Silent Revolutions – Featured designers and companies
Silent Revolutions – Featured designers and companies
Lajt Chair, design: Janez Suhadolc, 1991
The chairs designed by architect, designer and craftsman Janez Suhadolc have a decided common denominator: they are made of wood, are handmade, and are both unique and perfect in their imperfection. The designer got the idea for a chair “that can be held at the point of a outstretched finger and that carries the weight of both an adult person and a child at the same time”, in response to criticisms that his chairs were massive and heavy. The result is an ultra light, minimalist chair of basic design that developed into an entire Lajt series and represents Suhadolc’s most widely produced design.
Flow water set, design: Tanja Pak for Glesia, 2008
Designer Tanja Pak drew inspiration for the Flow series of glass items form the elementary movement of water, its waves, transparency and ethereal properties that she worked to capture in the solid form of glass. The desire to encourage people to consume water in a healthy way without redundant plastic packaging resulted in the fine, thinly undulated crystal glass made by the best master glass blowers at Steklarna Rogaška. Tanja Pak personifies the fragile connection between the demanding glass-making tradition and new creative technologies. Since 2005 she has run the Glesia Gallery, which specialises in glass items.
Squareplay play space, design: Oloop, 2007
Oloop is both a brand and a collective with a loosely permanent membership of three textile designers: Tjaša Bavcon, Katja Burger and Jasmina Ferček. They joined forces over the course of creative exploration of objects and spaces that can be worn like a second skin or used to move in space. The large (140 x 140 cm) multi-layered surface made of breathing cotton jersey fabric, polyester and polyurethane foam can be folded, turned up, twisted and arranged into various spatial nests. The square shape of the product is conceived such that the child creates his own playground.
Efekt shovel, design: Rinz, Pavlinec & Pavlinec for Imas, 2008
The multi-purpose ergonomic shovel is a tool suitable for various jobs on the farm, in the garden or at home that require strength and efficiency. The inventive ergonomic shape of the shovel that weighs only 1.5 kg greatly reduces the need for bending and transfers pressure from the back to the legs. The light aluminium bar is coated with thermal PVC, providing good grip and thermal insulation, whereas the blade with systematically formed reinforcement allows a greater scoop and requires less force. As a result the shovel is rugged, light and highly stable, even when loaded.
Siti armchair, design: Arne Vehovar for Zilio Aldo & C. Sas, 2004
Since the mid 1990s, architect Arne Vehovar and his associates have helped shape Slovene design significantly, particularly in the planning and design of furniture. The Siti armchair with a solid beech frame and a back and seat in moulded beech plywood, is designed for easy storage and stacking, saving precious space if necessary. This is one of the few wooden armchairs that provides real comfort. The finishing varies, available as natural, coloured or lacquered.
Wall-mounted coatrack, design: Toni Kancilja, 1999
The construction of this wall-mounted coat rack, consisting of a row of carrying and supporting pegs, represents a well-conceived play of balance, functionality, and beauty, with no extraneous elements. Its perfection lies in the exemplary concept and simple form.
Taurus Electro G2 glider, design: Ivo Boscarol and team for Pipistrel, 2008
World-renowned Pipistrel is known for their high-end ultralight motorgliders. Just a few years ago the company launched a pioneering product called the Taurus Electro G2, the first electric two-seat aeroplane in the world. The aircraft is economical, quiet and emits no CO2. The engine and landing gear are completely retractable, thereby reducing air resistance and fuel consumption. The parallel seating makes the seats ergonomic and comfortable and facilitates adjustment of the cockpit according to the size and shape of the pilot. Pipistrel has also developed the Solar Trailer for road transport purposes. In favourable conditions, its powerful solar panels can recharge the glider’s batteries in five hours.
