Whilst do occasionally occur calls to design, make or have others produce items for ourselves or clients, the design approach of architects generally differs from that of industrial designers.
If we already observe in most professions (architecture, medicine…) the domination of industrial lobbies bent on usurping the independent practitioner’s role in conceiving and prescribing solutions — the complexity of a project (or choice of therapy) thus tending to be reduced to the assemblage of industrial elements picked from a catalogue — common sense and good health spell out a lesson quite different : avoid multiplying factors inducing dependency, and rendering precociously obsolescent that which we are forced to abandon because repair is impossible for lack of spare parts.
Ultimately furniture by architects has modeled the icon history of that medium. An opportunity to pit one’s own measure.
Design studies at manufacturers’ request
Private pages, concerning design proposals solicited by furniture manufacturers, either withdrawn when the company changed position, (following presentation at HQ) or remaining without feedback.
Diverse design studies & sketches
When in the 1980’s Tommy ROBERTS, founding partner of Practical Styling in London, used to ask of me working drawings to make furniture from images plied to him by a commercial artist, I had already helped an adolescent Ottonella MOCELIN with her drawing homework (the axonometric of a side table by Gerrit RIETVELD born of a single graphic point from which the entire volume developed in 3D) and was supplied with many ideas, from various sources.
Fixed furnishings in bespoke refit
Bespoke-designed fitted furniture, often put together on site, integral to the overall design scheme, and specific to the user-client’s refitted space.
Consequently, supplies available in sufficient quantity (handles, hinges etc.) determine details characteristic of the designed pieces..
Believing themselves to posses the key to best value some people ask me occasionally : why not just buy from a catalogue ? In reality no industry has ever anticipated the specific requirements that architects’ private clients may have for their own space. In fact, in relation to real estate values per occupied square metre, having bespoke items of furniture made to measure represents a significant economy of space, money and design effort.
Items of furniture for specific spaces
To date these concern items manufactured by artisans, that I designed to fit our small Parisian abode (62m2 on 2 floors & 4 main rooms) and for the occasional perspicacious client.
Multi-functionality, generosity of materials and space-saving are the motor concepts of these furniture projects. Distinct from the heading Fixed furnishings in bespoke refit, it is not the availability of particular supplies which determines the characteristic detail of the project, but the exceptional quality of craftsmanship.
Advisable then, according to Adolf LOOS’ habit, to avoid flourishes, and rather bring out the intrinsic quality of materials, their workmanship. In such aspects transpires the authentic skill of those who really know how to work a material well.
An observation has been working on me over the years : originally the living quarters of noble dwellings and castles were rather bare, because guests — and indeed the hosts who possessed several residences — would arrive with their own retinue : furniture, carpets, hangings, the lot being arranged by their personal servants.
It pleased me to conceive of a table which might embark on such a pilgrimage, capable of standing its own in such milieux, even a Palladian villa. Then such opportunities actually presented themselves, thanks to the gracious intervention of friends.
Since then I’ve designed a LED lamp in wood, the trunk for its transport…. always procured through the genial POZZI brothers of Pozzi&Verga s.n.c., in Mariano Comense.
While one is working on a pottery piece, or a painting, numerous ideas spring to mind of the next item of production. The same goes for furniture.
Basically, many are seeking true patronage, the right attitude in art investors, prepared to sponsor the artist to produce whatever the latters minds to, without the pretense of building owners desirous to hand out instructions. (It is certainly for this reason that Oscar WILDE relished the uselessness of Art.)
In these pages the ideas expressed stem from inspiration seized upon the moment, in the form of a sketch. This may be developed or not, as the case may be.
Related pages :
OPUS INCERTUM : Take Your Pick
opus incertum 