silent revolutions contemporary design in · pdf filesilent revolutions contemporary design in...

2
Silent Revolutions Contemporary Design in Slovenia The exhibition Silent Revolutions presents a selection of design production spanning more than two decades of a young European country. The title of the project – Silent Revolutions – alludes to a country with an exceptional design history, which has not (yet) established itself as an influential design force in the wider international context. The “silence” implied in the story was a key motivator behind the concept of the exhibition, where a broad array of recent designs is set in a dialogue with five historical, iconic design objects. The other component – the idea of a “revolution” – suggests that some of the products presented set new, unparalleled standards worldwide with the groundbreaking innovations they boldly put forward. The exhibition focuses not only on the excellence of individual products but also on their position in the broader context of contemporary Slovenian design. The selection highlights products of both big industries developing their own brands as well as special limited edition objects produced by the designers themseves. As a whole, the exhibition works to point up the exceptional and heterogeneous character of the moment. Despite various coexisting approaches within the field of Slovenian design, however, some clearly individual chapters of a complex story emerge. And these vital, dynamic differences are singled out and developed as both the driving force and the main common denominator of contemporary design in Slovenia.

Upload: buitram

Post on 05-Feb-2018

225 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Silent Revolutions Contemporary Design in · PDF fileSilent Revolutions Contemporary Design in Slovenia The exhibition Silent Revolutions ... The selection highlights products of both

Sile

nt R

evol

utio

nsCo

ntem

pora

ry D

esig

n in

Slo

veni

a

The

exh

ibit

ion

Sile

nt R

evol

utio

ns p

rese

nts

a se

lect

ion

of d

esig

n pr

oduc

tion

spa

nnin

g m

ore

than

two

deca

des

of a

you

ng E

urop

ean

coun

try.

The

titl

e of

the

proj

ect –

Sile

nt R

evol

utio

ns –

allu

des

to a

cou

ntry

wit

h an

exc

epti

onal

des

ign

hist

ory,

whi

ch h

as n

ot (y

et) e

stab

lishe

d it

self

as

an in

flue

ntia

l des

ign

forc

e in

the

wid

er

inte

rnat

iona

l con

text

. The

“sile

nce”

impl

ied

in th

e st

ory

was

a k

ey m

otiv

ator

beh

ind

the

conc

ept

of th

e ex

hibi

tion

, whe

re a

bro

ad a

rray

of r

ecen

t des

igns

is s

et in

a d

ialo

gue

wit

h fi

ve h

isto

rica

l, ic

onic

des

ign

obje

cts.

The

oth

er c

ompo

nent

– th

e id

ea o

f a “r

evol

utio

n” –

sug

gest

s th

at s

ome

of th

e pr

oduc

ts p

rese

nted

set

new

, unp

aral

lele

d st

anda

rds

wor

ldw

ide

wit

h th

e gr

ound

brea

king

in

nova

tion

s th

ey b

oldl

y pu

t for

war

d.

The

exh

ibit

ion

focu

ses

not o

nly

on th

e ex

celle

nce

of in

divi

dual

pro

duct

s bu

t als

o on

thei

r po

siti

on

in th

e br

oade

r co

ntex

t of c

onte

mpo

rary

Slo

veni

an d

esig

n. T

he s

elec

tion

hig

hlig

hts

prod

ucts

of b

oth

big

indu

stri

es d

evel

opin

g th

eir

own

bran

ds a

s w

ell a

s sp

ecia

l lim

ited

edi

tion

obj

ects

pro

duce

d by

the

desi

gner

s th

emse

ves.

As

a w

hole

, the

exh

ibit

ion

wor

ks to

poi

nt u

p th

e ex

cept

iona

l and

he

tero

gene

ous

char

acte

r of

the

mom

ent.

Des

pite

var

ious

coe

xist

ing

appr

oach

es w

ithi

n th

e fi

eld

of S

love

nian

des

ign,

how

ever

, som

e cl

earl

y in

divi

dual

cha

pter

s of

a c

ompl

ex s

tory

em

erge

. And

th

ese

vita

l, dy

nam

ic d

iffe

renc

es a

re s

ingl

ed o

ut a

nd d

evel

oped

as

both

the

driv

ing

forc

e an

d th

e m

ain

com

mon

den

omin

ator

of c

onte

mpo

rary

des

ign

in S

love

nia.

