Located on the sixth floor of the iconic Bellagio Shanghai, LAGO by Julian Serrano is a progressive dining experience featuring fashion-forward interiors, creative Italian cuisine and the most spectacular views of the Suzhou River. Conceived by internationally acclaimed design firm Studio Munge, LAGO’s avant-garde interiors juxtaposes Shanghai’s historic Puxi district and infuses the luxurious hotel with an electrifying modernity.
Concept driven and design focused, LAGO embodies Italian Futurismo; a sweeping artistic and cultural movement of the early 20th century that rejects the past by focusing on forward-thinking dynamism and experimentation.

For some Microsoft engineers in India, coming back to office after the pandemic restrictions are eased will be an experience like no other. They will be in a new workspace that brings together the company’s guiding principle of tech-driven infrastructure merged seamlessly with the local cultural influence. In that, it sets a distinct tone for not just the returning employees, but also those who will begin their journeys here. Spread across the top three floors of a six-story building in Noida, a satellite town of India’s capital New Delhi, this is the newest Microsoft India Development Centre (IDC).
What sets the space apart from regular corporate workspaces is the historical context it draws from. Bathed in ivory white and punctuated with jaali work (a Mughal architectural style of perforated stone or latticed screen), arches, and domed ceilings, the IDC Noida campus’ architectural reference points, inspired by one of the world’s biggest architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal, are hard to miss. This is true that incorporating Mughal art and architecture impressions into a modern corporate office set up was quite challenging. Microsoft was extremely keen that the grandeur of the Taj Mahal and richness of the materials be brought into its Noida office.

INSPIRATION:
The technical inspiration was taken from the ancient Aztec or Egyptian temples, where mirrors - specially positioned - may have been able to reflect sunlight from the outside of the pyramid The mirror plate was able to bounce the light several times and lead it where needed. The formal idea was based on the myth of Perseus and Medusa - his mirrored shield allowed him to see a reflection of Medusas face and to avoid being turned into stone.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A concept for a lamp, the main feature is that it gives the reflected, smooth light. Its shape is minimal and elegant, looks like it is composed of two geometrical pieces which one gives the light and the other takes it and uses it, reflects it with the special mesh-on-mirror finish.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
As it comes in 3 sizes, they can be accumulated and create a decorative group of objects; when switched off - looks like sculpture; when turned on it gives a smooth, not-direct light. Metal meshon-mirror reflects the light; the satin metal finish of the body of the lamp makes it minimal, but still elegant and modern look; the colours can be customized, so the lamp can be glamorous or more minimal.