OVO editions is a new editor of design furniture. They are based in Brussels and start their  work with the famous Belgian designer, Pol Quadens. Their goal is to develop innovative and composite materials and put forward talented designers interested in new experiences. Pol Quadens designed for OVO an exceptional collection in Corian® and carbon fiber. His creativity was challenged by the multiple properties of the Corian®.

more: Pol Quadens, OVO editions
via: YATZER

Covitaca is a creative studio founded by Covadonga Carreño Álvarez that develops interior, graphic and industrial design projects.

I like to know that I’ll be able to work at something that I enjoy doing, where I don’t mind spending hours in front of a screen or a blank sheet of paper …I feel fortunate because I can do what I want! I would like to create objects that have a message, useful for people, that excite them …I like simple objects but they have to say something. They must speak for themselves about their purpose and function. I like to observe daily life, gestures, actions …and create from there!”

Oh!jear

Why waste space with furniture that we are not using? Do you want to hang something? Just move the sheets that make up this rack. When you don’t need it, fold it to the wall and it will be unnoticed.

Mybags

Re-use. Re-think. Everyday we are becoming more concerned about the environment, but why not really do something for it? “mybags” is a series of lampshades made from crocheted plastic bags that are no longer useable. Is it not better to find another use than to throw it out? Give them a second chance…

Siamesas

There are things in life that must be together. Where would be Laurel without Hardy? And a photograph without it’s frame? These chairs were born to live together. They are Siamese. They could be separate, but then they wouldn’t be the same… they need each other to show off.

En.llamas

We spend all day in the kitchen preparing the perfect dinner. Tablecloth, crockery, cutlery, glassware… we even have the small details planned. Since we always concentrate in the kitchen when we invite someone to have dinner, why should we forget the kitchen during the dinner? En.llamas is a candlestick that reminds us that the fundamental role of the kitchen is to prepare our dinner. The eyes of the oven get dressed up for the occasion and come to “warm up” our table.

Raindrops

Who said that the rain is annoying? Don’t umbrellas do their job well? Raindrops is an umbrella collection with messages for the viewers. You can feel protected because “here it is not raining”.

[a]salvo

How many times arrives at a restaurant, a meeting … and ask yourself, where I put my things? Because there are objects that speak for themselves, with this chair is clear, under you and in a safe place. Simplify. Let us make our life a little easier.

More: COVITACA

Mulgui

Mulgui is a fish form lamp made with traditional Korean paper. Using the ready made base scales and extremities are added. There are several Mulgui sizes to extend until 90 diameter centimeters. Although most of the most are inspired by different aquatic animals there are also panda and bird forms available just changing the Korean traditional paper pieces . The lamp plays with the surprising effect of putting a light focus in an element related to the darkness, changing the logic of the atmosphere. Mulgui can also be present in any sort os space such as high standing design living rooms or child bedroom.

Pescando lámparas:

My house which was built over 100 years ago has a beautiful balcon. It has a view towards ‘La Sagrada Familia’ and there I spend lots of time deep in imagination.

Using Korean traditional paper, I made a fish like a white moon. With a long fishing rod I try to fish the moon on my balcon.

The fish swims through the city’s road.

Immediately, I drop a line on the air.

I have hooked a fish brighter than the moon.

Hye Young Yu (Chungju, South Korea 1971) Korean artist and designer. She studied in Seoul, Barcelona, an United States. She worked as graphic, multimedia and interior design. She works for Elisava design school as professor in Barcelona. As artist and designer she has participated in several exhibitions in Seoul, Barcelona, Milan and Berlin. She has also been curator in the Design Made exhibition that is celebrate every year in Seoul Arts Center. She has been also commissioner of sonarsoundseoul in Korea.

