f / a (extra)ordinary milano design week
A chair and ottoman set crafted from raw aluminum sheets, cushion bases, steel wires, and velcro-fastened belts. The concept behind this piece lies in the paradoxical assembly of its components. A soft, deformed mattress and a cold metallic surface are being strapped together tightly with belts and pushed closer to the floor, creating an edgy yet playful juxtaposition of textures and materials.
By utilising the metallic surface as the seating element and the soft material as the supportive base, our objects aim to address and comment on the roles of materials in industrial design, based on their inherent properties. Our approach hinges on the notion of reversing the conventional roles materials typically assume in design. For example, while metal elements are commonly employed as structural supports due to their durability, cushions and mattresses typically serve as surfaces for sitting or reclining. However, in our design, we have inverted these roles. We achieved this by deforming a long, soft mattress, using wires, applying tension to create a solid yet resilient plinth in a worm-like shape upon which we affixed a curvy aluminium sheet. This simple gesture challenges design paradigms and prompts viewers to reconsider the capabilities of materials. By creatively manipulating materials, we aim to provoke dialogue and thought on the dynamic relationship between materials and design principles.