9.23.22 | DIGS.NET 17
P R O F I L E | H A U S E R & W I R T H
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Hauser & Wirth. "The interior architecture
features the restored original wood beams,
and the walls across the two buildings
have been washed with traditional lime
plaster, leaving the scars on the sandstone
walls visible." Environmentally, the project
features rainwater collection protocols
and energy-efficient climate controls for
the buildings. A water plant to reuse water
for ground irrigation also was created.
Every effort responds to our increasingly
precarious environmental moment and to
the sensitivity of the built environment.
The garden is spectacular, designed
with beautifully manicured abandoned
by noted Dutch landscape designer Piet
Oudolf, whose composition of low-grow-
ing grasses, flowers and other native
Mediterranean plants, is an earthy delight
of color and texture that sets off the pale
pink stone and rapturous blue beyond.
These glorious yet quiet grounds frame
outdoor sculptures by the likes of Span-
ish Catalan artist Joan Miro. "When I first
visited Menorca, I was inspired by how
periods of flowering spread throughout
the year, which makes the garden inter-
esting at all seasons," explains Oudolf.
"I am most interested in the structure of
plants, and used perennials adapted
to the climate to create a garden rich in
shape and textures."
Hauser & Wirth Menorca is never far from
its roots. The naval theme manifests in
nautical-inspired design details, including
cording, metal hardware and splashes of
blue and red. In the restaurant Cantina,
which is modeled after a proper "sea
bistro," one dines on sustainable and local
produce amid sailing flags, stripe-cov-
ered seating and peppy royal-blue light
fixtures that pop against crisp-white walls.
The exhibition galleries are themselves
as white as a crashing wave, highlighting
thoughtfully curated exhibits. Opening
with an exhibition from Los Angeles artist
Mark Bradford, Hauser & Wirth Menorca
continues its art engagement with the
world by once again crossing the seas
to stage the exhibit "Sodade" by another
American artist, Rashid Johnson, this
summer. hauserandwirth.com
