When thinking about designers who are friends to rotational moulding there can be no doubt that one of the most prolific is designer Ron Arad. Arad was born in Tel Aviv Israel in 1951 with both his mother and father working as artists. In 1973 he moved to London to study. In 1981 he setup his own design practice One Off with Caroline Thorman who remains his partner today. Twenty years ago they started Ron Arad Associates in its current location. Arad designed his first piece of furniture in 1981. Ron Arad is currently the head of the Department of Design Products at London’s Royal College of Art and he is one of the handful of most watched designers today but he remains vehemently critical of the art world for what he sees as its reluctance to accept anything with even a hint of function in it. Arad has said (of the development of some of his products): “It was a design situation. There’s a technique called rotational moulding. Rotational moulding is like making a cake. ..Tooling cost is cheaper but it’s very slow. So that’s why it’s used by young designers young companies because they don’t expect to sell that many (pieces). So I felt that I make a piece in the mould and then I cut it into two. And each one is a chair in its own right then I cut the production time by half. But not so! Because normally when you take a piece out it’s ready. You don’t have to take it to another side of the factory stick it in another machine. It’s sort of saving time and a waste of time. You know it happens that you think you are doing something good and you are actually doing something not sogood. Like the guy who invented a “safe” CFC to replace CO2 was the same guy who introduced lead to petrol. He was lauded for his contribution to the environment. And he was the biggest enemy ofthe environment the biggest villain. But he was a good man. So I was a good man there!” Arad’s On why some highly designed products fail Arad has said “..it’s like with every new bandwagon. You know there were lots of bad cubist paintings. I mean there was Braque Picasso Gris . . . And then there was a cubist painter in every capital of the world. In every movement you have the people who are real and you have the people who join in. People are joining in in a big big way.” “You know one of the world’s greatest collectors told me off for doing thousands of them (various designs)”. He said “You should only do 10!” No! This is for thousands. And hundreds of thousands! “ Arad’s designs utilizing the rotational moulding process are prolific. His famous rocking chair Voido was originally conceived in blow moulding. Voido was presented at the 2005 Furniture Fair in a “mould testing” phase through which it suffered greatly. Underestimated by Magis and Arad alike the latter of whom jokingly wrote on the prototype “This is not (for) rotationalmoulding!” The first attempt at product was in big scale blow moulding which was branded “almost there!” But not a thing could be done to alleviate the technical issues with the product as trial after trial made evident. So the Voido blow moulding combination was given up in exchange for rotational moulding that features new and decidedly superior aesthetics. This absolutely stunning piece of rotationally moulded sculpture is available now. Other iconic pieces by Arad include “The Big Easy” “Top Pot” “MT1 – MT3” & “The Victoria & Albert Collection” to name only a few..
Rodolfo Dordoni was born in Milan in 1954 graduated in architecture in 1979. Until 1989 he was responsible for the art direction and company image co-ordination of Cappellini International. Amongst the numerous products he designed are the 'Colombia' storage system 'Cuba' sofa 'Aliante' shelves 'Lipsia' tables and chairs to name a few. From 1987 to 1988 he was also responsible for the company image coordination of Mondo. Rodolfo Dordoni has a vast repertoire in product design typologies encompassing domestic / contract lamps and furniture storage systems kitchens bathroom accessories objects carpets and electrical switches. As art director apart from Cappellini and Mondo Dordoni has coordinated the company images for Foscarini Bros Imel Schopenhauer and Minotti. Since 1995 he has collaborated with Dolce & Gabbana where he is responsible for the interior design and styling of shops corners showrooms and residential spaces. The “Ming” flowerpots designed by Dordoni are appreciated by designers for their generous dimensions underlining the upper large border and for their traditional yet modern design which can be adapted in any given situation either public or private. While designing the form Dordoni had inmind cetaceous plants such as cactus & agave rich and prickly to blend in contrast with the soft and sensuous shape of the flowerpot.