More: Hye Young Yu

At NUDE´08 I am presenting a conceptual and aesthetic research project which looks at materials through five products. The idea is to knit together a variety of materials, de-contextualising them, bestowing them in the process with a new, surprising character and paying special attention to the inherent symbolic aspect of the materials – wire, newspaper, Tetra-Brik containers, blueprint paper and IV drip tubes.
All of the lamps are named after members of my family, representing the notion of tradition passed on by the women in the family, the common thread through the generations:

Rafaela Lamp is the result of weaving together the lamp’s own wire – electricity is responsible for everything here, a tangled form of electricity which shapes the light produced. Rafaela was my grandmother’s name.

Expósito is a lamp made from woven IV drip tubes. It is similar to Rafaela although without the copper wire; the tubing here is empty. Expósito was the surname traditionally given to orphans in Spain.

Concepción is a lamp created using blueprint paper which has been woven together. The symbolism associated with blueprint paper plays a key role here: the conception of ideas. Concepción is my mother’s name.

The waste paper basket and container are what they hold. A waste paper basket made from waste paper and a container made from Tetra-Brik containers. What we throw away into rubbish bins becomes the container itself. Recycling here consists of transforming the waste material – the destruction and construction of elements:

Papelera – the name involves a play on words in Spanish, where the word for waste paper basket (papelera) can also be construed as era papel – “was paper”: a waste paper basket made from woven waste paper. A newspaper, once read, is useless. It is thrown into the waste paper basket and in turn becomes it.

Envasera - Again, a play on words in Spanish where the word for container – envase – becomes envasera – “was container”: a container made from old Tetra-Brik containers. An empty Tetra-Brik is useless; it gets thrown into the recycling section of the rubbish along with other empty containers and becomes a container anew, recuperating its initial role as a container.

MORE: RAQUEL MORENO

Tandem formed by Javier Taberner and Nacho Poveda, two young designers with concerns entering showbusiness. Their work have been published in magazines like Experimenta, Ottagono and Neo2.

COCOON
Handing lamp inspired by the puppets. By moving the string, its structure changes creating different volumes.

SÁBADO Y DOMINGO
Low tables collection whitch lieiv motive is the application of materials outside it´s regular use. Concrete and cork leave their working environment to be more refined and enter our homes.

CAPRI
Light and easy chair designed for casual multipurpose atmospheres. Made in stainless steel and rattan. The breading of the fiber contrasts with the geometric forms of the seat.

More information: OBJ STUDIO

Swedish design duo Folkform think not, and have continued their work with the local factories in the small village of Rundvik in Vasterbotten in the very north of Sweden.

They believe globalisation has given rise to a new local dimension in design.

-The new Folkform products carry with them the spirit and history of the place where they are produced.

Folkform will also present a collection in the new Masonite hardboard range which is made by Folkform in the factory in Rundvik. By combining the wood fibres with other organic material it has been possible to give this down to earth material an entirely new look. Natural flowers and dead butterflies have been inserted into the huge masonite presses to create a permanent organic decoration embedded in the masonite hardboard.

Folkform

Folkform design studio in Stockholm, Sweden is owned and run by industrial designers Anna Holmquist and Chandra Ahlsell.

Anna and Chandra, both of whom gained an MA at Konstfack, Stockholm, in 2005, work on own projects, as well as customer assignments in the borderland between art and design. They experiments with materials, both traditional and new, exploring the scope for using them in new ways and new application areas.

“Folkform transforms simplicity into all its complexity, and gives the obvious an underlying and ambiguous meaning. Seeing the subtle in the simple, and challenging prevalent design codes is one of their absolute strengths” Motivation Future Design Days Award 2006

Awards

Future Design Days Award 2006
Swedish Design Year Award 2005

Exhibitions (selected)

Future Design Days 2006
Stockholm Fair

Salone Satellite, Milan 2006

The Design Marathon 2006
Ministry of Culture, Stockholm

Contemporary Swedish Design 2006

Ambiente Internationale Frankfurter Messe Frankfurt

Designers Block, Milan 2005

Swedish Style Milan 2005

Swedish Style Tokyo 2004

Coming up exhibition: Typically Scandinavian, Berlin 11-14 may 2007

Image texts

1.The Factory The masonite hardboard factory is located in the north of Sweden in Västerbotten where the professional experience of processing wood spans over generations in places such as Sorsele, Burträsk and Vännäs.