Page 2: Silent Revolutions Contemporary Design in · PDF fileSilent Revolutions Contemporary Design in Slovenia The exhibition Silent Revolutions ... The selection highlights products of both

Beatnik Chair, by Gigodesign; for Donar, 2012

Beatnik lets you enjoy your favou-rite music in high quality audio while relaxing in an ergonomically designed sound station chair. The chair connects easily with a laptop,

P. A. T. H., pre-fab homes, by Philippe Starck; for Riko, 2013

P. A. T. H. – prefabricated accessi-ble technological homes were de-veloped in collaboration between Philippe Starck and Riko, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of prefabricated wooden buildings. This system of industrially manu-factured turnkey homes combines timeless design, high technology, comfort and respect for the envi-ronment. It offers a wide range of house sizes, numbers of rooms, floors, and multiple open floor plans. Personalisation options come in the form of various inte-rior finishes and fixtures, such as lighting fixtures and fittings, floor finishes, bathroom tiles, etc. Proper

Seascape 27 Sailing Boat, by Issa and Gigodesign; for Seascape, 2012

The exceptionally fast and ma-noeuvrable Seascape 27 combines a supreme sailing experience with the spatial comfort of a four-berth sailing boat, appropriate for both family sailing trips and inshore or offshore regattas. Its unique shape allows the boat to be ready for sailing or transportation inside an hour, while optimal dimensions open up the possibility of transport either by trailer or shipping con-tainer, enabling use of the boat in the world’s best sailing locations, and avoiding the costs of a year-round berth. www.gigodesign.com, www.thinkseascape.com

Slim Lamp, by Bevk Perović arhitekti; for Vertigo Bird, 2008

A lamp with unusually slim body that attempts to combine a light source (a standard fluorescent tube) and electronics (a ballast module), into a single monolithic form. The bottle-shaped casing of the module is the extension of a laser-cut aluminium pipe. It can be used as an office, free-standing or vertical-suspension lamp. Slim belongs to a family of (largely lighting-related) objects developed by young Slovenian lighting brand Vertigo Bird. www.bevkperovic.com, www.vertigo-bird.com

mobile phone, tablet computer or mp3 player using Bluetooth or Apple’s AirPlay technology. It features a high quality Bose 2.1 speaker system with an integrated subwoofer under the seating area. This comfortable, multipurpose sound cocoon was developed for both public spaces and home environments. www.gigodesign.com, www.donar.si

energy conservation and responsi-ble use of resources is ensured by employing a wide array of renewa-ble energy-production devices like photovoltaic solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps.www.starckwithriko.com

Perfume Atomiser, 1947, Plastic Slide Frame, 1969, by Peter Florjančič

Inventor and innovator Peter Florjančič has patented over 400 inventions. Among his most famous patents is the perfume atomizer with pump spray bottle, which was originally manufac-tured for perfumers like Guerlain, Dior and Elisabeth Arden. Another of his famous inventions – the plastic slide frame – manufac-tured by companies like Kodak, Fuji, AGFA and 3M, was widely used all over the world.

Microphone Series, by Marko Turk; for Electro-acustics Laboratory (EAL), 1956-1997

Marko Turk designed and manu-factured high-quality electronic equipment, particularly micro-phones. Apart from their excep-tional construction, his micro-phones excelled in terms of use of materials, refined surface finishes and beauty, and were made in limited series for demanding clients. In 1964 the MD9 model became the first Slovene product to be included in the New York Museum of Modern Art design collection.

Rex Chair, by Niko Kralj; for Stol Kamnik, 1952

Rex was one of the first chairs designed for industrial mass production in Slovenia. It was conceived with (then) advanced pressed and perforated plywood technology. In the design process its designer Niko Kralj, was follo-wing the idea of producing an ergonomic and rational, though refined and affordable product for everyday use. Today the Rex chair enjoys a cult status embodying 20th century modern design and is produced again by Impakta Les company.