Christophe Pillet graduated from the Decorative Arts School in Nice in 1985 and became the Master of Domus Academy Milan in 1986. His first pieces of furniture were produced by XO in 1991 and he has been working independently since 1993. He creates furniture objects and interior designs for Cappellini Daum JC Decaux Driade Ecart International L’Oréal Lacoste Moroso Porro Renault Serralunga Shiseido Shu Uemura Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Whirlpool. He also designs interior architecture for boutiques hotels and restaurants such as the very hip Hôtel Sezz in Paris. “Scarlett” is a decorative piece with a sinuous outer and inner surface in two different dimensions. The shape itself may be familiar however the undulating surface of the parts and the large scale of the products (around 2 metres) make these pieces works of art in their own right. “Princess” is a reinterpretation of a classical decorative object that brings back memories of the past and the engraving on the surface of the product highlights the elegant and simple lines of the form while adding interest and texture reminiscent of white paper on which you can sketch & write.
Luisa Bocchietto: Degree in architecture in Milan in 1985 with Marco Zanuso. IED contemporary diploma – European Design Institute. Luisa Bocchietto works freelance for private and public purchasers carrying out local development urban recovery and building renovation projects. She creates furnishings shops and stands in Italy and abroad. She handles the artistic management for the Serralunga collection which was included in the ADI Design Index 2004. She also works on projects for other companies in the furnishing field. In addition to her professional work she continues to support the diffusion of project quality. She has been President of the Architects Association and is currently cooperating with the Architects National Council. She is also active in the ADI the association for industrial design serving as president for the western delegation (Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta).
Denis Santachiara began his career marrying art and design. His work has appeared in a myriad of exhibitions around the world. Permanent Exhibitions are shown in the MOMA New York Musee des arts decoratives du Louvre National Museum of modern arts of Tokyo Museum of Lyon Museum of Frankfurt Vitra Museum of Weil-am-Rhein(Germany) and Philadelfia Museum Collection de Design du Centre Pompidou amoung others. He has worked with the Chartusian monastery of Avignone for the French Ministry of culture furniture for the Plaza of Toyama(Japan) The Art Hotel in Dresda is winner of the international prize ZIP for the city of Saarbrucken(Germany). His design for rotational moulding asked the question “Can a flowerpot sprout directly from the soil rather than set down on the ground?” Can it as the plant itself which originates from the ground negotiate with earth that is either flat or inclined? “Santavase” is just that and revolutionizes the concept of flowerpots which are no longer set down but screwed half way into the ground by its steel finished point. For the designer this represents a prosthesis and a prolongation of nature. His other products made by rotational mouldinginclude flowerpots from the “Botanica” range and seating called “Santamonica”.
Denis Santachiara began his career marrying art and design. His work has appeared in a myriad of exhibitions around the world. Permanent Exhibitions are shown in the MOMA New York Musee des arts decoratives du Louvre National Museum of modern arts of Tokyo Museum of Lyon Museum of Frankfurt Vitra Museum of Weil-am-Rhein(Germany) and Philadelfia Museum Collection de Design du Centre Pompidou amoung others. He has worked with the Chartusian monastery of Avignone for the French Ministry of culture furniture for the Plaza of Toyama(Japan) The Art Hotel in Dresda is winner of the international prize ZIP for the city of Saarbrucken(Germany). His design for rotational moulding asked the question “Can a flowerpot sprout directly from the soil rather than set down on the ground?” Can it as the plant itself which originates from the ground negotiate with earth that is either flat or inclined? “Santavase” is just that and revolutionizes the concept of flowerpots which are no longer set down but screwed half way into the ground by its steel finished point. For the designer this represents a prosthesis and a prolongation of nature. His other products made by rotational mouldinginclude flowerpots from the “Botanica” range and seating called “Santamonica”.
