38 by Omer Arbel

Here is an interesting creation that I have mixed feelings about. It is simply called 38 and is a close cousin of a Canadian designer Omar Arbel for a contemporary design and manufacturing house Bocci. This is a  modern lighting design collection comprising of large glass spheres using the technique whereby air is pushed in and out of glass that is intermittently heated and cooled.A multitude of white cavities are introduced into the spheres randomly, intentionally intersecting and colliding with each other. Some cavities contain earth and plantings, others are used as housings for lighting elements. There are two or three lighting elements per large sphere, and one or two planters. Electricity and suspension are achieved using stiff copper tubing, which is allowed to  tangle and crinkle, seemingly without regard for gravity. Once in a while, these copper tubes loop around moon white planters, appearing to have escaped from the confines of the lit clear glass spheres.

I think it looks fab and kind of looks like an indoor jungle thanks to its randomness. Also it is hard to find an interesting idea for plant holders but I have one problem with this fixture- it is the plant watering. I can tell the plants have their own glass cavities (which is very clever) and there is probably no way the water could leak inside. But I have been always taught to keep the electricity away from any potential source of water so naturally I cringe just at the thought of live plant and a light fitting in one. 

38 from Bocci on Vimeo.

Tetris Furniture by Pedro Machado

The first piece I would like to share with you has been recently presented during Milan Design Week in April 2012 and was designed by Lisbon-based designer Pedro Machado. It was inspired by the Tetris game, so popular in the 80-ties and 90-ties which I played it as a kid myself! By rotating falling puzzle pieces (Tetriminos) by 90 degrees and moving them sideways, a player is supposed to create a horizontal line of ten blocks without gaps. Pedro Machado has taken this idea and created a piece of furniture that allows the user to create a personalised function for himself. The furniture takes a form of a many puzzle pieces put together, which can be pulled to shape a different form each time. Two square blocks pulled  together with a flat surface on top become a table with 2 chairs, while other pieces are drawers and will be perfect for storing personal items.


I must say I like the idea of an interactive piece of furniture, something that is changeable. The furniture is also advertised as a solution for small spaces.  Not sure how well it would look in a cramped room though...


To be honest I really love that piece but I have some reservations. What happens if those Tetris pieces are pulled out daily- is the polished white MDF durable enough? Is it stable? On the images the table piece seem to be hanging out from the sideboard. If a heavy item is placed on top of it will the sideboard fall? 


There is no mention of the price anywhere online, but the furniture can be ordered through designer's website .