Berlin-based design duo Thomas Hiemann and Markus Dilger have created a super-technical piece of furniture that defies categorization. Dubbed the 1001, the piece’s goal is “persistent adaption of the surface to the human body,” according to Hiemann and Dilger’s blog.
Hiemann and Dilger adopted various approaches as a means of controlling spatial movements. The aim was for 1001 to be impact-full and convincing not only as an object but also as a functional furniture solution for use in everyday real life situations. More than 30 clusters, each consisting of three elastic rods, are mounted on a [semi-]spherical base and support the reclining surface, which has a corresponding geometrical pattern but consists of rigid segments.
Hiemann and Dilger are mum about what the actual materials are, saying only that the stalks have “elastic” qualities. In addition, there’s little ink on both the project’s future and the duo’s background. We know that they developed the project in the University of Kunste Berlin’s ID5 Interactive Systems program, and little else; as for Hiemann and Dilger themselves, they say “Our work is driven by hands on prototyping and manufacturing as the result of [our] iterative draft design process. In this process we combine cutting-edge technologies, production methods, traditional craftsmanship and materials, including collaborations with various partners.”
It is a little difficult to appreciate the full range spectrum of a prototype such as this, just by looking at few pictures. But, at the same time, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Take a look…
Thoughts?