Inspired by the columns of Greek and Roman architecture, the ‘Colonna’ clock, a collaboration with Marsotto, celebrates ‘the monolithic permanence of marble’, cutting through space ‘as a sort of three-dimensional punctuation mark’. Dream collaborator: Isamu Noguchi.
Lifting the lid on the experimental, space-morphing designers setting the scenes of tomorrow.
Writer: Rosa Bertoli
In a quest to examine the balance of power in gender structures in domestic environments, Segal created a neutral scene, in pale blue, with a series of ceramic pieces, including a watering can, a carpet, some cacti and a pair of platform shoes. Dream collaborator: Jacques Tati.
Using Mexican gold sheen obsidian, Leyva created the ‘Intensity’ collection, including a business card holder and tape dispenser. These functional yet decorative desk objects are also intended to absorb negative energy and ease mental stress. Dream collaborator: Piero Lissoni.
Mexican-British designer Durán Stone’s ‘Wóolis’ console features a glass structure with doors made from coloured mirrored circles that can be juxtaposed to create different shades and reflections. Dream collaborators: Jaime Hayon, Patricia Urquiola, Germans Ermics.
‘Cell’ is a mirror installation designed to alter the viewer’s perspective of space. Made from tinted silver-plated glass, the pieces can be used individually, or in multiple compositions that play with the gradient colour scheme. Dream collaborators: Tokujin Yoshioka, Rick Owens.
The ‘Apilables’ collection of ceramic bowls, designed by Inma Carpena, María Gil and Lorenzo Pérez, can also be used to create totemic compositions. The collection was turned by local expert Domanises, with Díez Ceramic assisting with colour development. Dream collaborator: Hay.
Beson’s ‘Terrosso’ chair was hand-sculpted from a single custom casting of sheep bone material (slaughterhouse waste), then finished to give the impression of stone. Dream collaborators: Virgil Abloh, Jasper Morrison, choreographer William Forsythe, Vitra, Nendo.
Canham took inspiration from traditional ceramic tableware for his ‘hplus’ personal health monitoring devices, offering a contrast to the conventionally cold appearance of clinical objects. Dream collaborator: A global consumer technology leader, such as Google or Apple.
Combining her background in textile design with an interest in the properties of metal, Urbansdotter created a striking chain and mesh room divider, entitled ‘Alt+f=ƒ’, blurring the boundaries between soft and hard objects. Dream collaborator: Ikea in the 1970s.
A geometric composition of soft modules in Camira fabric and plywood, the ‘Orbit’ chair was designed with industrial production in mind. To enhance the sitting experience, Song created a partly detachable armrest and footstool. Dream collaborators: Thomas Dambo, Martino Gamper.
Li’s collection of glass perfume bottles reflect affairs of the heart. Combining clear and red glass, she experimented with glass-making techniques to convey concepts such as first love, the seven-year itch and passion. Dream collaborator: Don Norman.
The result of a collaboration between ECAL, Paris’ Musée Picasso and furniture brand Tectona, Baudraz’s ‘Tie’ bench comes in two different sizes and features an interlocking construction that allows for multiple configurations. Dream collaborators: Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec.
(also shown, left Avigal Segal’s platform shoes, and right ‘TotaOrri’ lounger)
Lorence’s research into sensory stimulation resulted in the ‘Taktil’ collection, designed for children with autism. The pieces ‘help children focus, overcome sensory sensitivities and soothe anxiety’. Dream collaborators: Nendo, Sou Fujimoto, Dominique Perrault.
paula.lorence@gmail.com
Saito’s object is inspired by rock formations. ‘Rocks get crushed and become gravel, turn into sand and soil, nurture plants and provide habitats for animals,’ she says. Her sculpture celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the material. Dream collaborator: Imaizumi Imaemon XIV.
risa.s2437@gmail.com
‘Otto’ is both chair and clothes hanger, with further storage space in the seat. Thanks to its zoomorphic shape, it is also ‘a faithful friend who looks after your belongings while you focus on something else’, says Thübeck. Dream collaborator: An open-minded sceptic.
Multifunctional and easy to pack away, the ‘TotaOrri’ lounger/pool float was created for Gandía Blasco’s new brand, Diabla, as part of Universitat Jaume I’s Intercrea project. Dream collaborator: Joan Rojeski.
al286366@uji.es; behance.net/neusfabregat; behance.net/morxilgand0ce
Bahlenberg’s ‘Guilty Pleasure’ collection focuses on throwaway culture, exploring what is easily discarded and what’s worth keeping, such as these broken mirrors, which have been given new life as ‘trophies of landfill’. Dream collaborator: James Turrell.
Franco and Sierra’s ‘Shoji’ lamp is made using woodturning, laser cutting and metal bending techniques. The materials used were chosen for their sculptural qualities and the piece is designed to enrich a space even when turned off. Dream collaborator: Christophe Mathieu.
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Tuneshine is a new way of bringing back the lost art of the album coverThe compact Tuneshine screen uses LED tech to illuminate the artwork of whatever you’re currently streaming
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Inside the new theatre at Jacob’s Pillow and its ‘magic box’, part of a pioneering complex designed for danceJacob’s Pillow welcomes the reborn Doris Duke Theatre by Mecanoo, a new space that has just opened in the beloved Berkshires cultural hub for the summer season
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What to see at Rencontres d’Arles 2025, questioning power structures in the state and familySuppressed memories resurface in sharply considered photography at Rencontres d'Arles 2025. Here are some standout photographers to see
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Graduate Directory 2020: DesignCheck out our selection of design graduates that conceptualise, design and develop multifunctional pieces for everyday use
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DesignThe future design stars defining the world of things to come