Alberto Meda was born in Tremezzina (Como) in 1945. Master in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico of Milan in 1969. From 1973 technical manager of Kartell in charge of the development of projects of furniture and plastic laboratory equipments. In 1979 freelance industrial designer for various companies: Alfa Romeo Auto Alias Alessi Arabia-Finland Cinelli Colombo design Brevetti Gaggia JcDecaux Ideal Standard Luceplan Legrand Mandarina Duck Omron Japan Philips Olivetti Vitra etc. Some products are part of permanent collection of Museum of Modern Art of Toyama and since 1994 The Museum of Modern Art in New York includes in its Design Collection "Light light " chair 1987 "Soft light "chair 1989 "Longframe" 1991 by Alias and "On-Off " lampby Luceplan1988. He works and lives in Milan.
designers ludovica&roberto palomba
Ludovica+Roberto Palomba are Architects and designers who founded Palomba Serafini Associati in1994. Their distinctive hallmark has emerged from a capacity to combine a contemporary vision of society and user needs with an extensive knowledge of the historical and cultural roots of design producing results that blend the past with the future. This unique and personal approach makes them particularly sensitive to issues of function and the need to create long-lasting products removed from the uniformity of momentary trends. Dora is the first armchair realised in rotationally moulded polyethylene and decorated with in mould engraving of a very beautiful flower theme. These stunningly decorative and beautiful chairs are manufactured without the use of any advanced technology for the process other than an impeccable mould and process control
Enzo Berti was born in Venice in 1950. He studied with Alberto Viani at the Belle Arti Academy in Venice and then attended the Higher Course of Industrial Design promoted by the Architecture Faculty. He began working independently and now designs furniture in collaboration with several companies such as Artemide Cadel La Palma and Magis. He has received many awards duringhis extensive carrer including the 1991 American IBD Product Design Award. From 1988 to 1996 he was Art Director at Montina.
designers rena bernabei kelly freeman
Rina was born is Sydney in 1968 and Kelly was born in Cooma in 1976. Both graduated in industrialdesign Rina from UTS and Kelly from the University of New South Wales. They began their companybernabeifreeman pty ltd in 2003 their first product went on to be one of their most celebrated designsthe ‘Peony’ chandelier. Rina and Kelly’s work has a very distinctive decorative style and they are most renowned for their textile inspired metal lights which have been described as ‘metal laces’. In 2007 they won Australia’s most prestigious design award the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award for their Totem range. They have also been awarded an Australian Design Mark and the Inside product design award for their Peony chandelier it is now part of the Powerhouse Museum’s permanent collection. They have exhibited both locally and internationally and are widelypublished.
Karim Rashid is a leading figure in the fields of product interior fashion furniture lighting design and art. Born in Cairo half Egyptian half English and raised in Canada Karim now practices in New York. He is best known for bringing his democratic design sensibility to the masses. Designing for an impressive array of clients from Alessi to Dirt Devil Umbra to Prada Miyake to Method Karim is radically changing the aesthetics of product design and the very nature of the consumer culture. He has had some 2500 objects put into production to date. His designs of the Morimoto restaurant in Philadelphia and the award-winning Semiramis Hotel in Athens have successfully expanded Karim's scope to include the realm of architecture and interior design. Karim was honored with the title of 2007 Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards Product Design Finalist the 2006 Honorary Doctorate from the Ontario College of Art and Design the 2005 Honorary Doctorate from Corcoran College the Sleep05 European Hotel Design Award and the 2005 Pratt Legends Award. Karim has also won the prestigious I.D. Magazine Annual Design Review Red Dot Design Award and Chicago Athaneum Good Design Award numerous times throughout his career. His work is in the permanent collections of 14 Museums worldwide including MoMA and SFMoMA and he exhibits art in various galleries. “Korzina” & “Zontik” both designed by Rashid are painted two-tone polyethylene with a glossy finish.
Tokujin Yoshioka was born in Saga Japan in 1967. He has collaborated with various companies in and outside of Japan such as Hermes Toyota BMW Kodi & Swarovski. His original design of a paper chair “Honey Pop” (2001) has attracted a great deal of attention. Since then he produced Driade’s “Tokyo Pop” Yamagiwa’s lighting “ToFU” cell phone “Media Skin” for a design project chandelier “Stardust” for Swarovski Crystal Palace the polyester chair “ PANE Chair” a chair thatDisappears in the Rain made of special glass installations for Lexus Moroso and many others. Yoshioka’s pieces have been highly evaluated as art works more than simply good design. Some of his most important works are displayed as a part of permanent collections in the world’s well knownmuseums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York Centre National d’ Art et de Culture Georges Pompidor Victoria and Albert Museum Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum and Vitro Design Museum.