2.Sawmill 3. The hardboard material is made out of the left over sawdust from the sawmills in the area.

3. Making the new material Real flowers are placed on the masonite pulp.

4. The Masonite press By combining wood-fibre with organic materials under high pressure it has been possible to give this down to earth material an entirely new look.

5. Samples of masonite How can we create new forms of expression by combining materials in new ways?
How do we add new value to traditional down-to-earth materials such as the humble masonite?

6. Atlas pouffe Laser-cut steel merges with the soft fabric. The swarm of insects forms the pouffe.

7. Atlas table A real Atlas butterfly has been inserted into the huge masonite presses to create a permanent organic decoration embedded in the masonite hardboard

8. Rotation Pendant lamp inspired by the rotation of the huge gear-wheels in the factory. The lamp is moving slowly round its axis, transforming the movement to the next lamp.

Contact

Folkform
+46 737 67 55 45
Stora skuggans vag 11
115 42 Stockholm
Sweden

London-based designer launches portfolio of products at 100% Design and 100% East South African designer Ryan Frank puts materials at the heart of creative process.
New London-based, South African designer, Ryan Frank, today launched his first portfolio of products at top London-based design shows, 100% Design and 100% East. His eco-sensitive collection, which makes frequent use of sustainable materials, draws inspiration from the natural environment and the deterioration, corrosion and decay of the urban landscape.

Materials are at the heart of the process and are usually the starting point of design for
Ryan. “My products are often by-products of the creative process,” says Ryan. “I’m
inspired by the range of materials readily available in the environment and like to let a
specific material dictate the kind of product that I make.”

Being fluid in his approach and development has meant that notably experimental and
often unconventional products have emerged. The ‘Hackney Shelf’ originated when
white boards were displayed at various points around East London, attracting a variety of illicit city activities. Boards covered in graffiti were then transformed into mobile
shelving units, allowing Ryan to bring street art into an interior environment.

‘Traffic’, a mobile coffee table, was based on a similar concept. A thin white board left
on a public pathway to endure the city’s morning rush hour, emerged with tire tracks,
footsteps and a variety of random markings. Ryan used it to create the coffee table which now represents a grubby snapshot of commuting London.

Other ‘free-range’ products launched at the shows include ‘Grapple’, a suspended coat
rack made using hemp and bio-resin, ‘Loot’, a set of pendant light shades exhibiting
currency symbols and ‘Harrison’s Rock’ a brick-cork accessories bowl.

“I’m keen to throw away the tree-hugger image associated with eco-friendly products
today and produce pieces that are functional and experimental,” says Ryan. “I believe it’s
important to allow pieces to mature in the design process and to be open to wherever that process takes you.”

Ryan Frank is one of seventeen designers chosen to exhibit work at 100% Design by
Hidden Art, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to put upcoming designers on the
map. Hidden Art’s Chief Executive, Dieneke Ferguson comments: “Taking on sustainability is a tough challenge, but Ryan’s innovative and experimental approach to
materials shows a real commitment to changing the way we all perceive sustainable design.”

See below for product description and dimensions.

About Ryan Frank
Ryan Frank is a South African born product designer living and working in East London. Inspired by the natural environment and the possibilities of harnessing this in design, Ryan started his studies in product design in Cape Town, South Africa and completed them in Zwolle, Holland. Having worked for a short period at den Hartog Musch, a Dutch product design company, as well as at leading architects firm Alsop Architects, Ryan settled in East London to concentrate on his own collection of free-range products.

