BOCCI Opens up New Perspectives for Experimental Design
Last week, we were invited to BOCCI Rehang in their Berlin Showroom&Archive, BOCCI 79. Located in a 2.200sq mt former Court House in Berlin, the space showcases the catalogue pieces as well as prototypes and one-off ideas by founder and creative director, Omer Arbel.
As BOCCI is a design brand celebrating the importance of the whole design process, works in progress are exhibited in BOCCI 79 in addition to the complete range of catalogue pieces. The former courthouse in Berlin which is used as a showcase platform by BOCCI offers 30 different spaces with various atmospheres.
Based in Vancouver and Berlin, BOCCI is defined as a co-operative community that strives for a dynamic, flexible network, united by the goal of creating extraordinary objects.
Arbel cultivates a fluid studio culture, traveling between architecture, sculpture, invention, and design. Themes in his work include a focus on the intrinsic physical, chemical and mechanical qualities of materials, the volumetric treatment of natural and artificial light, propagation of self- organizing patterns, studio glass and a romantic mystical approach to the specific contexts and contingencies of each particular project.
We experienced the new designs of BOCCI which were presented in Milan during this year’s Salone del Mobile as well as the recent sculptural interpretations of existing works. We would like to share our key take aways from this unique BOCCI experience.
Laboratory
As Arbel says, “In laboratory there is no fear, you are not afraid to fail. It is a space open to experimentation.” Thus, we can observe how material and process experimentation turn into tangible products in the case of BOCCI.
Arbel mentions the importance of collaborating with scientists in order to experience the unique reaction of every single material that catches his attention.
Process leads to unique design
In today’s design scene, we are more focused on process and experimentation which trigger an intense interaction between the user and product, rather than a finished product. As we are talking about democratisation of design and involving each stakeholder not only in the communication but also in design and production process, this approach becomes even more relevant. As every single product is a process of material and reaction experimentation, it cannot be repeated and produced as the same.
Artistic expression
In the recent years, the borders between various creative fields; such as art, craft, design, architecture, fashion and performative expressions became more fluid. In the case of BOCCI, this can be observed clearly that the starting point is not to create another lighting design but creating an expression which will find its form along the way.