Art Basel 2011– “Chapel” an organically shaped, meditation chamber designed by architect Luis Pons will be part of Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter, an exhibition that will showcase the work of a provocative group of designers who embrace the concept of limited production manufacturing. Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter will be on view in the Buena Vista Building, 189 NE 39 Street #120, in the Miami Design District from November 29-December 4, 2011.

“Chapel” offers a relaxed interior for one to four people and is pre-programmed by the facilitator to support the users’ individual needs during daily sessions. Upon entry users experience a period of meditation, during which the chapel’s integrated lighting, sound, and aroma therapeutic scent systems are set to create a calming atmosphere. Meditation is followed by activation of the video-conferencing mode, during which users engage in a two-way communication with an energy expert via the Chapel’s Internet connected state-of-the-art video conferencing system. Sessions close with the Chapel returning once again to a meditation atmosphere for a period of time. When users leave the Chapel low-level lighting gently illuminates the interior until the next session begins.

“In the Chapel we leave the distractions and chatter of the everyday world behind. Here we are able to embrace and enhance our ability to reconnect to the energy source that is within ourselves and always available in the universe,” says Pons. “The chapel’s organic shape is a symbol of life itself. Like a cocoon, it is a source of, and protective space for, birth, rebirth, renewal, and growth.”

The 18’ x 12’ x 9’ structure will be fabricated from 69 elliptical panels crafted from translucent white fabric that was custom designed, creating a soft oval interior space. This interior space sits on an oval platform made of acrylic light cast cotton. A custom designed sofa bench offering seating for up to four people inside the Chapel is oriented toward a 42” audio/video LED display with integrated speakers. The audio/visual system includes an Apple Mac mini control processor and computer, an HD web camera with a microphone, and an iPod Touch. A high-performance LED lighting system can be programmed to bathe the interior in various lighting schemes.

About the Exhibition

Curated by Thais Fontenelle, Soul Does Matter is the second exhibition from Inventory and features an array of design objects in a range of mediums and disciplines. The show is presented with the intent to explore themes centered on the interplay between the material and the intangible personality of design objects. The highly disparate limited edition pieces that comprise the show reflect the unique visions and worldviews of their respective designers yet unify around the shared theme. On display within a space in the Buena Vista Building in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Design District, Soul Does Matter will be a catalyst of thought and a visually arresting journey.

About Luis Pons
A native of Caracas Venezuela, Luis Pons is an award- winning designer of private residences, hotels, interiors, furniture, jewelry and lighting whose work has appeared in leading domestic and international publications. He is the founder of D-LAB, a conceptual design laboratory in Miami that operates under the assumption that experience is mutable and open to reinterpretation. Rejecting the separation between buildings and their interiors, D-LAB designs from the inside out thinking always in terms of systems. The systems emerge by taking objects out of their context and reintroducing
them in surprising ways with a sense of humor, magic and surprise.

About Inventory
Inventory is a design collaborative launched in 2011 curated by Thais Fontenelle. The goal of Inventory is to inspire thought through the introduction of provocative and innovative design. Inventory aspires to stimulate the senses and inspire fresh conversations about design and its role in our lives. Visit inventoryobjects.com for updates and more information on upcoming exhibitions.
For more information contact [email protected]

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