Top five designs at hall 4 / Ambiente
In the past few days, we have given trend tours through hall 4. During these tours we showed you nine designs, but which design fits our trend(s) best? We nominated five designs in each hall that make a chance at winning the best trend design title 2019 from the Future Thinkers.
Materialistic minimalism
The trend ‘’Materialistic Minimalism’’ is about simplifying life without making compromises.
We focus on reducing our consumption of luxurious and lush things but still have the desire to be surrounded by aesthetically pleasing objects in our homes. In that sense we are not letting go of our materialistic needs, but we satisfy ourselves with simple objects that can be
described as minimalistic.
Touch of time
The trend ‘’Touch of Time’’ is about how the passing of time can show on a certain product.
The feeling of an ageing material is quite special: it becomes unique because of the signs of ageing, it’s more personal and it also tells a story.
Instead of approaching the future with an abundance of technologies, let’s embrace and trust the natural touch of time.
Raw is the new great
The trend Raw is the New Great is about destigmatizing and heading in the direction of finding a new function for waste materials. This also entails transforming those elements in a new sort of material. The intention of products such as furniture or tableware is no longer only about functionality or aesthetics, but also about the production process.
Balance
Balance is a collection of chopsticks and spoons inspired by Japanese eating tools and its native dining culture. By creating this collection, designer Wagner Wolf wanted to offer a new intercultural and balanced idea for eating with chopsticks.
The Japanese are known for eating in a respectful and balanced way. Wolf admired to introduce the eastern way of using chopsticks with his cutlery set to33 the western culture - traditional reimagining values. Wolf and Japan Pavilion looked at the western culture using knives, forks and spoons and created a fusion, while still respecting the Japanese culture and traditions.
You are able to see the touch of time in the production process. This set is made by 100 per cent cedar Japanese wood which is carefully chosen and laid for half a year before processing. Each product is handmade with care and enables the traceability of the materials which matches with the values for transparency.
Designer: Wagner Wolf
Name: Balance
Zuihodo Kyoto
Zuihodo Kyoto focuses on metalwork created by Japanese craftsmen. These hand-made patterns are implemented by traditional ancient art techniques and tools. Precious silver materials are being hammered and beaten with traditional methods for a hundred days. Afterwards, together with repetitive applications of heat and contouring, it gradually shapes in a teapot.
By encouraging the majesty of traditional craftsmanship and expanding authentic artistic values, it highlights the connections between precious materials and craftsmanship. The unique and thoughtful process results in a beautiful object carrying the everlasting spirit - the Touch of Time.
Company: Zuihodo Kyoto
Source: http://www.zuihodo-kyoto.com/en/about-kyoto-zuihodo.html
Rock the pepper, roll the salt
Sigve Knutson and Thomas Ballouhey are the two young designers from Valerie objects who graduated from the Design Academy in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. By looking at design differently, they left the craftsmanship aside and focused on the origin of design when man-made tools where made without any specific technical use.
By combining minimalism with the primitive aesthetics of the Stone Age, designers created this coarse-shaped mill consisting of a grinding ball that rolls in an engraved circle. While the grinder looks like it has been beaten out of solid rock, it is actually made of cast iron protected from corrosion which makes it a modern and humane tool with no mechanics to it.
This product fits with the trend Raw is the New Great because of its aim to create a primitive look and way of using – manual grinding. Especially when nowadays, with the counter-movement of minimalism where objects are sleek and simple.
Designers: Knutson + Ballouhey
Name: Rock the pepper, Roll the salt
Source: https://www.valerie-objects.com/salt-pepper-mortar-and-pestle.html
Luna
Kinto, a Japanese company, designed by Luna. A single-flower vase featured by a brass plate that calmly shines as the reflection of the moonlight. With a minimalistic design, the plans can shine beautifully and will be a good part of the interior itself.
Aesthetically, materialistic and tactility wise, Luna is well thought out because the purity of the design is respecting the flower, which is the most essential task of a vase. Luna will age beautifully over time, adding richness and depth to the room.
The multi-functionality of the product helps in a minimalistic way. By using it as a candle holder or drinking glass, it is able to replace multiple products with just one. The pure design simplifies our interior without making the compromise of functionality or aesthetics.
Company: KINTO
Name: Luna
Source: http://www.kinto.co.jp/
Panta Rhei
Jihye Kang based in Berlin, Germany originally from South Korea, designed a collection of porcelain vases called Panta Rhei (Greek for: “Everything Flows”). Kang claims water is an essential element not only in life but also in the porcelain world.
In this project, water is reintegrated as the leading force in the production process of porcelain. Kang experimented with water in different ways, for instance, Erosion and the Capillary effect, to see what the natural effects will be on the vases. The touch of nature’s time created unique outcomes without any use of (digital) technology. Kang really wanted to show its natural beauty of water.
Panta Rhei fits the trend Touch of Time because the Jihye Kang really emphasised on the ageing time of different materials and how it can be shown on her products. Every single piece is unique and tells a story about the production process.
Designer: Jihye Kang
Name: Panta Rhei
Source: www.jihyekang.de
