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Art & Culture

Architect Lee F. Mindel, FAIA, Shares Emerging Trends from Design Miami/ Basel 2023

Unlike any other assemblage, this enfilade of galleries offers a unique, intimate, and diverse educational experience

By Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
View of a cloudy blue sky through a circular architectural opening with a modern, textured design and intersecting cables.
Open air oculus at design miami/basel art Basel by Herzog De Meuron at Messeplatz Basel Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA

Featuring emerging patterns from the icons of today to the most celebrated masters of the past, Design Miami/ Basel 2023 is a unique celebration of the very best in design. Unlike any other assemblage, this enfilade of galleries offers a unique, intimate, and diverse educational experience. The annual showcase represents a wide range of cultures, from sophisticated furnishings by Giacometti, Lalanne, Perriand, and Prouvé to the contemporary textiles of Gjertrud Hals to the ceramics of Suzanne Ramie to the lighting of Gino Sarfatti and the sculptural recycled-metal furniture by Burkina Faso’s Hamed Ouattara. Perhaps Friedman Benda summed it up the best with the title of its museum-like collection “Iconoclasts and Icons” live and in real time.

In order to immerse ourselves in the variety of designs so beautifully presented in Basel, these intimate photos were shot up-close and personal and express the emerging patterns of design.

Wooden slatted bench against a textured gray wall with vertical wooden elements above, creating a minimalist aesthetic.
Charlotte Perriand at Galerie Downtown. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Modern wooden wall shelves above a minimalist black and gray cushioned bench.
Charlotte Perriand at Galerie Downtown. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Close-up of a modern dark blue velvet sofa with sleek, curved armrest design.
Detail of 1980s sofa by Martin Szekely at Jousse Enterprises. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Close-up of a weathered yellow and red metal surface with text and cone-shaped protrusions.
Foreign Agent by Hamed Ouattara. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Delicate green and blue fiber art casting intricate shadows on a white surface.
Wall hanging by Gjertrud Hals at Maria Wettergren. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Silver abstract sculpture resembling large overlapping leaves against a plain background.
Detail of Lalanne outdoor chair at Galerie Mitterrand. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Sunlight casting shadows of a shelf with objects, including a reflective sculpture and geometric shapes, on a white wall.
Bookcase by Mathieu Matégot at Galerie Matthieu Richard. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Red vintage armchair with wooden armrests on a swivel base displayed in a museum setting.
Jean Prouvé chair at Patrick Seguin. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Modern ceiling chandelier with white cylindrical shades and black metal frame.
Jean Royère chandelier at Galerie Jacques Lacoste. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Modern wood chairs against a perforated wall with round wooden table in foreground.
Pharmacy doors by Giordano Forte at Galerie Rosella Columbari. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Elegant room corner with a modern wall light fixture, a wooden chair, and a table lamp beside yellow curtains.
Lamp by Diego Giacometti and chair by Alexandre Noll at Galerie Jacques Lacoste. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Close-up of a unique chair design with circular cutouts and a red wheel on a textured floor surface.
Gio Ponti chair at Galerie Rosella Columbari. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Intricate white ceramic sculpture with floral and organic motifs, casting delicate shadows on a gallery wall.
Detail of mirror by Diego Cibelli at Galleria Antonella Villanova. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Abstract close-up of golden, luminous liquid surface with swirling patterns and reflections, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Detail of a ceiling pendant at Galerie Meubles et Lumières. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Close-up of a beige table with white geometric patterns and black legs against a dark background.
Table detail by André Borderie at LeBreton Gallery. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Wooden lamp base with geometric design and rich brown tones, topped with a textured beige lampshade.
Pair of lamps by James Mont from Eric Phillipe. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Close-up of textured wooden surface with natural grain patterns and light brown hues.
Detail of cabinet by Gaetsno Pesce at Morentz. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Close-up of a textured, baked dish with a crispy, golden-brown and green bubbling surface.
Ceramic by artist Sterling Ruby at Pierre Marie Giraud. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Pile of assorted wooden blocks in various sizes and shapes scattered around in a random arrangement.
Favela chair by the Campana Brothers at Friedman Benda. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Large, textured, spherical pottery vase with earthy tones on display against a neutral background.
Galleristr Thomas Fritsch presents the magical moonscape of French ceramicist Susanne Ramie, who worked with Picasso. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA
Red floor lamp casting a distinctive shadow on a cream-colored wall in a softly lit room.
This rare floor lamp by Mathieu Matégot from Galerie Matthieu Richard in Paris evokes the silhouette of the Dior New Look. Photo: Lee F. Mindel, FAIA