Slim lamp, design: Bevk Perović arhitekti for Vertigo Bird, 2008
Vertigo Bird is a contemporary Slovenian lighting brand established in 2008. Since its launch the company has worked intensively with both Slovenian and foreign designers to build a diverse and compelling lighting collection. The idea for the Slim lamp designed by Bevk Perović architects combined a standard fluorescent tube and a ballast module. The bottle-shaped casing of the ballast module is the extension of a laser-cut aluminium pipe that aims to achieve optimum light emission. The result is a lamp of monolithic shape with an unusually slim body. It can be used as an office lamp, a free-standing lamp or a vertical-suspension wall lamp.
Holey Roket stove, design: Rok Oblak, co-author: Larry Winiarski, 2009
Designer Rok Oblak developed the Holey Roket vernacular stove in cooperation with different centres producing biomass briquettes worldwide. The unusual L-shaped combustion chamber and the position of briquettes improve the air flow and allow higher burning temperatures for toxic gasses and other substances; at the same time the shape enables simple adding of fuel during cooking. The open-source shape is simple to imitate and can be adjusted to existing stoves. In addition, existing pipes can also be used as a model for briquettes. The making of the Holey Roket is cost-free. Because organic waste is used, it encourages sustainability and contributes to a cleaner environment.
Greenline 33 Hybrid Motorboat, design: Jernej and Japec Jakopin for Seaway Group, 2009
Seaway is the world’s leading boat development and engineering company. In response to the global recession of 2008, the company began to develop a vision aligned along changing values in contemporary boating, resulting in the hybrid Greenline 33. The primary feature of this special 10-metre craft is its hybrid power (electric or diesel) co-generated by roof-mounted solar panels, which recharge the batteries throughout the day. As a result, the Greenline 33 sails without noise, smoke and unnecessary carbon dioxide emissions. The special Superdisplacement™ shape of the hull combines a safe and comfortable voyage with little resistance, which means a pleasurable time onboard and low fuel consumption.
Gwig lamp, design: Asobi for Intra lighting, 2006
Intra lighting is an international company based in Miren specialised in the manufacture of architectural lighting and lighting systems. The pendant Gwig lamp is a result of cooperation between Intra lighting and Asobi Design Studio. The unusual LED lamp has the appearance of special “ambient jewellery”. The idea for a miniature lamp that would function as an aesthetic element in a space gave birth to three independent LED diodes in an aluminium core that, like a transparent floating module, combines high technology with the futuristic-looking object.
Stabi S turntable, design: Franc Kuzma for Kuzma, 1998 and 1999
The Kuzma company has long left a unique mark in music technology for home environments, producing analogue turntables and tonearms for over 20 years. In the second half of the 1990s they developed the Stabi S turntable, followed by the Stabi XL, the massive form of which still induces respect. The Stabi S turntable excels in its minimalist design. All features influencing the sound are executed without any compromise whatsoever, like the rigid connection between the pivot of the platter and the tonearm base. Nor is there anything redundant about the Stabi XL either – everything is governed by function. Because of its mass, this supreme turntable that weighs as much as 80 kg (the massive platter weighs 24 kg) does not need any suspension, only a strong and stable base.
Black Cherry Lamp, design: Nika Zupanc for La Femme at la Maison by Nika Zupanc, 2010
In her work, designer Nika Zupanc persistently reinterprets stereotypical, everyday objects as she thematizes the role of women in the predominantly masculine world of design. The Black Cherry Lamp is a modular assembly of lamps that pays homage to “every single cherry in the world blessed with a shape that is simple and mysterious at the same time”. The suspended lamp is made of a blown glass bulb hanging on metal tubing. The lamp is available as a single cherry, twin cherries or triplets.
Alpina Racing Elite CL and CS, design: Jure Miklavc, Jan Jagodič, Robert Križnar; for Alpina, 2008
For many years manufacturer Alpina has worked in cooperation with industrial designer Jure Miklavc who, with constructor Robert Križnar and graphic designer Jan Jagodič, designed two of Alpina’s most innovative and technologically refined products: the Elite CS and CL model cross country ski boots. Intended for competitors and advanced recreational skiers, they are suitable for both classic and skating techniques and represent the latest evolutionary developments and a long racing heritage. The boots are designed to ensure optimum power transmission with minimum energy loss. They are distinguished by their light weight, ergonomic volume, good flex, excellent torsional stability, simple on and off, and innovative lacing system.
Kawasaki ZX10-10R Evolution exhaust system, design: Igor Akrapovič and team for Akrapovič, 2008
The Akrapovič company is a leader in the design of exhaust systems for motorcycles and sports cars. Their Kawasaki ZX10 Evolution model represents an important turning point in the company’s development. The model’s advantage over the original exhaust system is its 10 percent increase in engine power while weighing in 60 percent lighter thanks to the use of titanium as a construction material. The company’s Hydroforming process has made possible a new pointed hexagonal shape for the muffler as well as the production of new bends in the pipes, which were developed for optimising the flow of exhaust fumes. The system was designed for racing purposes, but a similar European road version is also available.
Speedwave 14, WaveFlex 14 and SLX WaveFlex Plate skis, design: Gigodesign in collaboration with the Elan research department for Elan, 2007-2011
Elan is a major manufacturer of skis and snowboards that is often setting new milestones in the ski industry. Elan’s innovation WaveFlexTM, patented in 2006, solves the dilemma of providing the user with versatile skis on a highly segmented ski market. The result is skis that are fast and stable on the slopes both in short and long turns; that are soft and flexible, while at the same time providing torsional stiffness and good hold on the snow. The idea of the function and effect of waves was developed at Elan; the design is the result of cooperation with the Gigodesign studio – a sandwich with a characteristic wave profile. It’s the perfect ski for versatile skiing, as its smooth longitudinal flex and powerful edges hold in all snow conditions.
Qbiss One with ArtMe modular façade, design: Trimo, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Gorenje Design Studio for Trimo, 2009
Trimo is one of Europe’s leading companies offering complete solutions in the area of fireproof roofs and facades. In the field the company is regarded not only as a market leader, but also as a trendsetter and a highly innovative company, as proven by their numerous international awards. The modular façade Qbiss One intertwines the purity of architectural form and comprehensive technical solutions. With its emphasised joint the Qbiss One is the right answer for projects where simple, accomplished forms combined with functionality and fast assembly are required. ArtMe Façade design uses new façade surface reshaping technology that enables the architect or designer to complement the façade cladding with a preferred design.
Household appliances HomeCHEF, SensoCARE and IQCook, design: Gorenje Design Studio for Gorenje
The Gorenje Group is a leading European manufacturer of household appliances, and its trademark has served as a symbol of quality for over 60 years. Apart from technological perfection and energy efficiency of the household appliances programme, the company’s vision over the last few years has been increasingly directed towards sustainable development and excellence of design. The exhibition presents three of their latest innovations: the HomeCHEF electronic control module with large colour display that introduces advanced electronic touch control for ovens, the SensoCARE washing machine as part of the latest generation of Gorenje washing machines and dryers and Gorenje IQcook technology with user-minded preset cooking modes, including IQsteam mode for healthy cooking that simplify the dish preparation and change entirely the way we cook.
Sitty folding chair, design: Gigodesign, 2009
The Sitty folding chair is a rational design solution for public areas because it takes up a very minimum of space. With a single pull, it is put in the sitting position; once standing again, the seat automatically retracts into a vertical position, freeing the surrounding space. The chair’s load bearing capacity carries up to 150 kg, it dries quickly after a rain, and the water washes the seat clean so no additional cleaning is necessary. It is highly suitable for public and private urban areas where other solutions cannot be used, such as city centres, train and bus stations, marinas and airports. Sitty is a pilot project of Gigodesign, a leading Slovene design studio founded in 2000.
Fin, Dea and Luna Chairs, design: Rok Kuhar and Katjuša Kranjec for Stol & Stol, 2011
Stol, one of the furniture giants in the former Yugoslavia, is currently developing a new series of contract furniture. The new series of chairs designed by Rok Kuhar and Katjuša Kranjec are based on existing factory moulds while the plywood is later treated by cutting and turning it into entirely new compositions. The chair series includes plywood furniture, upholstered chairs, chaises lounges and armchairs. The designers found the beauty of the design process in the transformation of the existing and took the limitations of the project as a creative, constructive challenge.
Eclipse bags and jewellery, design: Lara Bohinc for Lara Bohinc, 2007
Lara Bohinc is a company headquartered in London that creates and distributes high quality luxury goods by designer Lara Bohinc. Born in Slovenia, Bohinc is one of the most innovative and exciting jewellers working in fashion today. She retains a deep respect for the traditional principles of her craft, but also draws on her knowledge of industrial techniques and materials to revitalise her jewellery design. Her design is simultaneously classical and contemporary, there is something searingly modern about her bold use of precious metals and unbranded, knotted leather handbags as seen in the Eclipse collection, which after just a few years since its launch is already considered design classic.
Criatura shoes, Leonora Jakovljević for Leonora Mark – Ave Femina, 2005
Leonora Mark – Ave Femina shoes are devised as opuses rather than dictated by the order of seasonal collections. Leonora Jakovljević creates shoes according to principles better known in art circles, with production collections assembled in the artist’s portfolio. The Criatura opus was inspired by a world of fairytales and mystical forests, and is made of deer and horse fur further enhanced by horn buttons. The fur is not cut and normally keeps the shape dictated by its own qualities rather than the form of a shoe. These shoes are made manually, by hand, in all phases of production; are designed to please the eye and hand as well as the feet.
Waiting Room Project, Oloop, 2012
Oloop designers have often been exploring – through artistic projects, actions and workshops – the effects of manual work on people, finding that light manual work can be calming, even relaxing. The Waiting Room Project is designed to allow people to spend their waiting time in a quality way. Simply detach the textile object from the wall and do some needle work on it. Once waiting is over, put the textile object back on the wall, where it becomes part of the decoration of the space (waiting room); or just pass it on to the next person.
LL Chair, by Luka Ločičnik, co-designer Tadej Glažar; for Stol & Stol, 2010
LLSTOL is simple, multifunctional lounge chair consisting of two identically L shaped elements. Thin elements from laminated molded plywood enable multiple uses, from its basic use as a lounge chair to other furniture types like small table, bench or bookshelf if using more elements. While chair is not in use, the elements can be easily folded and stored in a small space. Besides the classical solid version, different perforations of plywood and textile accessory “sock” are also available.
Seascape 27 Sailing Boat, Issa and Gigodesign; for Seascape, 2012
The exceptionally fast and manoeuvrable Seascape 27 combines a supreme sailing experience with the spatial comfort of a four-bearth sailing boat, aproppriate for both, family sailing trips and inshore or offshore regattas. Its unique shape allows the boat to be ready for sailing or transportation within an hour, while optimal dimensions open the possibility of transport either by trailer or shipping container, enabeling the use of the boat in world’s best sailing locations, thus avoiding the costs of year-round berth.
Wooden wall lamp Eclipse, by Tilen Sepić, 2012
Due to specially designed groove in the wooden ring, Eclipse lamp does not only play with light but also with absence of light. It projects deep mysterious shadow in the middle that exists without its origin or reference. In comparison with common ambient lights, Eclipse is very bright, Its new-generation LED strip outputs up to 3000lm, so it can be used for more than only decorative installations.
RBigfish Line Foldable Bike, by Gigodesign; for Studio Moderna, 2013
The Bigfish foldable bike provides a free, comfortable and safe commute through urban centres. Its patented Smart Folding Technology makes folding and unfolding simple and quick, the bike can be easily wheeled, which makes it mobile also in the folded position, and it takes up little space when stored. Its excellent riding characteristics are the result of the same aspect ratio between the bike’s seat, handlebars and pedals, as found on city bikes.
