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Jony Ive and Marc Newson interpret various iterations of technology on Claridge’s Christmas Tree

United Kingdom Architecture News - Nov 21, 2016 - 17:22   13218 views

Jony Ive and Marc Newson interpret various iterations of technology on Claridge’s Christmas Tree

Apple's designer Jony Ive and British Designer Marc Newson have unveiled this year's Claridge's Christmas Tree installation, which is situated in the lobby of Claridge's hotel in Mayfair, London. Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, in collaboration with renowned British set designer Michael Howells, have created an immersive festive installation. Step through Claridge's revolving doors this Christmas and the visitors will find themselves in a magical, snow-covered forest.

The Claridge Hotel commissioned Sir Jony Ive, Chief Design Officer at Apple, and Marc Newson to design this year's Claridge’s Christmas Tree in October -the designers are two of the world’s most influential industrial designers, are both long-time friends of the hotel.

Jony Ive and Marc Newson interpret various iterations of technology on Claridge’s Christmas Tree
''There are few things more pure and beautiful than nature, so that was our starting point, layering various iterations of organic forms with technology. Our aim was to create an all-enveloping magical experience that celebrates our enormous respect for tradition while recognising our excitement about the future and things to come,'' said Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson.

Jony Ive and Marc Newson interpret various iterations of technology on Claridge’s Christmas Tree
The installation features four-metre high light boxes that glow with black and white photographic images of snow covered silver birch trees, set on a pure white floor. 

Against this backdrop, rise cast models of Scots pine, layered with both natural and photographed silver birch and fir trees, reaching to a canopy of natural green pine.

Jony Ive and Marc Newson interpret various iterations of technology on Claridge’s Christmas Tree
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long symbolised the start of the festive season in the capital. drawing visitors and Londoners alike to admire its magnificent design. This is the seventh year that Claridge’s has invited a favourite guest to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style.

In 2015, British fashion designer Christopher Bailey, CEO of Burberry, designed Claridge’s Christmas Tree by using over 100 umbrellas, each finished in bespoke gold and silver metallic fabric, and thousands of motion-sensor lights, programmed to sparkle and glitter as guests walked by the tree. 

With London being at the heart of both Claridge’s and Burberry, the 2015 Claridge's Christmas Tree was a true celebration of the two brands' shared British heritage.

All images courtesy of Claridge’s

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