Fung+Bedford's Origami Lighting Installation "Resonance" Illuminates Clerkenwell Design Week
Design duo Fung+Bedford showcases their "Resonance" installation at Clerkenwell Design Week, featuring a trio of intricately folded Tyvek pendant lights suspended within the historic St Bartholomew the Great church. Utilizing refined origami techniques, these eight-meter-long sculptures create a serene atmosphere, blending light and shadow to emphasize their dynamic, sound wave-inspired forms. This project marks the studio's tenth anniversary, highlighting their journey from jewelry design to large-scale, minimalist installations.
Michael Anastassiades Closes Lighting Brand to Focus on Creative Pursuits
Renowned designer Michael Anastassiades is shutting down his self-titled lighting brand after two decades to dedicate more time to pure creation. The closure, effective by late summer, is driven by a desire to prioritize artistic design over business management. His London studio, established in 1994, will continue to serve as a hub for collaborations and custom projects, with some team members transitioning to new roles within the studio.
Max Lamb's Min Chair: Sustainable Design Enters Production
British designer Max Lamb's acclaimed Min Chair, an evolution of his innovative Economy Chair, is now being mass-produced in pine for Swedish brand Hem. This chair, known for its polygonal structure and near-zero-waste production, uses diagonally cut components from a single timber slab. Debuting at Copenhagen's 3 Days of Design, it showcases Lamb's commitment to sustainable and efficient design practices.
In contemporary open-plan office environments, managing acoustics is paramount to fostering productivity and well-being. The innovative Kite acoustic ceiling panels, a collaboration between design duo MUCNYC and workplace furniture specialist Narbutas, offer a sophisticated solution. These panels, crafted with meticulous cutting and folding techniques, transform flat felt sheets into striking three-dimensional structures. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they effectively mitigate sound reflections and reduce noise levels, creating a more serene and focused atmosphere in bustling workspaces. The collection draws inspiration from the graceful movement of kites, translating this natural fluidity into a range of five distinct designs that harmoniously blend form and function.
Open-plan offices, while promoting collaboration and flexibility, often contend with the challenge of excessive noise. Hard surfaces common in such settings can cause sound to reverberate, leading to an uncomfortable and distracting auditory environment. The Kite acoustic panels are specifically engineered to address this issue. By introducing soft, sound-absorbing elements, they create a 'cocooning' effect, enveloping the space in a quieter ambiance. The ingenious method of expanding and folding felt material results in diverse geometric and swirling shapes, each contributing to both the visual texture and acoustic performance of the room.
The design philosophy behind the Kite panels is deeply rooted in the concept of transformation, mirroring how a simple kite unfurls and takes on new dimensions when caught by the wind. This inspiration is evident in the five unique designs, which can be artfully combined to delineate different zones within a larger open space. Whether it's a quiet focus area, a collaborative brainstorming hub, or a general workstation, these panels provide versatile acoustic control. Their harmonious style ensures that, despite their varied forms, they maintain a cohesive aesthetic when integrated into a single project.
Furthermore, sustainability is a core tenet of the Kite acoustic panels. They are fabricated from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic felt, incorporating more than 50 percent recycled content. This commitment to environmentally conscious manufacturing aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in interior design. Available in a diverse palette of colors, these panels not only dampen sound but also offer designers and architects a flexible tool to introduce visual interest and warmth into commercial interiors. The material's inherent properties make it both durable and effective in absorbing sound waves, thereby significantly enhancing the overall auditory experience.
The collaborative effort between MUCNYC and Narbutas culminates in a product that is both visually captivating and functionally superior. The Kite acoustic panels represent a significant advancement in office acoustics, offering an elegant and effective way to manage sound in contemporary workspaces. By thoughtfully blending innovative design, practical application, and sustainable materials, these panels contribute to creating healthier, more productive, and aesthetically pleasing work environments for all occupants.