In a recent and exciting turn of events I was recruited as a design columnist for Architecture Ireland and my first article took a look at architects who cross over to design by working for Italian manufacturer Alessi. The inspiration came from a new range of chairs designed for the company by David Chipperfield, but this project is one of many engaged in by Alessi for decades, where an impressive range of architects and designers have designed impressive ranges of products, from highly limited objects to everyday-use items.
One range of products that didn't make it to the article (not for lack of quality but simply because it didn't come from an architect) but really impressed me is Ovale, a tableware range by French designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The broad range is beautifully simple and elegant, but not without a small sense of the personality you expect from the Bouroullec brothers. Few meals you could serve on these plates and bowls could be tastier...
One range of products that didn't make it to the article (not for lack of quality but simply because it didn't come from an architect) but really impressed me is Ovale, a tableware range by French designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The broad range is beautifully simple and elegant, but not without a small sense of the personality you expect from the Bouroullec brothers. Few meals you could serve on these plates and bowls could be tastier...
(Images via Alessi)
