From
caves to mansions, the way human beings live has evolved gradually but
dramatically over the centuries. Today there are truly luxurious homes, the
ultimate exponents of ostentation, which dazzle the eye and trigger the most
exquisite desires and dreams. And if dreaming, aspiring and wanting have always
been in human genetics, collecting is also one of the pleasures that most
people cultivate. From stamps to postcards, or coins and other rarities, to
simple experiences and items of emotional value. But without a doubt, among the
most expensive objects to collect are cars. And as with any collectible, it
comes as no surprise that these collectors want to protect their treasures from
any and all possible danger, without relegating them to a secondary space, such
as a dark and gloomy garage. As such, we have seen the rise of a new concept of
home, in which cars or motorbikes are integrated into the interior of homes, in
living rooms, or in some other room in plain sight, in great prominence and
celebrated as cult objects. So, if you happen to be a fan of cars or motorbikes
and are proud of your collection, you no longer need to take guests to the
garage to show them your treasures. You can place your vehicles in the living
room, on a rotating platform, in a kind of display cabinet or anywhere else you
see fit and in keeping with your extravagance.
If a
house were already a display of luxury among car enthusiasts, this new trend is
in fact elevating architecture to a completely new concept, which has already
acquired the epithet of «cararchitecture». We would say that the symbiosis
between the two, car and home, could not be more perfect. We’re talking about
architecturally lavish houses and we’re talking about rare, classic or
exuberantly designed cars that are appreciated as genuine works of art. This is
how car art gallery homes came into being, an ever-increasing challenge for
architects. But this concept is not limited to placing cars on display and thus
rendering them unavailable for daily use by their owners. There are already
several architectural projects that dedicate a special space to cars, at a
level visible from the living room, for example, through panoramic windows, or
in a garage designed as a real art gallery. And there is even hotels that
already offers guests the chance to park their car in a private garage, visible
and accessible from their room. There are also several
workplaces, offices and other hotels that include cars or motorbikes in their
décor, or even parts of the engine or bodywork, in installations that are
considered works of art. Their inspiration ranges from vintage cars to more
futuristic ones, but their passion for engines doesn’t stop there. It has
always inspired the most beautiful creations, from paintings to sculptures to
distinctive design, with several car brands including exclusive editions in
their portfolio that are the result of partnerships with graphic designers and
artists. The common denominator is always exclusivity, limited editions and the
rarest and most iconic luxury, classic or from a particular era. So, while all
this may be considered luxury or seem to be an extravagance, this certainly
takes nothing from it being art.
