The Birth of time&space

Da Silva’s passion for interior design began with a childhood dream of becoming an architect. Although that dream didn’t materialize, his interest in design evolved naturally into a deep connection with 20th-century design icons. A trip to LA became a turning point for Da Silva when he realized that the items he had been collecting could come together in a space of their own. “I left there so inspired,” he recalls, reflecting on the transformative power of travel. As he began to envision his collection in a physical space, the concept of time&space was born, a project dedicated to preserving and sharing design history.

time&space isn’t just about curating objects but about storytelling through design. For Da Silva, each piece—whether a vintage chair or an iconic sculpture—evokes emotions, and together they create a cohesive narrative. His selection process is deliberate and considered, aiming to blend aesthetics with functionality to craft environments that inspire and feel intentional.

Breaking Down Barriers: A Welcoming Space for All

Da Silva’s vision for time&space was further fueled by a personal experience with a local homeware store. After admiring a new sofa on display, he was dismissed by a store owner who bluntly told him, “You won’t be able to afford it.” This interaction made Da Silva rethink the exclusivity of the design world. “I never want this space to feel like that,” he says, emphasizing his goal to create a welcoming, accessible environment.

Da Silva’s philosophy closely aligns with Habitat’s ethos of “democratizing design.” Both share the belief that good design should be available to all, regardless of socio-economic status. Habitat’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable design that doesn’t compromise on quality, and through collaborations like this, they are helping to make great design more approachable for a broader audience.

The Intersection of Design and Lifestyle

Da Silva’s interest in curation goes beyond just arranging objects. It’s about creating environments that feel alive with energy and intention. He draws inspiration from a range of sources, including design legends like NIGO and Pharrell, who have managed to blend personal interests into their curations. The influence of these icons is evident in Da Silva’s work, which blends fashion, streetwear, and mid-century modern design into a unique, accessible approach to interior curation.

One of the most memorable pieces in Da Silva’s collection is the yellow Ernst Moeckl kangaroo chairs, which he sourced from a furniture market in Paris. He recounts the effort it took to bring them back to London, highlighting the dedication involved in curating such a special collection. For Da Silva, it’s not just about acquiring objects; it’s about preserving and sharing the stories behind them.

Habitat’s Continued Relevance in Design

Habitat’s commitment to innovation and practicality in design has helped it maintain a strong connection to modern consumers. Despite its long history, the brand has adapted to contemporary trends without sacrificing its core values. The brand’s ability to integrate modern, functional pieces with classic design sensibilities allows it to bridge the gap between the past and present.

Da Silva’s collaboration with Habitat perfectly complements this ethos. The integration of contemporary Habitat pieces with his curated 60s and 70s furniture brings a new, exciting layer to his collection, offering a contrast that feels both modern and timeless. It’s a fusion of past and present that resonates with today’s consumers, who seek designs that are not only functional but also meaningful and accessible.

Conclusion

Through his collaboration with Habitat, Armand Da Silva continues to challenge the traditional notions of exclusivity and elitism in the design world. By creating a space that is open, welcoming, and educational, Da Silva is ensuring that good design is available for everyone. His work, paired with Habitat’s commitment to democratizing design, brings us closer to a future where all people, regardless of background, can appreciate and engage with the beauty of great design.

To explore more of Da Silva’s Essentials collection, visit Habitat’s website and discover how good design can truly be for everyone.

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Commissioned by Haringey Council, Rowan Court occupies a strip of leftover land between an existing housing estate and a railway line. The design is intended to provide a range of housing types, with a particular emphasis on larger families. Notably, four of the apartments are wheelchair-accessible, while four others are multi-generational maisonettes.

The project mirrors the zigzagging layout of the original estate. It is organized around an L-shaped apartment block, flanked by lower terrace blocks on either side. This arrangement creates a new courtyard and mews-style street that enhances the surrounding urban fabric.

Creating Community Spaces

The core concept of the design was to improve public space and offer sustainable housing that fosters inclusivity. According to Satish Jassal, the most significant contribution of Rowan Court is the creation of a new public square and mews street. This new space transforms a previously neglected area into a secure, vibrant environment for residents, both new and existing. As a result, the project is an important step in reviving the local community.

Rowan Court’s central block stands six storeys tall, containing 31 apartments. Each apartment has access to an external terrace, which provides views of communal outdoor areas. To the east and west of this block, maisonettes and townhouses complete the development, contributing to a partially enclosed green square.

The choice of hand-laid red brick aligns with local architectural traditions, ensuring durability and design flexibility. Additionally, semi-glazed white bricks were used to accentuate window frames and introduce horizontal bands to the facades. These design choices reflect local patterns and provide a modern touch while maintaining the development’s connection to the surrounding area.

Sustainability and Accessibility

In keeping with the council’s sustainability goals, Rowan Court is designed to be a predominantly car-free development. It includes 96 cycle spaces, promoting green transportation. Moreover, solar panels and air-source heat pumps are incorporated into the design, making the development energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

Rowan Court offers a sustainable, inclusive approach to housing in London. The design prioritizes community well-being while respecting the local architecture. With an emphasis on functionality, environmental responsibility, and public space enhancement, this development exemplifies Satish Jassal Architects’ commitment to creating spaces that benefit both the residents and the broader urban context.

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The concept behind the playground is to create a space that encourages inclusivity and fosters creativity for people of all ages and backgrounds. The designers aim to make the area inviting and engaging, where parents can actively participate with their children in play, teenagers can embrace the playful elements, individuals with different abilities can explore play using various senses, and adults can also enjoy the fun in less active ways. The playscape is envisioned as a space that offers something for everyone, promoting a sense of togetherness and shared enjoyment.

Part of the Dubai Public Art initiative, this project aligns with the city’s mission to enhance its artistic identity through public art installations by local artists residing in the UAE. Launched by Dubai Culture with a Dh2 million commission, the initiative is also dedicated to improving the urban quality of life for Dubai’s residents and visitors.

The Theories of Imagination duo expressed their belief in the positive impact of urban play spaces on cities and the need for these informal, playful areas. They see such spaces as crucial in bringing joy and creativity to urban environments, influencing the way people interact with and experience their surroundings.

In March, Dubai Public Art unveiled its inaugural shortlist of creatives during an event at Art Dubai. This multi-year initiative aims to introduce art commissions throughout the city, with its first focus on Al Hudaiba, which overlooks the Etihad Museum and Union House.

Saeed Mubarak Kharbash Al Marri, the chief executive of Arts and Literature at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, emphasized the city’s commitment to building a vibrant creative and cultural landscape that reflects Dubai’s identity as a hub of global creativity and innovation. The Dubai Public Art initiative plays a pivotal role in empowering local talent, showcasing the works of homegrown artists at key cultural destinations, and fostering strong collaborations with cultural institutions and the private sector to support the city’s creative economy.

With the commission of the interactive playground at Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, Dubai continues to take significant steps towards enriching its artistic landscape and enhancing the well-being and enjoyment of its residents and visitors alike. This innovative project aligns with the city’s vision to be at the forefront of creativity and artistry on the global stage.

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