The X-desk invites the user to interact. Easy to assemble, it can be personalised by adding new elements, such as drawers. The project itself was conceived as a framework or a starting point which would be given ultimate meaning by the user. The desk is based on a simple and lightweight design with a discreet shape. The white top stands on tube-like legs with blue joints providing structural stability. The whole is maintained in the spirit of ‘do it yourself’.
SMF.01 lamp from the Self Made Furniture collection by UAU, photo: courtesy of the artists
The designers applied the same idea to the SMF.01 lamp. This time they went even further, giving the user complete autonomy. The lamp uses 3D printing technology, and the design files can be downloaded from the studio’s website. By simply adding a light bulb, wire and some wooden elements, the user is able to put together the entire structure.
Viking – a watering can somehow reminiscent of Viking horns – is another proposal leaving at least part of the creative process in the hands of the user. The vessel can be printed from degradable PLA. The users can also choose which colour suits them best.
The UAU project experiments with smaller forms by designing crockery. These designs also reflect a striving for local materials and an attachment to tradition. The duo offers a dining set with fish-like shape for the well-known Polish herring.
In addition, the UAU project has designed items intended for a younger audience. The Zwierzaki (Animals) series is composed of six plush toys. Once again the designers play with the concept of local products by selecting animals living in Poland, such as hares, wolves, or otters. They all have their own home in the form of a bag which comes with each toy.
Dąbrowski and Fałdzińska also work in the field of applied graphic design, creating logos and visual identities. For ZenMakers, they prepared a design based on a contrast between bold colours and the simplicity of black and white characters. The design for the International Minerals and Jewellery Exchange was made in a similar way – the logo resembling the simplified shape of a precious stone contrasts with daring colours and patterns.
The UAU project designs are made from renewable resources and are intended for at home production using 3D printers. The materials used by the duo are either biodegradable or highly recyclable.
GROWW. is a miniature single-plant greenhouse, which won the Must Have Award at the Łódź Design Festival in 2016. Core parts of GROWW. are 3D-printed, requiring the addition of a glass jar. The designers took into account the two most popular models of jars: a wide mouth Mason jar and an 82mm diameter thread jar. The gardening experience is easy with GROWW., since all you need is soil, seeds and a little water. Once the greenhouse is closed, all you need to do is wait for the sprouts.
NEPTUNE is a simple, modern lamp produced in vivid colours. The ANEMONE and BLOOM lamps are slightly different, as they provide delicate, ambient light, which works well in minimalistic interiors. However, the BUBBLE lamp was inspired by vintage space-era design.
One of the most popular projects by Justyna Fałdzińska and Miłosz Dąbrowski is the modular candlestick ECH (Endless Candle Holder). It can be assembled in numerous combinations and its design is a tribute to the Memphis Group. ECH won the Must Have Award in 2018 along with the MIRRR mirror and NEPTUNE lamp.
During the pandemic lockdown, the UAU project experimented in their studio with new forms, materials and a different scale. It was also when TOTEMS came about – a collection of eight totems created in cooperation with Miranda Makaroff, an interdisciplinary artist. The entire correspondence between both parties was reportedly held via Instagram DMs.
Wyspa RE (RE Island) is the UAU project's exhibition organised as part of the 2020 Gdynia Design Days. All items presented at the show were created especially for this occasion.
We’ve always been designing sustainably. The technology we are using is almost zero waste, as the objects we create are built layer-by-layer, not like in other disciplines where you have to carve off excess material to get the shape you desire. We usually don’t get rid of things that might have the potential to be somehow used again, as is the case with the ropes in our installation,which originally came from our exhibition during GDD in 2017. In 3D printing we are experimenting with material that comes from recycled PET bottles, as we think that circular economy is the future, not just a passing fad.
UAU project website: https://uauproject.com/
