Step into the captivating world of Studio Swine and fashion brand COS at Milano Design Week 2023 with their joint creation, "New Spring." Embark on a spellbinding journey through this multi-sensory installation. Slip on your hand gloves and enter the dimly lit, forgotten cinema. Gaze up as a tree-like structure unfurls before you, adorned with fragrant, nebulous blossoms. Touch these ephemeral flowers, and they burst into mist, leaving behind a lingering vapor. Interact with the delicate bubbles descending from above - they yield to your touch or breath, offering fleeting moments of magic.
This democratic and accessible experience, orchestrated by Studio Swine, aims to captivate all visitors. The piece centers around a towering tree structure, encircled by darkness, with an array of mist-filled blooms wafting through the air. Touch these petals, and they burst, leaving a momentary imprint; however, diffuse them on fabric, and the mist lingers.
At the helm of Studio Swine is founder Alexander Groves, whose studio harmonizes traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and steadfast environmental concerns. "New Spring" is constructed from Gerüstaluminium, with the mist-filled bubbles composed of water, air, and steam. As the bubbles dissipate, leaving no trace behind, the installation epitomizes the essence of evanescence.
COS, the modern, minimalist fashion brand, commissioned the project - marking their sixth collaboration with a designer or artist at Milan Design Week. Previous engagements include Gary Card, Bonsoir Paris, Nendo, Snarkitecture, and Sou Fujimoto. COS Creative Director Karin Gustafsson discovered Studio Swine during her research, falling in love with their imaginative approach. During an interview at their London studio, she commended their creativity and installation design, describing it as truly "wow"-inspiring.
Experience the transformation and interaction of "New Spring" during Milan Design Week until the event's conclusion. Delve into this extraordinary exploration of art, design, and technology that celebrates nature's renewal and the harmony between human creativity and the natural world.
Studio Swine and COS's collaboration embodies a symphony of natural elements and advanced technology. Their installation is a testament to the limitless potential of collaboration and the transformative power of art. "New Spring" invites visitors to engage with the world in strange, beautiful ways, inspiring appreciation for the ephemeral beauty of nature and the boundless potential of human creativity.
Background Studio Swine, the creative brainchild of Alexander Groves and Azusa Murakami, has accumulated a reputation for pushing the boundaries of materiality and form. Their work tends to incorporate natural elements, with a focus on sustainable materials and innovative approaches.
Similarly, COS is recognized for its minimalist and modern aesthetic. A prominent brand within the H&M Group, it has a history of participating in design collaborations and exhibits, embracing innovation and promoting environmental awareness.
Design Concept At its core, "New Spring" reflects the cyclical nature of life and the renewal that characterizes springtime. The installation embodies the themes of nature and design, utilizing materials that are both sustainable and innovative. With a focus on craftsmanship, technology, and environmental concerns, Studio Swine masterfully crafts an immersive experience that stimulates the senses and encourages contemplation.
Iconic Elements 1. Sustainable Materials: The installation features materials derived from natural resources, such as plant-based composites or bioplastics. 2. Organic Forms and Structures: Intricate shapes that resemble organic textures and branching patterns might be integrated within the design. 3. Ambient Lighting and Atmosphere: Soft, gentle light illuminates the space, providing a serene, engaging environment for visitors. 4. Interactive Elements: Touch-sensitive surfaces or soundscapes that react to movement amplify the sensory experience, enhancing the overall guiding principles and themes of renewal, sustainability, and the intersection of design and nature.
In congruence with Milano Design Week 2023 Milano Design Week stands as one of the most influential events cultivating design in the global sphere. Drawing designers, architects, and industry professionals en masse, the event showcases pioneering designs and fosters engaging discussions about the future of design. The "New Spring" installation joins this collective conversation, contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable design principles and their implementation in practical settings.
