Dana Oberson Brings an Eclectic Touch to Israel’s Publica Isrotel

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

Dana Esser, an interior designer and creative, discusses her business, Dana Michele Design, and its profound impact on the daily lives of occupants in the spaces she designs. Esser highlights the significance of her work in creating therapeutic environments, such as offices for therapists and psychiatrists. These projects involved extensive research into layout, audio and visual privacy, color, texture, and furniture selections to ensure patients feel welcome, calm, comfortable, and safe. The insights gained from designing these therapeutic spaces are now applied to all her projects, ensuring they enhance the well-being of occupants and meet functional needs. Dana Michele Design distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to clients, with Esser acting as a 'client advocate.' With eight years of corporate interior design experience, she is now directly involved in every project, ensuring personalized attention and expertise for each client. The design process at Dana Michele Design integrates spatial intelligence with creative intuition, focusing on solving complex puzzles and understanding human needs to create spaces that resonate deeply. This process begins with in-depth client engagement to understand their aspirations and challenges, leading to designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of their present and future needs. Esser emphasizes the importance of professional integrity and personal well-being, stating a rule to only accept projects where her team is respected and valued, especially as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. Looking ahead, Esser plans to launch a non-profit arm of Dana Michele Design. This initiative will focus on community engagement by partnering with organizations that provide housing and support to vulnerable communities, aiming to create nurturing environments that empower individuals to thrive. The success of Dana Michele Design is attributed to human connection and the transformative power of thoughtful design, driven by a commitment to clients and the wider community. Outside of her professional life, Esser shares recommendations for enjoying Los Angeles with a visiting friend. Her ideal week would include coffee from Primo on Montana Street, brunch at Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica, leisurely strolls along the boardwalk, and beach volleyball. Nature excursions would involve hiking the Los Leones trail in Pacific Palisades for panoramic ocean views. Cultural experiences would include visiting the Broad or Hammer museum exhibits. Evenings would feature live entertainment at venues like the Hollywood Bowl or Aviator Nation’s Dreamland in Malibu, or attending a comedy show. Dining options range from Fia in Santa Monica to Osteria Mozza, followed by a night out in West Hollywood or Hollywood. Esser acknowledges several individuals who have significantly influenced her journey. She credits her family for providing essential physical and financial security and unwavering love. Her high school art teacher is recognized for channeling her creativity and introducing her to interior design at 16, a pivotal moment in discovering her passion. Lastly, she highlights the continuous inspiration, encouragement, and love from her closest friends, whom she considers her chosen family, calling them her backbone and biggest cheerleaders, especially when she experiences imposter syndrome. #InteriorDesign #CreativeEntrepreneur #TherapeuticSpaces #ClientAdvocacy #CommunityImpact #FemaleEntrepreneur #NonProfitInitiative #LosAngelesLifestyle #PersonalDevelopment

The Dana Oberson Architects Studio recently completed a contemporary stone villa in Neve Ilan, a cooperative kibbutz in Israel. Situated on a gentle slope, the two-story house offers views of the Neve Ilan forest, the lowland, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The project was conceived as a dialogue with the natural and historical context of the site, which borders the Arab town of Abu Ghosh, an area known for its biblical settlement remains. This contextual approach aimed to integrate the modern structure into its ancient surroundings. The design of the villa emphasizes a connection between the interior spaces and the expansive outdoor landscape. Large openings and strategically placed windows frame the natural scenery, allowing ample natural light to penetrate the home and blurring the boundaries between inside and out. The material palette primarily features local stone, chosen to echo the historical building traditions of the region and to create a sense of belonging within the landscape. The use of natural stone also provides thermal mass, contributing to the building's energy efficiency and comfort. This design decision helps the villa harmonize with its environment, presenting a structure that appears to emerge organically from the topography. The interior layout of the 560 square meter villa is designed for modern living while maintaining a connection to its surroundings. The spaces are open and fluid, facilitating movement and interaction within the home. Specific details such as the selection of furniture, lighting, and art curated by Hila Nebo, further enhance the villa's aesthetic and functional qualities. The architecture and interior design, led by Dana Oberson, Oded Livyatan, and Ofra Goldberg, reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to creating a luxurious yet comfortable living environment. The landscape design by Mohr-Avidan complements the architectural vision, integrating the villa seamlessly into its garden and natural surroundings. The villa's construction, completed in 2021, incorporates high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Manufacturers such as Eli Sasson, Exclusive, Gardens And Roses, Studio Irgas Artist Works, The Box, WeWood Carpentry, and Winex contributed to various aspects of the project. The kitchen was supplied by Samgal, and Tzach Cohen served as the lighting consultant, ensuring both functionality and ambiance. The overall design prioritizes sustainability through material choices and site orientation, aiming to minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort and connection to nature. The integration of traditional materials with contemporary architectural forms results in a unique and regionally sensitive modern dwelling. #ResidentialArchitecture #StoneVilla #DanaObersonArchitects #NeveIlan #IsraelArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration