New Modern Lighting By Starck, Wanders, Gilad & Others For FLOS Soft Architecture.

Flos recently presented one of its most ambitious and avant-garde products: the Soft Architecture collection.




Created using an innovative composite material (Under-Cover technology) which unites light weight and high strength, these unusual lighting systems created by globally recognized designers, deliver performance, durability and perfect integration with normal plasterboard false ceilings or walls.



The collection consists of many different shapes, unusual inset designs for walls and ceilings and very different wall mounted lighting. The illumination is more of a glow with these designs, rather than a bright spot or beam of light. Lamps disappear into wall elements made of plasterboard, so that all that remains is architecture and light, in any number of different shapes and variants.





All the units in the collection boast eco-friendly materials and ultra-modern LED technology. The collection also complies with the latest international safety and eco-compatibility regulations, as it is made with a non-inflammable material and has "Cradle to Cradle" certification: a design protocol that ensures that companies regard 'sustainability' as a value, not a sacrifice, and offer products which can be recycled eternally.

The FLOS Soft Architecture line consists of designs and collections by Marcel Wanders, Ron Gilad, Antonio Citterio, Calvi Brambilla, Konstantin Grcic, Frank Wellens & Lynsey Leysen, Philippe Starck and Sebastian Wrong.

Here are a few highlights from the FLOS Soft Architecture line.

Ron Gilad's "Architectural Lucinario" is a modern take on stained and classic glass windows, only now they are inset in plaster and can be hung from the ceiling:





Wellens and Leysons "Pluto":


and their "Abajourd'hui 1" and "Abajourd'hui 2":



Sebastian Wrong's "Spun Lights", a 'classic' luminaire with a base and lampshade in small or large, but made of plaster that grows out of the backing panel, giving the appearance of a floating lamp partially embedded into the wall:






Ron Gilad's "Wall Piercings" are made in mobile plaster and added to panels which are then integrated into suspended ceilings or false walls. Countless designs and patterns are possible with these circular rings of light that appear to penetrate the wall:









Soft Architecture is designed to last and to minimize the harmful effects on the natural environment during production. Sustainability, innovation and quality are the main goals, inspired by nature.

Here are some images from their displays at the 2010 Salone del Mobile:







There's a lot more to see at the FLOS Soft Architecture dedicated site.

photos and information courtesy of flos and stylepark

What You Will & Won't See Of Marcel Wanders' Christmas Collection For Target

You may have already heard about, or seen, the 2009 Holiday collection for Target by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. A designer with a sense of whimsy, excellent taste and style (and easy on the eyes to boot), I have blogged about him four times before, including his gorgeous Christmas collection and displays for the Dutch department store, Bijenkorf from last year.

This year, he lends his Christmas designs to Target. In his own words, here's the directive from the United States chain of stores: The brief asked for a modern and unexpected "Wanders" twist to the traditional holiday giving season. The concept behind the collection, "It's A Gift To Give" resulted in a holiday collection that reinterprets classic icons and plays with charming patterns, festive decorations, and distinctive designs with flair and style that will surprise and amaze guests all over the U.S., making it enjoyable to be the gifter or giftee.



But it's what you don't see at Target that is really spectacular. In addition to the items in the collection, I'm going to share with you some of his prototype designs for Target from his Inspiration Book. I'm also going to show you some of his sketches, fun 'extras' and photos of his work, some of which combine several of his pieces for Target with some of his pieces for Moooi and Droog.

What You Will See At Target:
First, the products that were produced and are presently being sold at Target consist of wrapping paper, a bell wreath and bell tree, flocked stockings and tree skirt, tableware, disposable tableware, pillar candles, some bar ware, a few vases, a teddy bear with light-up nose and a few other attractive, but inexpensive pieces of festive decor:







Shop for the above items and more from the collection at Target here.

When shopping online at Target, the Marcel Wanders collection, while appealing, is not incredibly impressive. The simple products on white backgrounds don't do the work of Mr. Wanders justice. For example, the products for Target, when placed against his signature flourishes, backgrounds and patterns in the four images below, take on a greater festive significance and style:






That's where his "Inspiration Book", a 314 page online flip catalog created by the Marcel Wanders Design Studio and Culture & Commerce. comes in. It is from this catalog that all of the following images come.


What You Won't See At Target:

Temporary lip tattoo:

Pattern Paint:

Helium Filled Flying Balloon Netted Chair designed to fly over the North Pole during Summer:

Faces Of The World Ornament:

Bobbleheads:


Still lives of his products for Target combined with his products for Droog, Mooi, Habitat and from his personal collections:




Pages from his sketchbook of Target products:



Rejected By Santa:



The Use... And Misuse Of Products:

The Marcel Wanders Paper Doll:

A special Christmas Edition of his VIP Chair produced by Moooi for Santa:


This is just a small sampling of the fun, inspiration and design process behind the Marcel Wander Collection for Target. There is so much more to enjoy, like I said, the Inspiration Book is 314 pages. See more here.


More Marcel Wanders:

•Marcel Wanders Designs a Regal Christmas Collection for Bijenkorf Department Store

•Marcel Wanders For Holland Electro: WOW

•Marcel Wanders' Carpets For Colorline: World Carpets & Tartan Collections

•Marcel, Mondrian & Miami: Wanders Designs Luxury Apt. Complex In Biscayne Bay.