Objets Extraordinaires : The Centenary Chandelier at La Mamounia

First Ideas

For its centennial celebrations, La Mamounia wanted to make a lasting impression. Jouin Manku designed a monumental piece of jewelry for the Grande Dame.
A timeless piece of jewelry, a symbolic representation that transcended eras and fused cultures into a unique work of art.

“A monumental finery for the Grande-Dame to mark her centenary - a timeless piece of jewelry, a symbolic representation that transcends eras and fuses cultures into a singular work of art.”

Patrick & Sanjit – Jouin Manku

La Mamounia © Patrick Jouin / Sanjit Manku

DEVELOPMENT

The first necklace, designed by the studio and developed in collaboration with Czech lighting manufacturer Lasvit, is composed of sections of different types of glass (ribbed, sandblasted, twisted, transparent, etc.) that have been strung together. The inner necklace is inspired by traditional Tamazight jewelry, which is characterized by the assembly of numerous highly decorative metal elements. Recalling the splendor of Berber ornaments, it is composed of long loops of red cord, to which more than five hundred handmade silver and nickel-silver pendants have been attached.

The shimmering optical effects of the light fixture are amplified by an ornamental fountain placed on the floor below, where water flows over an oval glass slab engraved with sinuous wave patterns, and below, a mirror offers a kaleidoscope of reflections. No two perceptions of the chandelier are the same. They change constantly depending on the viewpoint and time of day, offering a truly unique experience.

PRODUCTION

Disproportionately large yet visually light, it embodies the essence of Jouin Manku's approach, whose goal was to create a subtle balance between modernity and tradition, cosmopolitan and Moroccan culture, craftsmanship and technology, in order to transport the interiors firmly into the 21st century while paying homage to La Mamounia's illustrious past and inimitable, timeless charm.

REALIZATION

Informations

Chandelier

- L 3805 x W 8404 x H 1620 mm

Glass cords: 32 articulated cords with a total length of 308 m incorporating LEDs – – – – Composition: 3,572 Bohemian glass beads of 9 different types with programmable DMX lighting system – Made by glass craftsmen in Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic
– Produced with: LASVIT

Berber suspension: 32 locally handmade cords with a total length of 207 m
– Composition: 649 Berber suspensions in gold and silver made using traditional silver and nickel silver techniques by Moroccan artisans in Fez, Morocco.
– Made with: ARABESQUE MORESQUE.

– Total weight: 1,500 kg

The basin

- L 340 x W 800 x H 21 cm

Decorative glass surface under water: hand-carved glass plates to simulate the undulating movement of drops falling into the water on the surface relief, with silver screen printing applied by hand to reflect the lustre in the water with a moiré effect.
– Made with: Ateliers Bernard Pictet

Credits