Cruise & Ferry Interiors 2020

5 1 Minerals are another of nature’s gems. These solid chemical compounds occur in pure form, usually with a crystalline structure, and include substances such as gypsum, quartz, topaz from inorganic origins and coal from organic origin. Swarovski, which is known for its stunning crystals, has recently been expanding its creative profile in interior design circles. In 2019, Swarovski partnered with MSC Cruises to create the first crystal cabin on MSC Bellissima. It features a total of 700,000 crystals, which are found on the door number, artwork, wall sconces and interior furniture. Other organisations that can provide expertise on using minerals for interior design include VitaJuwel which produces vials made out of various gemstones to help improve the quality of drinking water onboard ships. Meanwhile, Pelican Quartz Stone offers an array of artificial and natural quartz products for the hospitality industry. Rock has also been a cornerstone of architecture and design for many years, from the pebbles in water features to stone slabs on a floor and marble worktops in a kitchen. These naturally occurring solid masses or aggregates of minerals include flint, sandstone, gems and sand, and can be shaped for a particular purpose. Architectural consultant Elle Marmi can provide insight into using stones such as granite, marble and slate in floorings, walls and other interior features. Known for its stretch ratio, resilience and waterproof features, rubber can be made naturally from the polymers of isoprene – a chemical produced by trees – and synthetically from petroleum monomers. Magicman is a useful ally for insights on how to repair and restore rubber and other hard materials. Another material that has become an integral part of architecture and interior design, and is particularly well-suited for a life at sea, is glass. According to marine glazing company Brombach + Gess, glass enables cruise lines to deliver experiences based around nature, sun, water and borderless freedom, all while protecting passengers from undesirable weather conditions like rain and storms. Modern cruise ships often feature expansive glass facades to give guests panoramic views of their surroundings and also ensure a comfortable environment by regulating the onboard temperatures. Glass can also be tinted or shaped to transform the aesthetic of a ship. As glass is made by heating a naturally occurring sand (or silica), producers can easily create innovative structures and shapes. These can either be glued directly to a ship’s superstructure for architectural purposes or used to produce decorative items for public areas and staterooms. For example, both Galaxy Glass & Stone and Rosenthal can offer decorative and tableware glass products. Ceramic is a manufactured solid material made by firing a non-metallic mineral at high temperatures, usually in a kiln. Common ceramics include porcelain, earthenware and brick, and many organisations worldwide are choosing these materials for their products because of their inherent versatility and durability. Appiani, for example, creates ceramic mosaics for wall and floor decoration, while Royal Dutch Ceramics uses the malleable material to create unique shapes for tableware pieces. Plastics are synthetic or natural organic compounds that may be shaped when soft and then hardened. Common plastics such as resins, resinoids, polymers and cellulose derivatives rose to popularity due to their low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility and water resistance. Flooring provider Gerflor is one of the many Swarovski created crystal-adorned wall sconces for MSC Bellisima’s first crystal cabin