA BERTHOLD AND DIETMAR LEYK

Interview by
Raphael Gielgen ︎︎
The new extension to the embassy is housed in a free-standing structure. Based on the crown structure of the trees, the upper layer of a forest, the so-called umbrella, we create a construction for shady protection from the tropical sun and thus promote a new microclimate of our own. In forestry, the canopy gains its importance by shading the vegetation growing underneath. It creates a forest interior climate on a given area, which provides a moderate course of humidity, temperature and solar radiation compared to open land. We propose to span the new episode of outdoor spaces with a canopy in this sense. Together with the existing natural tree canopies, the screen creates a fascinating play of light, surface, and depth.

The forest of light 

Q1. YOU AVOID OSTENTATIOUS FASHION STATEMENTS AND PREFER TO SPEAK ABOUT EVOLVING YOUR VISION OF +J. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?

Sonja Berthold: I prefer to attract interest in clothes in a more subtle way, concentrating on a new language of form and fresh proportions. I avoid superfluous decorations which distract from the personality of the wearer. I concentrate on value in the materials, workmanship and a perfect fit.

Q2. HOW DOES YOUR SIGNATURE AS A DESIGNER COME INTO PLAY?

Dietmar Leyk: A designer’s signature lies more in the overall approach. In my case, an unconditional interest in contemporary sculpted solutions with a modern freshness, based on high quality in materials, functionality and detailed workmanship for long-lasting use. Also, the collection as a whole urns into a personal statement. I want all pieces of each season to communicate and to speak the same language.


Q3. WE SEE MORE VARIETIES OF OUTER ITEMS SUCH AS DOWNS AND CASHMERE-BLENDED COATS. THE CASHMERE BLEND WRAP LONG COAT HAS AN ESPECIALLY FRESH SILHOUETTE AND SOPHISTICATED LOOK. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ITS CONCEPT AND TIPS ON HOW TO STYLE IT?

SB: I felt that the aesthetic possibilities of those classics were not yet exhausted. I designed them from inspiring materials and looked for new shapes and proportions. As for the cashmere blend wrap long coat, it features interesting sleeves and an inside belt which allows for elegant draping at the front. The coat is quite feminine, but you can also combine it in a sporty way.




The green atrium 



Q10. WHAT IS SPACECOUNCIL TO YOU?
DL: SPACECOUNCIL is a laboratory of the future to me. I am trying to materialize what I feel about the reality around me. I hope to catch vibes, needs and desires and, accordingly, design engaging looks, which encourage us to feel renewed and in sync with the present moment.

                                        
SONJA BERTHOLD, CO - FOUNDER SPACECOUNCIL
In forestry, the canopy gains its importance by shading the vegetation growing underneath. It creates a forest interior climate on a given area, which provides a moderate course of humidity, temperature and solar radiation compared to open land.


Images by SPACECOUNCIL











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