Back to the future: Page Thirty Three’s new collection references past space age visions
Part functional design, part perfectly composed works of sculpture, the latest collection from Sydney-based design studio Page Thirty Three is inspired by historic space age design, and visions of the future from the past.
'I love looking at how the future was forecast 50 years ago, and comparing it to how we live today,' says Ryan Hanrahan, who founded Page Thirty Three in 2010. 'In most cases I like the alternate space age visions that I saw on the big screen, and dreamt up as a kid, much more. I think a lot of what we design comes from these childhood obsessions and playtime.'
Collectively titled 'Use Your Illusions', the 20-piece collection is the studio's largest and most cohesive offering to date. Working with a dark, tonal colour palette and materials with varying textures, like matte-black terracotta, black polyurethane, concrete and the meteor-like Australian Bluestone, the new pieces feature all the hallmarks of Page Thirty Three’s distinctive design style; strong geometric shapes, clean lines and a clear focus on Australian design and manufacturing.
As well as eight lighting pieces, candle holders, an oil burner and an oil diffuser, the collection also boasts some impressive larger pieces of furniture; the graphic Lightyear daybed is formed from two monolithic black polyurethane cylinders bridged by a slab of black-coated Birch ply, while a chunky 40mm aluminium tube frame elegantly orbits a circular seating piece to form the Vader chair.
'There is a basic childish satisfaction felt from "solving the puzzle"' says Hanrahan, noting that many of the pieces encourage playful interaction. For instance the Totem lamp, composed of a set of Bluestone and steel parts, is formed by sliding the components onto an upright light sabre allowing the user to create a number of different compositions.
Meanwhile, pieces like the Zig Zag side table expand upon familiar forms the studio have explored in previous collections. 'I believe work should grow and evolve over time,' explains Hanrahan. 'Before starting object design I worked in the fashion industry, and it is so seasonal, which I grew to hate. I feel it is unnatural. I like to think of something forming gradually. Although this is our third furniture collection, each year is an extension on the previous year's designs and philosophies, and a result of learning over time. I like to keep what works, perfect what doesn't, and discard what I grow bored with… then there is always a million new ideas to get started on.'
INFORMATION
'Use Your Illusions' is available to order online from Page Thirty Three website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ali Morris is a UK-based editor, writer and creative consultant specialising in design, interiors and architecture. In her 16 years as a design writer, Ali has travelled the world, crafting articles about creative projects, products, places and people for titles such as Dezeen, Wallpaper* and Kinfolk.
-
Miami Navigator: where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Florida's design-savvy maximalist metropolis
What to do in Miami, where ivory beaches and umbrella-clad caipirinhas share the stage with discerning galleries and global art and design fairs
By Annie Biziou Published
-
Fashionable Christmas baubles to accessorise this year’s tree, from Bottega Veneta to Loewe
Selected by the Wallpaper* style team, a gleaming array of Christmas baubles for fashion fans featuring fantastical designs from Bottega Veneta, Loewe, Prada and more
By Jack Moss Published
-
Discover South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island: food, fun and beachside bliss
With natural splendour and a balmy, subtropical climate, Hilton Head Island beckons beach-goers, gourmets and golf fans alike
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
At home with Calder: the artist’s hidden knack for domestic design
By Jessica Klingelfuss Last updated
-
Solid state: Rick Owens’ latest foray into sculpture and furniture
By Charlotte Jansen Last updated
-
Uncomfortable furniture: Erwin Wurm at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris
By Nick Compton Last updated
-
Sculptor Lynn Chadwick’s angular metal figures star in a series of international shows, starting in London
By Nick Compton Last updated
-
Richard Wilson’s new sculpture for Heathrow’s Terminal 2
By Lauren Ho Last updated