The brand, a symbol of design Made in Italy,has opened its first showroom in the UK, in the heart of the Brompton Design District. The space, in a historic building, has been designed byPiero Lissoni. The project reveals the architectural layers that have developed at the site over the years, creating a new surface of intense gray tones that match the London skyline. The industrial spirit of Cassina is reflected in the interiors: lamps by Franco Albiniare hung from the ceiling with cables of red fabric, over an impressive staircase in solid gray oak to connect the two levels. The original bricks are exposed and painted in a neutral tone of gray, and the lighting creates the atmosphere of postindustrial facilities, enhancing the gray oak flooring of the basement and the beauty of the rugged cement of the ground floor. A large ‘aviary’ in metal screen positioned at the entrance to the showroom functions as a design studio, in which to meet with clients. www.cassina.com.
