Into the 21st Century: 5 Innovative Designs from Poland
#design
Poland has a rich history of design and innovation. Roman Modzelewski’s iconic red RM58 armchair is just one example of many. Contemporary Polish designers are drawing on this legacy and stepping into the 21st century with confidence. Here are five designs that show us what the future is made of.
1. PLOPP family & TAFLA mirror – Oskar Zięta, zieta prozessdesign
Plopp series, designed by Oskar Zięta, photo: Zieta Prozessdesign
zieta prozessdesign was founded by Oskar Zięta as an interdisciplinary, engineering-based team comprising architects, designers, engineers and technicians. The studio regularly works with specialists from other fields (like biologists or psychologists) in its effort to seek out new and innovative solutions.
What is Oskar Zięta’s FIDU technology? It involves taking two pieces of sheet-metal, welding them together at the edges and then inflating then under high pressure. But instead of ending up with a balloon, which will eventually burst or slowly deflate, this process creates actual pieces of 3D furniture.
With FIDU, Zięta underscores the importance of the design process. FIDU enables mass production of individualised shapes. The forms created using FIDU are extremely light but also very durable. Using this unique design process, Zięta has created extraordinary pieces of furniture – from the PLOPP family of stools to TAFLA mirrors. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Selected works by Oskar Zięta – Image Gallery
2. SLUMBER for Casalis & SYMBIOZ concept car for Renault – Aleksandra Gaca
TERO textile, from the Architextiles series, designed by Aleksandra Gaca, photo: courtesy of the artist
Aleksandra Gaca designs innovative woven textiles with her novel aesthetic combining technology with texture in projects that span art, fashion, product design and even architecture. Gaca specialises in unique 3D textiles, she has created many unique textiles and has won numerous awards for her work.
Her work includes spatial constructions, acoustic objects and even building façades (like the Hermes boutiques in China and South Korea). Design lovers will know her for her work with Casalis: her ribbed-texture Architextiles collection absorbs sound waves more efficiently than flat fabrics, thus contributing to a more muted environment. These textile panels combine two features: noise reduction and decoration.
One of Gaca’s latest designs is the interiors of Renault’s SYMBIOZ concept car, which is meant to be an extension of the home on the road. The goal of the design was to ensure the cabin was livable like any contemporary interior.
Selected works by Aleksandra Gaca - Image Gallery
3. BLOW sofa – Malafor
BLOW sofa, designed by Malafor, photo: Malafor
For Malafor, the design duo Agata Kulik-Pomorska and Paweł Pomorski, design is as much the ideology behind it as it is function or beauty. Inspired by nature and ecology, Malafor gives new meanings to common materials and objects.
Malafor’s BLOW collection is made out of 100% recyclable inflatable paper bags and a steel rod structures. Sit down, get comfy and draw, write or doodle all over the sofa! Their designs are unique, exciting and eco-friendly. Find more on their website.
Selected works by Malafor - Image Gallery
4. NEPTUNE Lamp – UAU Project
Neptune Lamp, photo: courtesy of the designer
UAU Project is a Warsaw-based multidisciplinary design studio founded in 2011 by Justyna Fałdzińska and Miłosz Dąbrowski. Their main interest is exploring and experimenting with consumer oriented 3D printing. All of their designs are created using either biodegradable or highly recyclable materials. They use bold colours and interesting textures.
Their 3D-printed NEPTUNE lamp is a geometric and elegant lamp that looks amazing in every minimalistic space. It can be customised with 3 different colourful and crazy shades. The brightness of the light brighntess depends on the position of the lamp.
What’s most remarkable is that they make their 3D-printable designs available for their users on their website: everyone with access to a 3D printer can download their designs and print them for themselves!
Works by the UAU Project – Image Gallery
5. Tylko Shelves – Tylko
Tylko Shelf Type02, photo: promo materials/tylko.com
‘Shelves that stand out because they fit in!’ boldly states Tylko’s website. What makes them so special? And how is it that they fit in so well? Obviously, every home is different and it’s not always easy to find furniture that will work in your space. Tylko makes it easy by putting much of the design process in your hands. Choose what colour, height, width and arrangement you want, to create the perfect shelf for your needs. Their new line Type02 just came out and is worth checking out on their website.
An added bonus: Their augmented reality app makes it possible to actually see what the furniture will look like in your home before you even buy it!
The Bright New: Polish Ideas Applied Exhibition – Image Gallery
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