Art Basel Hong Kong brought the art and watchmaking worlds together. We chat with the talent who was behind Audemars Piguet's VIP lounge, which evokes dramatic scenes of Swiss mountains
Designed by Brooklyn-based sculptor Fernando Mastrangelo, Audemars Piguet's VIP concept lounge attracted a great deal of attention at this year's Art Basel Hong Kong, which also showcased the watchmaker’s new Code 11:59 watch.
Inspired by the Vallée de Joux–Audemars Piguet's birthplace deep in Switzerland’s rugged countryside–Mastrangelo's concept conjured up images of the Jura Mountains thanks to his use of limestone and sand.
Five key materials–gold, brass, jade-like aventurine, sapphire glass and iron–which are all part of the brand's newest Code 11:59 collection, were used in Mastrangelo’s lounge design.
We speak to the creative post-Art Basel Hong Kong, before his space travels to Basel and Miami Beach later this year.
Tell us about Audemars Piguet’s VIP lounge for Art Basel Hong Kong...
I decided to focus on the Vallée de Joux. We have three components: You first walk through the "Spruce Forest", which is where you’ll find the watch displays. You then arrive at the "Watchmaker’s Desk", which is inspired by Vallée de Joux’s caves.
Behind the desk, you’ll find the "Strata Wall", which is inspired by its quarries. And finally, you will enter the "Escape Room" where there’s a simulated sunset and sunrise over Switzerland.
What did you hope to achieve with this lounge?
I want guests to feel immersed in Switzerland, so that they can go through the same journey that I went through when I went to Audemars Piguet’s headquarters.
See also: What Sold At Art Basel Hong Kong 2019