The Canadian architect/sculptor David Umemoto might be best known for his cubic, concrete, building-like sculptures, but until now they’ve remained simply as abstract assemblages and ornaments to behold. Umemoto has recently applied his flair for brutalist aesthetics to a functional design created in collaboration with Parisian hat brand Larose: a monumental concrete vase, decorated with a mix of architectural etchings in various levels of relief.
‘I’m trying to find the sweet spot between sculpture and architecture,’ Umemoto tells Wallpaper*. He is inspired by Le Corbusier’s Modulor system, both regimented and poetic. Made in Umemoto’s home base of Montreal, the vase is the latest iteration of his design philosophy, which is based on rigorously codified modules that are actually interconnected despite the dissonance.
‘Look close or far, you can see an order,’ he explains. Although he’s explored primitive arts with strong spiritual tones, Umemoto finds meaning solely in the practice of repeating and transforming design components. Combined with the unyielding, yet organic nature of the concrete, his vase is one centrepiece that will certainly provoke conversation with each outing.
‘I’m trying to find the sweet spot between sculpture and architecture,’ Umemoto tells Wallpaper*
Umemoto’s design philosophy is based on rigorously codified modules that are actually interconnected despite their dissonance
INFORMATION
’Brutalist Concrete Vase no.1’, $450. For more information, visit the David Umemoto website and the Larose website
-
In Shanghai, Hermès conjures a ‘cosmopolitan explorer’ for its one-off show on the Huangpu RiverNadège Vanhée, artistic director of Hermès’ womenswear collections, presented ‘The Second Chapter’ of her A/W 2025 collection earlier this evening (13 June 2025) against the futuristic skyline of Shanghai
-
Out of office: the Wallpaper* editors’ picks of the weekIt was a jam-packed week for the Wallpaper* staff, entailing furniture, tech and music launches and lots of good food – from afternoon tea to omakase
-
Peugeot brings back a classic performance badge for the electric era: meet the E-208 GTiPeugeot has unveiled the new E-208 GTi, a performance EV designed to hark back to a golden age of compact sports cars
