CONVERSATIONS WITH ESTEEMED ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER, ANNABELLE SELLDORF

Mar 21

The Luxury Division sat down with Annabelle Selldorf, one of the world's most esteemed Architects and Designers. Selldorf is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, the recipient of the 2016 Aiany Medal of Honor, and an inductee to the Architectural Digest Hall of Fame. No other architect has had a greater influence on the spectacular transformation of West Chelsea, Manhattan to what is now: a diverse mix of new and restored residential and commercial buildings including hundreds of the world's leading contemporary art galleries.

Photo: Annabelle Selldorf, Photographed by Brigitte Lacombe

Annabelle Selldorf has designed a total of three residential buildings and five art galleries in the Chelsea area. Selldorf’s architectural work spans a wide variety of building types; from residential buildings, art galleries, museums, private homes, to residential interior design and furniture design. Most recently, Selldorf designed Park House Chelsea - located a few doors away from the recently launched Hauser & Wirth gallery - at the corner of 10th Avenue and 22nd Street. Join our conversation with Annabelle Selldorf where we discuss Park House Chelsea, the history of the neighborhood, projected future trends for 2022, and beyond.

Please share with us your history in West Chelsea - so much has changed since it was re-zoned to accommodate residential construction.

West Chelsea was destined to become a completely different neighborhood. I think of Tenth Avenue as the separation between the old Chelsea and the new Chelsea. When I walk around the neighborhood today, I'm amazed by how different it has become and how populous it is. It is a new part of town and people flock to it.

The conditions we are looking at today are very different from those of 10-15 years ago. It's very interesting how each designer, developer, and architect has taken a different path. For me, it's very important that there is continuity in the urban fabric of New York. I've always loved the colors and the presence that buildings like London Terrace possess. I also love the proportionality of these long, townhouse-filled streets - and then contrastingly, you have the increased scale and proportion of the buildings that are further west. There's an industrial vernacular that rules west of 10th Avenue that is especially accentuated by the High Line.

You (very kindly) said that no one has had as much influence on the neighborhood as I – although I'm not sure that’s true. I take pride in the contribution that we've made, but I firmly believe that when we build buildings, we build them for people. We build as much for the people who live in these buildings as we do for those who walk by them. They're good places to live and we hope that they contribute to a vibrant public space.

What was your inspiration and philosophy for Park House Chelsea?

We decided to really build on what the existing building was at one time - the regular fenestration and the history of what had been there. I'm particularly excited about the proportions that the building presents at its location (the corner of 10th Avenue and 22nd Street), and the kind of “center of gravity” that it represents in the neighborhood. It is a modern building that simultaneously speaks to its neighboring counterparts.

Among many large, exuberant - (and at times, aggressive) - new buildings around the neighborhood, Park House Chelsea is more intimate and modest at face value. The facade has a great deal of texture and tactility. The coloration of the brick at the base which becomes glazed brick as it travels upwards, the elegant proportion of the windows, and the accents that the storefront provides - all contribute to something that is not loud, but certainly undeniable.

Photo: Park House, A Sophisticated, Contemporary Enclave in the Heart of West Chelsea

While visiting recently, I realized that each and every apartment has significant individual character and exists as a place of longevity. I think those are both the values that we wanted to bring to this project from the get-go. It's so gratifying to see it come to life as it quietly claims its place.

How does designing a project facing a park impact your design approach?

One of the really outstanding qualities of the Park House Chelsea is the opportunity to take advantage of the views over the park. It is truly a lyrical moment in these apartments - having so much space in front of you and getting to appreciate the seasons. I was standing in one of the apartments looking at the park and I realized you can see the children playing on the playground, which is such a sweet perk. This is where the community comes together.

It's a real plus for the building and for the neighborhood as well.

You design homes for very aesthetically aware, super wealthy clients. What are some common themes you see in the needs and wants in their homes?

When we design buildings or homes, human comfort is at the very center of it all. I don't mean the plush carpets and other accents, but really honing in on how families live in today’s world. We've been lucky enough to work with developers who have allowed us to design homes for people who have the ability to afford larger spaces.

I think large spaces are something that everybody strives for, but in doing so we've also tried very hard to not make them into spaces that are frivolous or superfluous. We really think about how people use space so that kitchens are fully equipped, if possible, with pantries and laundry rooms. It's not very glamorous, but everybody wants a lot of storage space. It's all about the flow in the apartments, how you bring light in, preferably from two sides into a room, or how you create apartments that have cross-ventilation and are healthy with natural materials. Additionally, as a result of the pandemic, it’s become a necessity to incorporate a working space into an apartment. Whether it's a full-on study or just a little nook, a designated place where someone can quietly work has become imperative.

Photo: Created for people and places, Vica by Annabelle Selldorf

You recently relaunched your furniture collection Vica. We understand your family history has something to do with this?

Yes, in 2021 I proudly re-launched our furniture company (which had already existed for years). My family originally launched the company in Germany, and last year I relaunched it in New York. This, too, relates back to the value I've placed on the quality of people's lives.The mission is about creating furniture that is useful to people's lives wherever they are and wherever they go. I've always thought that “throwaway culture” is outdated, and in turn we should be focusing on how things are made, how they fit your body, and how they complement an individual life - each and every piece of furniture somehow has a purpose. I've never been able to design a chair just because. I want to design the chair with a use beyond its specific goal in mind.

What do you see as the future trends of architecture and design moving forward into 2022 and beyond?

When asked about future trends of architecture, I take a moment to think back to what forms places of living. How can we bring healthier, more welcoming, places that are more connected to how people really live? Over the long period of time that I’ve practiced architecture, what I still find fascinating is that people are evermore educated about the art of architecture. It presents a challenge to live up to the demands of those who are knowledgeable. It also presents the question of how we help people look towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

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