Man Machine: Konstantin Grcic’s dynamic glass furniture collection for Galerie Kreo

Art and design often play with thereness and not thereness, with absences, voids and implied absences. Art can also do anxiety inducing; design, almost by definition, not so much. Konstantin Grcic's new furniture collection for Galerie Kreo, Man Machine, taking its name from a 1978 Kraftwerk album, does both.
The nine-piece collection includes a chaise, tables, chests and a book-shelf, all made out of industrial float glass by a glass workshop established in Frankfurt in 1829. As Grcic says, industrial-spec glass is not an obvious material to make furniture out of - 'it's cold, hard, fragile and really heavy.'
It's also not there in the way that most materials are, presenting particular design challenges, especially if it is pretty much the only material you are working with. You don't know how visible it is going to be and in what ways. Grcic says he produced computer drawings and models for the pieces but, given the workshop's industrial capabilities, he could also produce several versions of his designs before arriving at the one that worked. There were failures and discoveries along the way he admits. 'There is a considerable amount of engineering involved,' he says. 'It's not rocket science but the pieces have to be functional, and work properly.'
What makes pieces in the collection more than Larry Bell-alike novelties is the addition of hinges, cranks and black silicon gas-filled pistons. The pieces are dynamic; you can move and adjust them. In fact, because these mechanics are so visible, the pieces become as much about them as the effects of glass-on-glass, stark angles and geometry in the air. 'They are almost a celebration of the pistons,' Grcic says.
They are also a counter to the anxiety effect of the glass furniture. 'They humanise the designs,' he says, hence the Man Machine title. 'And there is poetry in their slow, precise movement. It is unexpected. They also make a great noise.'
The nine-piece offering includes a chaise, tables, chests and a bookshelf and is all made out of industrial float glass by a glass workshop established in Frankfurt in 1829. Pictured is 'Chest L', 2014
The addition of hinges, cranks and black silicon gas-filled pistons offers an element of dynamism to the furniture. From left: 'Table M' and 'Table M Smoke', 2014
'There is a considerable amount of engineering involved,' says Grcic, who noted industrial-spec glass is not an obvious material to make furniture out of. 'It's not rocket science but the pieces have to be functional, and work properly'
Because these mechanics are so visible, such as in his chaise and side table, the pieces become as much about them as the effects of glass-on-glass, stark angles and geometry in the air. 'They are almost a celebration of the pistons,' says Grcic
'They humanise the designs,' he adds, hence the Man Machine title. 'And there is poetry in their slow, precise movement. It is unexpected. They also make a great noise.' Pictured is 'Chest S', 2014
'Vitrine', 2014
ADDRESS
Galerie Kreo
31, rue Dauphine
Paris
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Michael Rider’s joyful Celine debut: ‘I’ve always loved the idea of clothing that lives on’
Presented today in Celine’s Paris HQ, the designer’s astute debut balanced the house’s recent legacy with a fresh, contemporary vision which nodded to his American roots
-
The Richard Mille x Brough Superior RMB01 is a motorcycle with an exceptional aesthetic pedigree
The RMB01 is what happens when horological obsession meets two-wheeled excellence: a Franco-Swiss racing motorcycle that brings out the best in both brands
-
Six modern bathroom ideas for spaces big and small
Here are our best bathroom designs for 2026: colours, curves and a calming ambience are making a splash this season, with tactile and textured surfaces to elevate your shower room
-
Glassware sets for every occasion
Our edit of contemporary glassware sets, from everyday kitchen glassware to dinner party-appropriate wine and cocktail glasses, by the best designers and makers
-
Lauren Manoogian rocks on with earthy glassware collaboration
Brooklyn-based slow fashion-focused designer Lauren Manoogian has teamed up with Paris maker Lætitia Jacquetton on a series of vases created from glass blown around rocks
-
Ann Demeulemeester’s first foray into homeware ‘returns to the essence of things’
The Belgian fashion designer collaborates with Serax for a collection launching at Maison et Objet this week
-
Rethinking the anatomy of crystal glassware with Nigel Peake and J. Hill’s Standard
-
Nendo unveils gravity-formed Melt furniture for WonderGlass
-
Star cast: The Bouroullec brothers create alcoves and cylindrical vessels for WonderGlass in Milan
-
A transborder glass collaboration forges at Zona Maco in Mexico City
-
Tinted love: we’re taking a Technicolor tumble into cocktail hour