Kiosk K67, by Saša J. Mächtig; for Imgrad, 1966

K67 is certainly the most cele-brated and widely known work of Saša J. Mächtig, an important

protagonist in the history of Slovenian design. Made from reinforced polyester and polyure-thane, the mass-produced system, comprised of five modular units, has significantly marked the ima-ge of urban settings in Slovenian cities and suburbia over the past 40 years. The units, used individ-ually or in group configurations, could adopt diverse functions – from newspaper stands and kiosks to small workshops.

ETA 80 Telephone, by Davorin Savnik; for Iskra, 1979

The ETA 80 telephone was one of the most popular design objects in offices and households of the former Yugoslavia. The elegant, flat-shaped telephone in plastic came in various colours and was later copied all around the world. It was produced by Iskra, one of the first Slovene companies to establish a corporate design department back in 1962, develo-ping a unique and recognisable Iskra corporate style.

The Giants

The New Normality

Entrepreneurs of New Consumer Landscapes

Household appliances HomeCHEF, SensoCARE and IQcook, by Gorenje Design Studio; for Gorenje, 2012

The Gorenje Group is a leading European manufacturer of house-hold appliances, and its trademark has served as a symbol of qual-ity for over 60 years. Apart from the technological perfection and energy efficiency of the house-hold appliances programme, the company’s vision over the last few years has been increasingly dire-cted towards sustainable develop-ment and excellence of design. The exhibition presents three of their latest innovations: the Home-CHEF electronic control module for ovens, the SensoCARE washing machine, and the IQcook induction hob with elaborated steam cooking technology. www.gorenjedesignstudio.com, www.gorenje.com

SLX Fusion Skis, by Gigodesign and Elan Research and Development Department; for Elan, 2013

Elan produces premium engi-neered ski equipment, featuring high-end design and performance. Elan innovations like WaveFlexTM

and Amphibio® technology have set new milestones in the ski industry. Their SLX Fusion ski delivers everything needed for a superior slalom experience. Power Spine technology, a highly evolved racing ski construction scheme with both spine and bones, pro-vides better edge grip and torsi-onal stability, while Amphibio® Profile allows faster and direct turn initiation. www.gigodesign.com, www.elanskis.com

Alpina Racing Elite CS and CL Cross Country Ski Boots, by Jure Miklavc, Jan Jagodič, Robert Križnar; for Alpina, 2008

Alpina’s family of cross country ski boots represents the most innova-tive and technologically refined of their products. Intended for com-petitors and advanced recreational skiers, they are designed to ensure optimum power transmission with minimum energy loss. Extremely lightweight, they are distinguished by ergonomic design, good flex, excellent torsional stability and an innovative lacing system.www.miklavc.si, www.kabinet01.net, www.alpina.si

Enlightened Innovators

Stabi S Turntable, by Franc Kuzma; for Kuzma, 1998

This is a turntable that excels in its minimalist design as well as its acoustic impact. All fea-tures related to sound production are governed by function, like its unique shape and construction of solid brass rods that provide the rigid connection between the pivot of the platter and the tonearm base. The Kuzma company is syn-onymous with uncompromising expertise in production of the most advanced analogue turn-tables and tonearms available anywhere. www.kuzma.si

Taurus Electro G2 Aeroplane, by Ivo Boscarol and team; for Pipistrel, 2008

The first electric two-seat aero-plane in the world is economical, quiet and emits no CO2. The engine and landing gear are completely retractable, thereby reducing air resistance and fuel consumption. Parallel seating facilitates adjust-ment of the cockpit area according to the size of the pilot. The Taurus Electro G2 is a pioneering product of the Pipistrel company, world renowned for their high-end ultra-light motorgliders.www.pipistrel.si

Kawasaki ZX-10R Evolution Exhaust System, by Igor Akrapovič and team; for Akrapovič, 2008

Akrapovič is a leading company worldwide in exhaust systems de-signed for motorcycles and sports cars. Their innovations, such as hexagonal mufflers with conical form replacing the standard oval, revolutionized the production of aftermarket exhaust systems. The Evolution model, made for the Ka-wasaki ZX-10R, increases engine power by 10% and is 60% lighter, due to its titanium construction.www.akrapovic.com

