Today we will start with one of the classics: Black & White.

The duality of black and white and their mutual interplay is just fascinating. As already Karl Lagerfeld stated: “Black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means”.

Black and white are two of the most emotive visuals in nature. The real benefit of both colours is that they either work alone, but also when melded together in a contrasting design; the effect can’t be ignored by the viewer.

In western world black is usually seen as dark, a symbol of authority and power, and in some circumstances as a symbol of evil. White is a sign of purity and brightness and of a natural innocence that combats its opponent.

In Chinese culture, Yin and Yang – the concept of polarity-is the typical symbol of black and white. Numerous philosophical and ethical questions and answers of an existentialist nature stem from experiencing the world’s paradoxes. Yin and Yang stand for diametrically opposed yet interrelated forces or principles. Although Yin and Yang are antitheses, they are always an indivisible entity.

In daily life, black and white is everywhere.

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony. In Paul McCartney’s song, the materials once used to produce the keys on a piano, black ebony and white ivory, stand for the peaceful co-existence of all humans, irrespective of the colour of their skin.

Michael Jackson created his own timeless icon.

CONTRAST AT THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Project: 87 Le Soligny, Cannes | France

Architect: Guilhem / Guilhem | France

Fabricator: Projisol / Laude | France

Year of Construction: 2014

Product: ALUCOBOND® Sparkling White Silver & Black Metallic

The condominium 87 Soligny is situated in the heart of one of the most luxurious locations on the French Riviera: the “Californie quarter” in Cannes. This residence features two buildings and comprises only nine apartments. The rooftop pool and each apartment offer sea views over the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands.

The design is based on contemporary architecture. The interplay of black and white is incorporated into the park surrounding the historic Chateau Soligny. The contrasting colours of the ALUCOBOND® cladding define the different apartments, whereas the striking lines of the structure act as a unifying element for the complex.

BRIGHT CORPORATE DESIGN

Project: Mercedes AMG, Affalterbach | Germany

Architects: Gellink + Schwammlein Architekten, Stuttgart | Germany

Fabricator / Installer: Firma Kohler GmbH & Co. KG | Germany

Facade System: Cassette SZ20

Year of Construction: 2011

Product: ALUCOBOND® white16

The architects at Gellink+Schwammlein Architekten designed a three-storey building for Mercedes AMG GmbH comprising a workshop area, meeting rooms and offices, and even an attractive staff restaurant on the top floor. A large expanse of white ALUCOBOND® encases the office accommodation and forms the basis of the building’s dynamic shape. The slightly recessed ground floor features black steel and provides a well-defined contrast.

High efficiency technology teamed with intelligent building design come up to expectations. An efficient gas-powered combined heat and power unit provides heating, cooling and electricity supplies in the new building. Further energy saving and resource conserving measures – for instance extensive vegetation on the green roof to create a rainwater evaporation area and to recycle. The whole building is accessible and barrier-free.