Interview with Design Et Al
Aurora Saboir Design have been shortlisted with the design of Gulfstream G650 “AP” for Private Jet Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2022. Read more about Aurora Saboir below:
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND IN DESIGN:
I graduated as an Industrial Design Engineer and studied Product Design during my masters – therefore my theoretical
approach to design is based on the forceful combination of the two different point of views: the application of the methodology of a more pragmatical industrial design, hand in hand with an abstract and unlimited artistic attitude. This unique mindset made it possible to be able to execute various projects and fulfil different roles during the past decade by providing design services for projects with a very different scale: such as aviation, residential and hospitality design
projects, as well as doing object and furniture design. During these projects I’ve been participating mostly as lead designer, however the focus of my design practice has been narrowed down, in order to be able to design and deliver high-end, exclusive interiors for Private and Business Jets.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL DESIGN STYLE?
My personal style is rather an attitude and a way of approach, than a well described visual language or style applied in my works. My ultimate goal is to indicate and develop a strong emotional connection between the design installation (whether it is an object, an interior or an atmosphere in general) and the user itself – throughout the different sensations being manifested in various shapes, colors, textures, feelings, emotions and light. Designing exclusive, “one-and-only” creations are all about capturing the heart itself and making an eternal imprint in the mind – this approach is what I consider as a style of mine.
WHERE DOES YOUR DESIGN INSPIRATION COME FROM?
It might be a cliché, but inspiration can truly come from anything. What is important when talking about inspiration is the skill of being able to recognise, remember and re-evaulate these inputs. Besides, for me nature is the ultimate, the most diverse and divine source of inspiration and any activity that triggers to get closer to it, is very important to me when seeking for something ingenious.
NAME FIVE KEY THEMES TO CONSIDER WHEN APPROACHING DESIGN IN 2022 AND BEYOND.
Few years before I was working on a concept design for a Mercedes – G Class interior with the title “Mercedes in 2030”. The key consideration of the concept was to create a sophisticated and ergonomic interior, however for the steering and the main control panels the idea was to keep as many manual interactions as possible: buttons, switches, clutch, wheel, etc. Why? Because the trends are going exactly the opposite direction – by automatization, no-human contact manoeuvring and digitalisation. But when we talk about luxury (and the future of luxury), together with exclusivity and uniqueness we have to go beyond and above trends – even if it means that we are preserving certain “humanoid” behaviours: the adrenalin of pushing the acceleration pedal, the satisfaction of using a manual clutch to switch in a bend and so on.
IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGN SCHEMES, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don’t stick to design schemes, stick to your vision, apply a good methodology in your design process.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT TO WORK ON AND WHY?
Can’t highlight one particular favourite project, since the ideal impression while designing is when you feel “this one is going to be amazing” – and this is also the ultimate goal of each and every design project: to always come up with the best of the best and to make sure that your Clients are getting the best version of your efforts as a designer as well. Thus, for a certain period of time each one of them is your favourite.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE INTERNATIONAL YACHT & AVIATION AWARDS?
On one hand the Yacht & Aviation Awards are essential in general, in order to see an objective quality check upon the industry, because this is necessary for us designers in order to fine-tune, position and develop our own individual design practises and services – either as an applicant or “just” an observer. On the other hand for this particular design practice of mine – and as a newcomer to aviation – it is an unique opportunity to receive professional feedback from industry professionals, curators and the market itself, regarding to the interest and acceptance of the project and the quality it presents. Also participating and being represented is an excellent way of receiving recognition, accelerating the growth our network in the industry of aviation, grounding the seeds of future collaborations and of course to make a bold statement and gain a place in between this exclusive circle of selected competitors.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Currently I’m working on several different aviation related projects, including the development of concept interiors for different type of aircrafts from Bombardier to Boeing. Also I’m putting a lot of attention and effort in developing VR-AR based In-Flight Experience concept ideas, as well as developing assets for the Metaverse and certain VR environments.
WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS AND GOALS FOR THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS?
The focus is on increasing the brand awareness and recognition for AURORA SABOIR DESIGN- by presenting exceptional and unique designs. The ultimate goal is to become a leading designer in the industry and for AURORA SABOIR to become the synonym of outstanding, sophisticated and top-of-the-class Private Jet designs.
FINAL THOUGHTS; TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR DAILY INSPIRATIONS:
YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
As a creative person my most values possessions are my skills, which allow me to create and to see beyond. As a person my partner, my family and my friends – the time spent together and the memories we share are the most treasured for sure.
YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
Since life is short, my goal is to live everyday like it is a holiday – which means working, living and eating well. Wherever these are possible could be another favourite destination. If I have to be more concrete, it is a warm place, favourably with Mediterranean cuisine and the sea all around.
YOUR FAVOURITE HOTEL, RESTAURANT & BAR?
Don’t have a favourite one, but the ultimate forever destination for the best stay, food and drinks are Spain & Italy!
YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK, FILM & SONG?
I don’t like to read or watch the same thing more than once, therefore again I don’t have a favourite book or film in particular. For music in general I like to listen to everything before 90s and I’m big fan of Julio Iglesias!
YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD AND DRINK?
Fresh Seafood! For drinks water, a nice wine or a cold very gingery Bombay Mule.
YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON?
The best afternoon is definitely spent around the water and mostly depending on the wind conditions: From hard to moderate wind it’s either sailing or windsurfing, with light or no wind it is diving or a long long snorkelling. Followed by a BBQ with fresh catch of fish, ending with watching the sunset with a bottle of ice cold champagne and Spanish flamenco playing in the background!
IF YOU WEREN’T A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I’m sure, that sooner or later I would have ended up as a “designer” – by which I mean bringing non-existing things or ideas into reality.
