We would like to start our projects section with one of the extraordinary projects we have worked on recently. This project was in development over the last few years and has brought together renowned professionals in architecture and interior design./p>
The Canalejas Center is one of the most important urban interventions developed in Europe in recent times. This development went hand in hand with the Four Seasons hotel chain, with more than 50 years of experience in the hotel sector. Four Seasons represents luxury for the modern traveler. Following this concept of the modern traveler, the opportunity arose to design, weave and install a large part of the rugs that, together with the expertise of the interior design studio BAMO, was to result in the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, an energetic, modern, and vibrant hotel in the very heart of the capital, and a commitment to and celebration of Spanish craftmanship.
A call for Japanese-inspired design was initially defined by the hotel management in the tender that would compete with other manufacturers. However, Jacobo Pérez-Enciso, designer and esteemed alp_ collaborator, pursued his own philosophy and inspiration to convey another vision of carpet design, a vision more focused on rugs as a work of art and with greater feeling.
Below is the proposal that was selected, and with this design the project began. We would like to highlight the valor of the design teams and hotel management in being open to change the pre-defined ideas, and the trust they always placed in our team, allowing space to design each of the rugs.
The design process was an inspiring progression in which Jacobo envisioned conveying an abstract calligraphy through flat backgrounds and abstract lines, adding his own artistic flair to each of the rugs, a unique experience that travelers can revel in during their stay in the different rooms of the Four Seasons. Carpets were designed for the hotel lobby, room, suites, and offices. Each of the designs were custom-made to reflect the environment and designed to be integrated into the decoration of each room. A careful development process and close contact with the BAMO team led by Steve Henry ensured that the colors created harmony and that a timeless, modern design was achieved. The design process also carefully considered the manufacturing possibilities in terms of textures. At first, a blended material of pure new wool and natural silk was proposed, however, as samples were developed, the design evolved to arrive at the final composition, comprised of the background of the rugs in pure new wool with the details in natural silk, giving additional texture and character to the calligraphy of each of the rugs.
Once the design was defined, the production process began. This process was entirely carried out by the alp_ team at our facilities in Granada in the hand-tufting technique. This process starts by drawing the design by hand on the frame, then each area is filled in by a trained expert who will tuft each of the colored yarns according to the design. Once the carpets have been completed, they go to the post-production department where each millimeter of the carpet is examined, trimmed, and cared for so that each yarn is in its place and the design is fully visible. This entirely manual process creates a unique piece that showcases the craftsmanship of skilled artisans.
Once the rugs were completed and sent to the hotel, our team from Granada traveled to Madrid to carry out the installation together with BAMO and Four Seasons team. Each carpet was carefully unpacked, precisely laid out and installed, and meticulously reviewed and cleaned so that complete furniture and decoration the lobby, stairs and suites of the hotel could be completed.
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the process of this special project as much as we enjoyed participating in it. We would like to thank all the experts, designers, and technicians that contributed to this project.