Lumu Light Meter, Lumu Labs, 2013
Lumu, an attractive, digital device hiding a powerful light sensor in a small aluminium case under a plastic diffuser, turns an iPhone or Android device into a high quality light meter. Lumu connects to the smartphone easily via the headphone jack, while the Lumu application transforms measurements into useful information. The application enables saving data about the moment a shot is taken to a (data) cloud, including location data, voice records, notes and other important parameters.
Musguard Bicycle Fender, by Jurij Lozič, 2013
Musguard is a removable, roll-up bicycle fender that can be easily rolled up and stored on the bike frame or in a pocket when not in use. Weighing just 35 grams, this portable dirt protector requires no tools, no mounts or extra parts for installation, keeping the design as pure as possible. The fender is die-cut from a strong, resilient and recyclable polypropylene plastic sheet using a unique folding system for stability and firm fit. Musguard works with most classic road bikes, but mounts best on bikes without a rear brake.
Ondu Cameras, by Elvis Halilović, 2013
A series of refined wooden cameras presents a meaningful alternative to the fast turnover consumption in today’s camera’s market. Aiming to create a simple, long-lasting and affordable camera, designer Elvis Halilović (re)turned to the basics of photography and developed six different pinhole models, ranging from pocket size for the common Leica 135 format to the large format model. All cameras are handmade from local wood and treated with natural oil varnish. Strong magnets are used for the winding mechanism and fixing the back cover.
The exhibition presents some of the historical design products from Slovenia:
Rex Chair, by Niko Kralj; for Stol Kamnik, 1952
Rex was one of the first chairs designed for industrial mass production in Slovenia. It was conceived with (then) advanced pressed and perforated plywood technology. In the design process its designer Niko Kralj, was following the idea of producing an ergonomic and rational, though refined and affordable product for everyday use. Today the Rex chair enjoys a cult status embodying 20th century modern design.
Microphone Series, by Marko Turk; for Elektroaktustični laboratorij (EAL), 1956-1997
Marko Turk designed and manufactured high-quality electronic equipment, particularly microphones. Apart from their exceptional construction, his microphones excelled in terms of use of materials, refined surface finishes and beauty, and were made in limited series for demanding clients. In 1964 the MD9 model became the first Slovene product to be included in the New York Museum of Modern Art design collection.
Kiosk K67, by Saša J. Mächtig; for Imgrad, 1966
K67 is certainly the most celebrated and widely known work of Saša J. Mächtig, an important protagonist in the history of Slovenian design. Made from reinforced polyester and polyurethane, the mass-produced system, comprised of five modular units, has significantly marked the image of urban settings in the cities and suburbia over the past 40 years. The units, used individually or in group configurations, could adopt diverse functions – from newspaper stands and kiosks to small workshops.
Perfume Atomiser, 1947, and Plastic Slide Frame, 1969, by Peter Florjančič
Inventor and innovator Peter Florjančič has patented over 400 inventions. Among his most famous patents is the perfume atomizer with pump spray bottle, which was originally manufactured for perfumers like Guerlain, Dior and Elisabeth Arden. Another of his famous inventions – the plastic slide frame – manufactured by companies like Kodak, Fuji, AGFA and 3M, was widely used all over the world.
ETA 80 Telephone, by Davorin Savnik; for Iskra, 1979
The ETA80 telephone was one of the most popular design objects in offices and households of the former Yugoslavia. The elegant, flat-shaped telephone in plastic came in various colours and was later copied all around the world. It was produced by Iskra, one of the first Slovene companies to establish a corporate design department back in 1962, developing a unique and recognisable Iskra corporate style.
Organization
Museum of Architecture and Design
Curator: Maja Vardjan
Coordinators
Ministry of Culture Republic of Slovenia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Slovenia
Ministry of the Economy Republic of Slovenia
Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship
Government Communication Office