Maarten Baas' 'The People's Clock': A Collaborative Art Installation at Schiphol Airport
Designer Maarten Baas's 'The People's Clock' at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport transforms the perception of time. This installation, a collaborative performance involving 1,000 volunteers, visually represents the passage of time. It emphasizes community effort and the unique concept of 'real-time' art, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for travelers.
Porro's Ryo Bookcase: A Sculptural Aluminium Design
Nao Tamura's Ryo bookcase for Porro is a horizontal shelving unit crafted from thin aluminium sheets. Its design incorporates adjustable triangular supports that create dynamic light and shadow effects, embodying both lightness and stability. The Ryo bookcase is celebrated for its ability to define interior spaces with a sense of order and sensory engagement.
ClassiCon's Soft Stone Sofa: A Fusion of Sculpture and Architecture by Gabriel Tan
ClassiCon, a German design house, collaborated with Singaporean designer Gabriel Tan to create the Soft Stone sofa. This modular seating system, inspired by both sculptural forms and architectural landscapes, features rounded edges and comes in 11 distinct modules. It aims to blend the solidity of monumental structures with a natural softness, drawing inspiration from Porto's Parque da Cidade and sculptor Isamu Noguchi's work. Upholstery options include four Zimmer + Rohde fabrics, offering a balance of aesthetics and comfort.
NII's Allround stool, conceived by creative director Hirotaka Tako, represents a refined approach to collaborative furniture. This seating piece, characterized by its understated design and practical features, is engineered to enhance dynamic workspaces. Its mobility, achieved through discreetly integrated casters, allows for effortless repositioning, fostering fluid interaction and adaptability within communal settings. The stool's robust metal construction ensures longevity, while its range of finishes and colors provides versatility to complement diverse interior design schemes.
The Allround stool's design philosophy centers on a harmonious blend of form and function. Its smooth, continuous surfaces and gently rounded profile contribute to a sculptural aesthetic that integrates seamlessly into various architectural contexts. Tako's vision for the 'Allround' name encapsulates both its engineering precision—referencing the 'full-round fillet' for curved edges—and its inherent adaptability across different environments. This dual meaning highlights the stool's thoughtful construction and its capacity to serve multiple purposes in a modern workspace.
Available in both standard height and a taller barstool version, the Allround series caters to diverse seating requirements. The barstool variant further distinguishes itself with a swivel top, the absence of casters, and the inclusion of a footrest disc, enhancing comfort for extended use. Both versions are offered in a brushed aluminium finish or a selection of six vibrant colors, including Gloss Ultramarine, Gloss Vermilion, and Satin Pale Olive. This variety allows designers and users to select options that best suit their aesthetic preferences and functional needs, ensuring the stool remains a timeless and valuable addition to any space.
Crafted from durable aluminium, the Allround stool's construction transcends fleeting design trends, promising enduring style and resilience. Its disassemblable nature simplifies transportation and storage, adding to its practicality for evolving spaces. Tako emphasizes that the stool's minimalist circular form is intended to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, delivering lasting value. The thoughtful integration of design elements, material quality, and user-centric features positions the Allround stool as an exemplary piece of contemporary furniture, designed to meet the demands of flexible and collaborative environments while offering a distinct visual appeal.