RIES

Alpina

Alpina is a collection that indagates on the capacity of a matrix to mutate in order to conceive formal pieces of furniture. By operating on this matrix with a series of simple operations –trim, rotate, translate– with the sole premise of conserving its proportions, spatial relationships are established and define the function and identity of the furniture pieces. This matrix acts in all cases as the lateral structure, while the horizontal frames which contain the planes of support links and stiffen the system.

The collection seeks to relate lightly to the spaces it occupies, not as volumes, but rather as line drawings rendered into three dimensional objects. To achieve this, we decided to use 12,7 mm solid steel rods as a way to emphasize the slenderness of the lines. This decision generates a supposed contradiction since although the pieces appear to be visually light, they are considerably heavy.

Despite having a simple and minimalist character, the collection presents a series of details and slightly complex resolutions: each leg was drilled and threaded at its end to contain an Allen bolt that secures a 4mm thick piece of hard rubber, avoiding scratching the floor, as well as dampening the sound of the steel. On the other hand, as its put through another finishing process than the powder coat paint of the structure, the copper plated metal meshes are fixed by steel strips that hold them from its bottom surface and are neatly bolted to the horizontal frames. The rest of the plans are made from Guatambú plywood with a high pressure plastic laminate –Formica– which offers a long lasting, easy to clean and smooth surface.

The result of the investigation was a chair, a table, a desk, and a multi purpose shelf which were presented as the #01 Series, although other pieces could have been concieved with this same system.

Photography: Ries Studio

2016