Double Bench Table, by Tina Rugelj; for Esal, 2012

Double Bench is part of the outdoor furniture collection My Concrete Garden, the result of research on building construction materials applied in furniture design. Its unusual form derives from the unique properties of fibre cement, exploring the limits of its thinness, flexibility and strength, while pro-viding static stability to the final product. The collection of elegant garden furniture with a concrete look is weather-resistant and includes a seater, sink, lamp, dog-house, planter and a modular wall.www.tinarugelj.com, www.esal.si

Gwig lamp, by Asobi; for Intra lighting, 2006

The idea for a miniature lamp that would appear in space almost as an atmospheric jewel gave birth to a solution comprising three independent LED diodes in an aluminium core that, clad in a clear plastic module, combines an intriguing aesthetic presence with high technology. Gwig is produced by Intra lighting, a Slovenian com-pany specialised in modular archi-tectural lighting systems. www.asobi.si, www.intra-lighting.com

Greenline 33 Hybrid Powerboat, by Jernejand Japec Jakopin; for Seaway, 2009

The primary feature of this special 10-metre craft is its hybrid power (electric or diesel), co-generated by roof-mounted solar panels, which recharge the batteries throughout the day. As a result, the boat with the special Super-displacement™ shape of the hull sails without noise, smoke and CO2 emissions. The craft was designed by Seaway, a leading company specialised in the development and engineering of sail- and powerboats.www.greenlinehybrid.com, www.seaway.si

Bigfish Line Foldable Bike, by Gigodesign; for Studio Moderna, 2013

This foldable bike provides a free, comfortable and safe commute through urban centres. Its paten-ted Smart Folding Technology makes folding and unfolding sim-ple and quick, the bike can be eas-ily wheeled, which makes it mobile also in the folded position, and it takes up little space when stored. Its excellent riding characteristics are the result of the same aspect ratio between the bike’s seat, han-dlebars and pedals, as found on city bikes.www.gigodesign.com, www.bigfishbike.com

Qbiss One with ArtMe Façade System, by Trimo, Faculty of Mechanical Engi-neering and Gorenje Design Studio; for Trimo, 2009

Qbiss One, a modular façade system, is one of the complete façade solutions for the constru-ction industry developed by Trimo. This self-supporting, insulated and fireproofed façade, with typi-cal shadow joints, combines the purity of architectural form with comprehensive technical solu-tions. Their latest product innova-tion is ArtMe, a façade surface reshaping technology that enables production of individual façade designs.www.gorenjedesignstudio.com, www.trimo.eu

Industrial Crafts

Lajt Chair, by Janez Suhadolc, 1991

The chairs designed by Janez Suhadolc have a decisive common denominator: they are made of wood, handmade and are unique and perfect in their “imperfection”. Lajt is an ultra-light, minimal chair of basic design made of different types of wood. The Californian redwood version, for example, weighs only 985 grams. The chair has been further developed into an entire Lajt series, including different versions of chair, table, bed and wardrobe.

Flow Water Set, by Tanja Pak; for Glesia, 2008

Tanja Pak’s work personifies the fragile connection between the demanding tradition of glass-making and new creative appro-aches. The Flow series of glass items was inspired by the elemen-tary movement of water, its waves, transparency and ethereal proper-ties captured in the solid form of glass. The fine, thinly undulated crystal glass was fashioned by master glass blowers at Steklarna Rogaška.www.tanjapak.si, www.glesia.si

Waiting Room Project, by Oloop, 2012

Oloop designers have often been exploring – through artistic pro-jects, actions and workshops – the effects of manual work on people, finding that light manual work can be calming, even relaxing. The Waiting Room Project is de-signed to allow people to spend their waiting time in a quality way. Simply detach the textile object from the wall and do some needle work on it. Once waiting is over, put the textile object back on the wall, where it becomes part of the decor of the space (waiting room); or just pass it on to the next person.www.oloopdesign.com

Phenomena

Black Cherry Lamp, by Nika Zupanc; for La Femme et la Maison by Nika Zupanc, 2010

