q & a with john pawson
renowned architect John Pawson is known for the quiet beauty and simplicity of his work. He has recently created a bathroom collection, John Pawson by COCOON, available exclusively from CP Hart, and showcased in a specially created space at the London Waterloo showroom.
What inspired you to create the collection?
When I lived in Japan, I admired the ritualistic approach to bathing – the traditional bath in the evening to relax and prepare yourself for bed. And taking the time, even for just a few seconds, before you splash water on your face or wash your hands can be meditative, and make you feel different when the moment has passed.
How do you approach bathroom design?
I enjoy the feeling of space in any room, including the bathroom. It’s a visceral thing – a beautiful space affects you physically and emotionally. I’m careful about the layout and proportions, and the use of materials. Here, we used a palette of just four materials: the bath and floorstanding basin are honed from single pieces of Carrara marble, the floor is solid timber, the walls are coated in polished plaster, and the taps and shower fittings are made from high-grade stainless steel. The atmosphere is restful.
The walls are plain except for two simple mirrors – why?
Empty walls free up the eye and create that feeling of space. Mirror is essential in a bathroom, and here it is used in a simple, strong way. The mirrors have been positioned at right angles to each other, so mirror is reflected in mirror – showing a different aspect of the space.