For more information, go to www.ryanfrank.net

Product details
1. Hackney Shelf

Graffiti shelving unit. A white ‘canvas’ is presented to the open public. Once the boards have ‘matured’ they are removed and built into contemporary shelving units.
Dimensions: 1850/1200/400 mm

2. Traffic

A mobile coffee table made from birch ply. The morning rush hour was the inspiration for ‘Traffic’. A white board is laid on the ground and is then used to create a coffee table which provides a snapshot of commuting London.
Dimensions: 900/600/280mm

3. Loot

A range of pendant light shades made from natural jute and exhibiting currency symbols from across the globe. The stretched fabric creates an illusion of a weighted sack; this illusion disappears as the light is switched on.
Dimensions: 700/350/200mm

4. Grapple

 
A group of suspended coat hooks made from hemp and bio-resin
Dimensions: 1000/50/50mm

5. Harrison’s Rock

Accessory bowl made from reclaimed bricks and cork.
Dimensions: 210/100/65mm

An innovative sculptural floor standing light designed by award winning London designer Junior Phipps, the light celebrates concrete and encourages interaction with the end-user. Aimed primarily at architects, designers and landscapers, as well as retail outlets and public spaces, the ORB light is constructed from highly polished cast terrazzo and contains a waterproof brushed stainless steel halogen fitting. ORB has a number of flat sides that enables the user to re-position the light angle depending on location. Ideal for highlighting architectural, interior or garden features, the large scale lights (420 x 450 x 450 mm) come in a wide choice of terrazzo colours. Heavy weight, ORB lights can be used for both public and domestic spaces.

ORB Acoustic

An innovative sculptural loudspeaker designed by award winning London designer Junior Phipps. ORB Acoustic is constructed from highly polished cast terrazzo, a rigid inert material with an acoustically sympathetic form. ORB has a number of flat sides that enables the user to re-position the speaker angle depending on location. Fitted with near field reference monitor loudspeakers for use in professional environments, where quality acoustics are paramount. Heavy weight (H420 x W450 x D450 mm Weight: 45Kg), ORB speakers can be used for both public and domestic spaces and come in a wide choice of terrazzo colours.

Egg Acoustic

Egg Acoustic is an innovative sculptural loudspeaker constructed from layered plywood in the form of an egg which sits on a 3 prong stainless steel base that enables re-positioning of the speaker angle depending on location, a rigid stable material with an acoustically sympathetic form. Fitted with near field reference monitor loudspeakers for use in professional environments, where quality acoustics are paramount. Egg speakers can be used for both public and domestic spaces and come in a wide choice of colours. (H430 x D330 x W300 mm)

Lite^Ball

As seen on BBC2′s lifestyle show Home
Lite^Ball has a stainless steel energy efficient LED fitting encased in a sculptural concrete sphere for interior or exterior use. Available in a selection of colours, LiteBall can be stacked in multiples or simply positioned to illuminate in a variety of angled directions; Ideal for highlighting architectural, interior or garden features. (Diameter 130mm)
The 1 watt waterproof light fitting is inexpensive to run and with up to 100,000 hours of LED life, it ensures a maintenance free product and makes the LiteBall great value for money. With cool glass for added safety, 5m of cable supplied. Available in clusters of 3, 5 and 7.

Apex Lamp – Charles Trevelyan, 2007

The white rubber and oak finish combined with the elegantly minimalist design references a 50s aesthetic; however the styling makes this a very contemporary piece. The angle and position of the lamp are adjusted by simply changing the position of the legs along the central shaft.

More information: Viable London

StripLight. Beauty in repetition, StripLight fits over the waist of a light bulb, requiring no extra fittings or installation. Supplied as six strips of flexible metal, each ‘leaf’ can be curled to the desired shape by hand. The design can then be fanned out as a pendant shade and fits onto either a standard light bulb or similar shaped energy efficient bulb.

• Available in white. Colour version tba

More information: Viable London