In her work, designer Nika Zupanc provocatively reinterprets every-day objects, particularly feminine archetypal elements, which she uses to address the role of women in contemporary society. The Black Cherry Lamp, a product she designs and produces for her own brand, pays homage to “every single cherry in the world blessed with a shape that is simple and mysterious at the same time”. The lamp is concei-ved as a single cherry, a twin or a triplet.www.nikazupanc.com

Eclipse Collection, by Lara Bohinc; for Lara Bohinc, 2007

Lara Bohinc’s design is both con-temporary and classical. As jewe-llery desiger she uses advanced technological processes, such as photo-etching, laser-cutting and computer design, while retaining

a deep respect for the traditional techniques of her craft. Her highly ornamental collections include a range of accessories, the most rec-ognizable of which is the Eclipse series, combining precious metals and knotted leather. www.larabohinc.com

Criatura shoes, by Leonora Jakovljević; for Leonora Mark – Ave Femina, 2005

Leonora Jakovljević’s shoes exist outside the dictates of seasonal fashion. They are designed as art objects, divided into thematic opuses with stories explaining each model. The Criatura opus is fashioned from deer fur and horse hide and further enhanced by horn buttons. The furs are not trimmed, maintaining their natural volume and shape rather then following the form of a shoe. Her shoes there-fore start resembling fantasy crea-tures more than everyday products of utility.

Holey Roket Stove, by Rok Oblak, co-designer Larry Winiarski, 2009

Rok Oblak developed his Holey Roket vernacular stove in colla-boration with biomass briquette production centres worldwide. The unusual L-shaped combustion chamber improves air flow and enables a more efficient burning process; the shape also allows for simple adding of fuel during cook-ing. Today, different variations of the Holey Roket are produced in the Philippines, Uganda, Malawi, DR of Congo and Chad. www.holeyroket.com

Siti Armchair, by Arne Vehovar; for Zilio A & C, 2004

A comfortable wooden armchair of hyper-simple and familiar form that represents the bare essence of the product. It combines tra-ditional form and contemporary appearance through basic con-struction. The structure is made of solid beech wood, whereas the backrest and seat are made of thin plywood. Its design facilitates easy storage and stacking, saving pre-cious space when necessary. www.zilioaldo.it

Wall Coat Hanger, by Toni Kancilja, 1999

A wooden coat hanger consists of four bars for hanging, and a supporting bar – a fifth element keeping the object in balance. The hanger appears on the wall as a kind of purist symbol and can be repeated horizontally infinitely. It can also be produced in different woods, reflecting Toni Kancilja’s understanding of design in terms of the creation of universal balance.

Chair Series, by Rok Kuhar and Katjuša Kranjc; for Stol & Stol, 2011

The Stol & Stol company enjoys 108 years of tradition in chair manufacturing, marked by some exceptional design achievements. Its rich history was the starting point for the new collection of chairs based on the use of exist-ing moulds and plywood elements that were transformed into new compositions by cutting, turning and reworking the surfaces. The chairs made of bent plywood are conceived in many variations, ranging from veneer to upholste-red versions.www.raketa.si, www.stol.si

Efekt Shovel, by Rinz – Pavlinec & Pavlinec; for Imas, 2008

The multi-purpose ergonomic shovel is a tool suitable for various tasks that require strength and efficiency. The inventive geometric shape of the shovel greatly redu-ces the need for bending and transfers pressure from the back to the legs, while the bent control handle facilitates efficient han-dling and takes the pressure off the wrist. The shovel, weighing only 1.5 kg, is highly stable even when loaded.www.rinz.si, www.imas.si

LLSTOL Chair, by Luka Ločičnik, in collaboration with Tadej Glažar; for Stol & Stol, 2010

LLSTOL is a simple, multifuncti-onal lounge chair consisting of two identically L-shaped elements. These thin elements from lami-nated moulded plywood enable multiple uses, from basic use as a lounge chair to other furniture types like small table, bench, or bookshelf using more elements. When the chair is not in use, the elements can be easily folded and stored in a small space. Alongside the classical solid version, differ-ent perforations of plywood and an accessory textile “sock” are also available. www.llstol.com, www.stol.si

