27 June 2009
Acclaimed architects and design commentators reflect on the cities, eras, inventions and trends that have inspired them.
Iain Halliday is a director of Burley Katon Halliday, an architectural and interior design practice with offices in Sydney and New York.
Your favourite building…
The Taj Mahal.
The precinct with the most notable examples of fine architecture…
Paris, for its arrondissements, with their wonderful consistency (Haussmann), interspersed with gems such as the Palais Royal and Place Vendôme – just beautiful in their geometry and precision, yet wonderfully human in scale.
The city that provides endless inspiration for an architect…
New York. A collage of architectural styles crammed onto one island, from Beaux Arts to present day, with a slice of classic modern in between. The vibrancy and energy are amazing.
The holiday that rejuvenates creativity…
Milan during the annual Salone [Internazionale] del Mobile, when the city is abuzz with designers and architects. Furniture companies put their best foot forward with new designs, guest appearances and glamorous parties.
Most useful design trend of the past decade…
Kitchen appliances that can be fully concealed. The Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer and CoolDrawer are great, as were their refrigerators. As kitchens become part of living areas, it is nice to not look at the whitegoods.
Wish you’d designed…
The Saarinen table – simple of line, timelessly elegant and fits in any interior.
We could do without...
Another “groovy” stacking plastic chair.
Source: Qantas The Australian Way July 2009