Guest Contribution by An Michiels

As a reflection on the industrial revolution’s major after-effect - global warming - provoking glacier icemelting, which is threatening the balance in the world, Studio Jens Praet and Studio Vibeke Skar are trying to reach people’s attention by creating everyday objects with a subtle environmental message. This resulted in Industrial impact: Arctic Collection + Industrial Collection.

Arctic collection, 3 different tables made of Ice White DuPont™ Corian®, inspired by the Arctic with its melting and eroded iceglaciers. Through the use of sensitive detailing, referring to industrial evergreen elements for the Industrial collection and eroded and water carved details for the Arctic collection, the studio-duo is creating a strong communication medium enhancing the importance of both global industrialization and the beauty and emphasis of the Arctic environment. Both Arctic and Industrial Collection are combining traditional craftmanship with contemporary materials; handmade is the keyword to refine, personalize and emotionalize the objects.

For the Arctic Collection the design-duo is collaborating with company Corinor AS, leading and highly experienced fabricator of DuPont™ Corian® in Norway, trying to challenge the material to a new perspective in the design field. Together with Corinor AS, they developed an ice-resembling material by bending ice-eroded patterned plates of DuPont™ Corian® (in Ice White colour) into small tables. They are introducing an interesting surface treatment by sandblasting the finished objects in order to experience a rough ice effect. The table tops are beautifully high gloss polished, creating a remarkable contrast with the imperfect table sides.

Along with this collection, the designers are presenting a glass collection consisting of a series of lamps representing the industrial revolution, also wanting to be a contemporary reaction to the negative results of this era. For the Industrial Collection, the designers have chosen to work with Norway’s oldest glass manufacturer, Hadeland Glassverk, with whom Norwegian born Vibeke Skar had previous work experience.  At the glass-factory, the designers have been working in close contact with trained glassblowers able to create state-of-the-art designs mixing antique traditions with contemporary know-how. Every lampshade has been hand blown - the imperfections are enhancing the beauty of the lamps with the result that every piece is unique.

Jens Praet is a Belgian designer who - after completing his studies in Italy and in The Netherlands - set up his studio in Panzano in Chianti, a small town near Firenze in Italy, where he is working and experimenting on a variety of new products. The studio has a strong passion for everyday objects and materials, the combination of old and new, finding inspiration in unexpected details and daily issues which become often the starting point in the design process. Studio Jens Praet’s work has been exhibited at several interesting international locations and has been featured in many major design publications and newspapers world-wide. Amongst its clients are Droog Design, Vogue, Yamamay and Eat Drink Design.

Studio Praet and Studio Vibeke Skar will be showcasing Industrial Impact and other products at Spazio Undai on via Ventura 6 in the Zona Ventura Lambrate at the Milan Furniture Fair.