Antechamber, foyer, or vestibule – semantics aside, architecture’s iconic liminal space is experiencing a bit of a renaissance as evidenced by the plethora of fresh objects debuting with every passing fair. Makers like Kiki Goti, whose showcase Selene debuted to great acclaim at Alcova for Milan Design Week 2024, demonstrate design’s potential to shift perceptions of this typically underrepresented space.
The selection rests somewhere between entry and exit, public and private, foyer and hearth. While those with the financial means, or luxury of square footage, might outfit their rooms in a display of opulence, Goti opts for an equally seductive alternative. “I’m drawn to a more contemplative interpretation – one that eschews outward ostentation in favor of an inward exploration. In my vision, the foyer becomes a sanctum for introspection, guiding occupants on a transformative journey of self-discovery.” It comes as no surprise that the multi-hyphenate designer has the empathy – and access to material fabrication prowess – to take up this cause, with time also spent as a practicing architect and educator.
But only some of the design-thinking remains despite the shift in scale. “I studied in a school where we were still taught that ‘form follows function’ and that decoration was superficial. I grew out of it pretty fast and I am still fascinated by the notion of the ornament,” continues Goti. “But in every project and every piece I make I still tend to consciously think about form, function and ornamentation. Breaking out of a dual way of thinking – form vs function, function vs ornament, soft vs hard, artificial vs natural, feminine vs masculine – has become a design approach for me.”
Comprising the Nested Chair, Moon Bench, Nuphar Mirror, and Celestial Table Lamp, Selene synthesizes elements of the home to construct a quiet place for contemplation with a fresh take on furniture typical of the vestibule. Aptly named after Greek Mythology’s moon goddess and governess of transformation, the objects explore luminosity through each item’s unique, meticulous craft to invite reflection in every sense of the word.
Dazzling silverized glass and the brilliant sheen of matte aluminum are the primary palette components behind the ethereal aesthetic. The metal bench and chair were produced in Paris and share some element of an extruded shape and latticework. The former has circular glass plates secured to the seat while the latter vaguely suggests a Duomo-like silhouette. And the lamp was manufactured in Manhattan, taking cues from its siblings as it borrows geometry for tiny oblong appliques secured by nodes. But the most beguiling of the bunch, and anchor to the collection, is the mirror manufactured in Venice, Italy by Vetralia, a glass manufacturer known for their expertise. Those elements reference lily pads in both color and form, and are strategically arranged with hand-painted Murano glass orbs in between.
Photo: Chelsie Craig
While reflection is the primary goal of this series, a closer look at its success provides a peek into the future. The exhibition will echo on in additional shows from Paris to New York, and Goti even suggests a more robust family of furnishings to be launched at a later date. “I’m excited about the potential for further collaborations with brands and artisans sparked by this collection… I really enjoyed the process and am currently working on some exciting collaborations that will be unveiled soon!”
Photo: Chelsie Craig
To learn more about the designer’s creative practice visit kikigoti.com.
Photography courtesy of Kiki Goti unless otherwise noted.