New Platforms

Mrk Light, by Tilen Sepič, 2012

The concept for an ambient wall light comes out of research on the psychological influences of light on people and creating a specific spatial atmosphere. In compari-son with common lights, Mrk constitutes its presence primarily with diffuse light that draws, on a wall, a specific form with a rounded shadow in the middle. This enigmatic light consists of a ring of bent beech wood and an LED belt of warm light. Varying the distance of the light from the wall changes its luminous effect as well as its formal appearance.www.mrk.tilensepic.com

Musguard Bicycle Fender, by Jurij Lozić, 2013

Musguard is a removable, rollable bicycle fender that can be easily rolled up and stored on the bike frame or in a pocket when not in use. Weighing just 35 grams, this portable dirt protector requires no tools, no mounts or extra parts for installation, keeping the design as pure as possible. The fender is die-cut from a strong, resilient

and recyclable polypropylene plastic sheet using a unique fold-ing system for stability and firm fit. Musguard works with most classic road bikes, but mounts best on bikes without a rear brake. www.musguard.com

model. All cameras are handmade from local wood and treated with natural oil varnish. Strong mag-nets are used for the winding mechanism and fixing the back cover. www.ondu.si

Ondu Cameras, by Elvis Halilović, 2013

A series of refined wooden came-ras presents a meaningful alter-native to the fast turnover cons-umption in today’s camera’s market. Aiming to create a simple, long-lasting and affordable came-ra, designer Elvis Halilović (re)turned to the basics of photo-graphy and developed six diffe-rent pinhole models, ranging from pocket size for the common Leica 135 format to the large format

Lumu Light Meter, by Lumu Labs, 2013

Lumu, an attractive, digital device hiding a powerful light sensor in a small aluminium case under a plastic diffuser, turns an iPhone or Android device into a high quality light meter. Lumu con-nects to the smartphone easily via the headphone jack, while the Lumu application transforms measurements into useful infor-mation. The application enables saving data about the moment a shot is taken to a (data) cloud, including location data, voice records, notes and other impor-tant parameters. www.lu.mu

Designers: Igor Akrapovič, Asobi, Bevk Perović arhitekti, Lara Bohinc, Ivo Boscarol, Gigodesign, Gorenje Design Studio, Elvis Halilović, Issa, Jernej and Japec Jakopin, Leonora Jakovljević, Kabinet 01, Toni Kancilja, Rok Kuhar and Katjuša Kranjc, Franc Kuzma, Jurij Lozić, Luka Ločičnik, Lumu Labs, Studio Miklavc, Rok Oblak, Oloop, Tanja Pak, Marko Pavlinec, Tina Rugelj, Tilen Sepič, Janez Suhadolc, Philippe Starck, Arne Vehovar, Nika Zupanc • Peter Florjančič, Niko Kralj, Saša J. Mächtig, Davorin Savnik, Marko Turk

Companies: Akrapovič, Alpina, Lara Bohinc, Donar, Elan, Esal, Glesia, Gorenje, Intra lighting, Imas, Kuzma, La Femme et la Maison by Nika Zupanc, Leonora Mark – ave femina, Pipistrel, Riko, Seascape, Seaway Group, Stol & Stol, Studio Moderna, Trimo, Vertigo Bird, Zilio Aldo & C. sas, • Electroacustics Laboratory (EAL), Imgrad, Iskra, Stol Kamnik

The History

OrganisationMuseum of Architecture and Design, Ljubljana, [email protected], T: + 386 1 5484 270

Curator Maja Vardjan

Exhibition DesignBevk Perović arhitekti

Graphic DesignJan Jagodič, Kabinet01

Project AssistantNikola Pongrac

TranslationLjubica Klančar

Copy EditingJeff Bickert

Exhibition ConstructionVinko Žitnik, Timo

PrintingTiskarna Gorenjski tisk, Kranj 2013

Partners from SloveniaMinistry of Culture, www.mk.gov.si;Ministry of Foreign Affairs, www.mzz.gov.si;Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, www.mgrt.gov.si;SPIRIT Slovenia, www.spiritslovenia.si;Government Communication Office, www.ukom.gov.si

Sponsor IB-PROCADD

© Museum of Architecture and Design, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2013All rights reserved. No part of this volume may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Exhibition Silent RevolutionsContemporary Design in Slovenia