#superdesign

Ciffo  Silicone vase by Alessandro Ciffo.

Design Week 2018 in Tortona, Milan - Escaping the midday heat for a cool, dark space filled with meditative sounds; the mood was set to slow down, and experience the projections and illuminated collections, from Japanese studio Nendo. 

‘Forms of Movement’ was a showcase of 10 projects, all exploring whether everyday objects can convey motion. Featured were flexible container lids, unconventional zips and furniture intended to push the boundaries of comfort. Despite appearing simple, constructed entirely in white and displayed against a black backdrop, each piece had been manufactured using unique materials and advanced technologies. However, Nendo explained that they were not trying to design the objects themselves, but were more interested in the movements that connect people. ‘Movement is an inseparable part of our being; we move our bodies, we move objects, and there are objects that move independently around us. Even objects that are completely stationary can convey a feeling of movement. Objects can physically move in reaction to our motion, or can encourage us to move in reaction to them.’

I was particularly drawn to the furniture, entitled ‘Bouncy Layers’, constructed without the usual foam, springs or cotton associated with upholstery. Using only polycarbonate sheeting, softness is created through layering and the curvature of shapes. The collection attempts to make comfort and flexibility, visually recognisable. Whilst they have certainly achieved the image of flexibility, I would feel cautious about sitting on any of the pieces, which appear to be more sculptural than functional. 

It was also interesting to see the sheer number of maquettes produced for each project, many without any obvious differences. This reinforced for me the importance of iteration, making perhaps only minor tweaks each time, and discovering how this effects the overall function and aesthetic of a design.