d+a | Issue 127 • 2023

74 design and architecture #127 people develop fresh ideas. “I thought that if I ever had my own studio, I would like a work culture that gave people the time to explore and exchange new ideas,” Dornier says. His move to Ubud allowed him to pursue that vision. Opening a studio in a place known for its easy-going way of life introduced Dornier to a whole new way of working. “People in Bali are much more open-minded, which allows ideas to be played out frommultiple perspectives and angles,” he points out. The pandemic only further crystallised this way of working and living for Dornier. “The Balinese have been incredibly resilient [to the pandemic]. Interestingly, this resilience comes not from resistance. Rather, it comes from being at ease with any challenges, facing it positively, and simply incorporating it into [one’s] daily flow of life”. Adopting this flow-like approach to his work and life has allowed a greater fluidity to enter Dornier’s thinking and design process. To that end, you’ll often find Dornier and his team completely throwing out everything they’ve so painstakingly developed — even if they’re well in the midst of a project — to take a step back, objectively reassess all they’ve done, and welcome fresh perspectives on ways to move forward. The result? Ground-breaking designs that are visually astounding yet woven with sensitive attunement to their natural environments. a natural curiosity Every Alexis Dornier-designed property is suffused with this approach to life and design. For example, over at Lost Lindenberg, a Small Luxury Hotels property, Dornier whisks guests away to a world of calm far removed from the mass tourism that often dominates Bali. Located in the quiet beachside town of Medewi, the architecture of Lost Lindenberg eschews the structure of your typical Balinese resort. Instead, Dornier situates guest rooms atop stilted towers that rise high above the ground. Guests are treated to a tranquil and secluded treetop-level living experience, waking up amidst lush flora surrounding the property and enjoying uninterrupted views of the ocean. Materials like slim wooden panels, Bali green stone floors and walls, and inconspicuous earth tones dotted throughout the property also continue the immersion of being completely one with the lush surroundings. In recent years, Dornier has delved deeper into biophilic (Below from left) Experience treetop living at the Birdhouses Resort; ULU Ocean View (Puri Bukit): The elements of Ulwatu Surf Villas pay homage to the area’s rich surf culture.