Luiz DeBasto On Successful Design & 90m DAR
\n \tLauded for his signature manipulation of shape and structure, Luiz DeBasto\u2019s studio is one of the most well-respected names in superyacht design.
\n Counting among his repertoire projects commissioned by the likes of Burger Boat, Turquoise Yachts, Oceanco, Tankoa and Mondomarine (to name just a few!), DeBasto has worked with shipyards in all corners of the globe ranging from\u00a0smaller production boats through to full custom megayachts.
\nSo when Superyachts.com decided to take a closer look at the relationship between initial concepts and fully delivered projects – what makes a concept successful, how projects evolve over time – we figured, who could be more qualified to comment than Luiz de Basto?\u00a0
\nDeBasto\u2019s best-known design however – the evolutionary 90m DAR – was not born from his stellar reputation and solid relationships with world-leading shipyards. Instead, it was one Saturday afternoon spent sketching in his office that led to the birth of DAR\u2026
\n\u2018DAR was my own vision,\u2019 Luiz tells us. \u2018I was in the office on a Saturday and I was looking at some yachts on the market. It appeared to me that they were all mostly stacked-up decks. So I had this idea to use more glass, and try to avoid the generic look of deck upon deck.\u2019
\nLuiz put pen to paper, and DAR\u2019s base profile was born.\u00a0
\n\u2018In the end, the only difference from my first sketch to the final boat is that I had normal lines for the windows, like a building, in a pattern of squares. Then on the second sketch I got rid completely, and everything became one big black area of glass.\u2019\u00a0
\nSome minor adjustments followed, Luiz tells us, after the deck arrangements were finalised and DAR\u2019s aft side was lengthened slightly to give her a slightly more elegant look. But her lines, her overall look and feel, stayed true to the original sketch.\u00a0
\nWe were curious to know, in an industry that places such huge emphasis on customisation, was this unusual?
\n\u2018When the Owner was shopping for a boat, he looked at various designs and concepts before he saw this one,\u2019 says Luiz. \u2018Within 20 minutes he was talking to the shipyard. He said, \u201cThat\u2019s my boat!\u201d Sometimes, when you see what you want you just know.\u2019\u00a0
\nThe marketing process for DAR took a slightly different form to the very public promotion of many concepts. Luiz approached his shipyard of choice privately, speaking with a select few interested brokers before finding DAR\u2019s owner-to-be.\u00a0
\n\u2018I chose Oceanco because they are very open to doing things differently,\u2019 he tells us. \u2018With all the glass, people thought it was crazy and could not be done. Oceanco said, \u201cOkay, let\u2019s see how we can make this happen.\u201d\u2019\u00a0
\nOceanco\u2019s open-mindedness, as it turned out, was just what was needed.\u00a0
\nDAR\u2019s floor-to-ceiling glass was a first both in terms of amount used and innovation; \u2018You feel like you are in the water,\u2019 DeBasto tells us, \u2018The dark glass outside has no effect on her interiors. You can\u2019t believe people can\u2019t see in!\u2019\u00a0
\nA simple but intelligent feat of design, DAR\u2019s collection of accolades includes both \u2018Best Exterior\u2019 and \u2018Finest New Superyacht\u2019 at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show amongst other awards.
\nStill one of the most unique-looking yachts on the water, her cutting-edge use of glass has undoubtedly influenced many projects since.\u00a0
\nSo did DeBasto know he was on to a winner with that very first sketch? Well, not that he would admit.\u00a0
\nHe does stress, however, that designing with a purpose improves the chances of a design to be built.\u00a0
\n\u2018I like my designs to have a purpose, a goal. Something beautiful,\u2019 he says. \u2018My sketchbook is still full of crazy, creative ideas that will never see the light of day – but for me it helps to have something to achieve.\u2019\u00a0
\nThis inventive use of glass has seen an evolution on DeBasto\u2019s own designs, most notably on 90m Project Cosmos\u2019 intricate glass dome.\u00a0
\nWould this purposeful approach be DeBasto\u2019s advice then, to aspiring young designers looking to have their concepts built?
\nLuiz tempers his advice, he tells us, as the design world today is a different place to when he first started out. \u2018We didn\u2019t have social media, which I believe is a powerful tool to show your work to a large audience.\u00a0
\nThat said, you still have to create fantastic and creative work in order to be noticed. In other words, your designs need to be so good that they cannot be ignored! That’s my best advice, no matter the media\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n
\t DAR – Original sketch <\/p>\n
\t DAR – Photo credits Francisco Martinez for Oceanco <\/p>\n
\t DAR – Photo credits Francisco Martinez for Oceanco <\/p>\n
\t DAR – Photo credits Francisco Martinez for Oceanco <\/p>\n
\t DAR – Photo credits Francisco Martinez for Oceanco <\/p>\n
\t DAR – Photo credits Francisco Martinez for Oceanco <\/p>\n
\t DAR – Photo credits Francisco Martinez for Oceanco <\/p>\n
\t Luiz DeBasto <\/p>\n
\t Luiz DeBasto <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Luiz DeBasto On Successful Design & 90m DAR Lauded for his signature manipulation of shape and structure, Luiz DeBasto\u2019s studio is one of the most well-respected names in superyacht design. Counting among his repertoire projects commissioned by the likes of … <\/p>\n