Monolith
A series of decorative boxes and one-of-a-kind vases, “Monolith” by Bravo! exploits the geography of Chile in its design philosophy. Reflecting the theme in question in terms of production technique and material preference, the series consists of decorative boxes with flexible use as well as different vase designs. The team was not shy in experimenting with a variety of forms, dimensions, hues, and designs. Combarbalita, the Chilean volcanic rock is made up of quartz, copper, silver, and clay alongside several minerals, therefore giving the collection an identity of its own. Every piece was hand-carved over the course of 2018.
Antumbra
“Antumbra”, a touch-adjustable table lamp made of marble, was designed by London-based Magnus Long Design Studio. There are two different colors and sizes of marble used in the design. While on the front of the lighting polished black marble was used for cutting the light, and polished white marble, was used to diffuse and reflect the light at the backside in the design. The illumination, which appears to be a simple composition of black and white marble pieces when the lamp is turned off, presents an image similar to the solar eclipse observations of ancient time sculptors when the lamp is turned on. The large white marble circle at the back reflects the light, while the opaque black marble circle at the front is perceived as a silhouette by the light reflected from the back. Magnus Long pushes the physical limits of the material with the white marble he uses as a reflector and the black marble he describes as a “mask” for the light source. The lighting cable is hidden behind the steel base where the marble stones are placed, and the light level can be adjusted according to the environment via the touch-sensitive switch inside the stone in front. Offering various uses with different lighting levels, this unit noticeably increases the aesthetics of the space.
Calcarea
Another designer inspired by the waste materials from marble mining and cutting is Italian Francesca Gattello. Gattello worked with Rosso Ramina, a small Tuscan ceramic company, for developing a heterogeneous material by mixing clay with marble dust and designing rounded objects by kneading it. She uses a two-tone color palette to emphasize the raw material and hand-scored grooves on it. The collection’s name “Calcarea” is linked to calcium (Ca), marble’s most important chemical element. Calcarea collection ranges from pots and cups to vases and shallow bowls. These objects, produced in different sizes as prototypes, offer a unique experience as they carry the texture of marble and clay on them. The products are designed to be used both functionally and as an accessory.
Infinite
The “Infinite” vase collection was designed by Stockholm-based Studio EO. The collection, which interprets the familiar vase image in a different way, consists of blown glass forms seeking balance on geometric platforms made of natural stone materials. Studio EO aimed to emphasize the contrast between the fluid states of glass and the sharp geometry of the natural stone material when designing “Infinite”. Marble, granite, and onyx stone were used as materials on the platforms, which are complementary to glass vases that feel like they are melting. The design, in different forms, with different colors and textures for both materials, consists of 7 pieces.
Little Gerla
“Little Gerla”, a collection of four vases, designed by world-renowned Italian designers Paolo Ulian and Moreno Ratti all made from marble waste and without producing any waste. The tile was cut by water jet and divided into four equal pieces of 20 x 20 x 3 cm and from each of these thin concentric rings are superimposed and rotated among themselves. Stating that waste materials are the basis of their research, Ulian and Ratti’s vases are unexpectedly lightweight for something made from marble and their surfaces bear the characteristic markings of the water jet.
Suspended Collection
“Sacred Ritual Objects”, which interprets natural stones with the traditional production methods of Mexico, was designed by EWE Studio. Vases with different forms stand out in the collection, which brings together a number of furniture such as stools and coffee tables, as well as various decorative products. The vases, in which black and white marble, as well as volcanic stones, are used as materials, are entirely hand-made by artisans in the team’s studio in Mexico. According to the team, this sculptural and functional collection, produced without any machinery, reflects Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
Ambra
“Ambra”, designed by the Mexican-based design studio Davidpompa, is a lighting collection that uses Cantera stone together with copper material. It consists of 4 different models pendant lamp, desktop, floor lamp, and wall lighting. In the collection, which presents circular forms with minimal combinations as possible, Cantera stone is used sometimes as a complementary detail that defines the body of the illumination and sometimes encompasses the light source. This volcanic stone, mined in Mexico, is frequently encountered in the architecture of the country thanks to its easy shape and durability. “Ambra” was first introduced by Davidpompa at the 2017 Mexico City Design Week, bringing together different textures.
