Objects for a New Kind of Society: The way we work

We need to rethink our relationship with objects and our role as designers within our society.

Wendy Plomp

Taking the working environment as a starting point, Dutch Invertuals explores possibilities for defining a new kind of society through design. Eight designers from the Invertuals network were invited to explore nature-driven morphologies to create objects that facilitate connectivity, creativity and wellness (as an antidote to cultures of productivity)

NEW RITUALS

Working environments are dominated by mass produced objects and standardization, where form is dictated by efficiency. Dutch Invertuals invited designer Carlo Lorenzetti to reimagine an ordinary object such as the multi-plug, and explore  non-standardised possibilities. His hand-sculpted ceramic charging station, creates an unexpected translation of a daily activity, making room for playfulness within the working environment.

“As we rely more on digital devices and screens, it is important to bring human elements and natural materials, forms, and textures into our future environments”

Carlo Lorenzetti

HYPER-CONNECTIVITY

Our modern world is characterized by a multitude of digital devices that keep us constantly connected. But how often do we think about the staggering amount of data that feeds them on a daily basis? Dutch Invertuals asked Teresa Fernández-Pello to create a digital installation that turns invisible data flows into visible patterns, unveiling this hidden reality and creating space for contemplation.

“My piece emphasizes the importance of slowing down and taking a closer look to uncover the invisible, raising questions about our society’s dependence on technology”

Teresa Fernández-Pello

LIQUID REALITY

New technologies are not only increasingly affecting the way we behave and interact with each other but also reshaping the material languages within the environments we inhabit. Clara Schweers was invited to visualize this shift in material languages. With her piece she combines the craftsmanship of glass production with 3D printing, bringing the fluidity of computer-generated shapes into a light installation.

First presented at Salone del Mobile 2023, the exhibition design celebrated human touch and intuition, creating a landscape of handmade volumes. The blocks were covered in clay and then given patterns by hand, displaying something imperfect and crafty. Altogether, the exhibition aims at questioning the impact of technology on our very human essence and the way we give shape to our surroundings.

Five of the works will be implemented as part of the interior of the upcoming urban development project 5TRACKS in Breda where Dutch Invertuals designed two atria for living, working and creating. Her Majesty Queen Máxima honored Dutch Invertuals with a visit to the exhibition as part of her tour to meet Dutch designers at Salone del Mobile. Design director Wendy Plomp guided her through the works and discussed the importance of pioneering with design.