Milan Design Week - Wonderglass X nendo: Shape of Gravity
Wonderglass collaborates with nendo to present 'Shape of Gravity' installation during Milan Design Week to present the 'Melt' collection.
Wonderglass returns to the enchanting setting of Istituto dei Ciechi during Milan Design Week, where it previously showcased the 'Kosmos' collaborations with Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec and Fornasetti. This year, collaborating with Oki Sato from nendo, the brand presents 'Shape of Gravity' an exhibition showcasing a chandelier design, cast glass furniture and tabletop objects all defined in their process by gravity. The centrepiece; 'Melt' is a 2.5-meter diameter chandelier design that features sparkling glass that seamlessly floats in the air, creating a shimmering effect when illuminated, bouncing from one piece to the next on the glass' rippling surface.
The creation of the 'Melt' collection is a unique and complex process. Oki Sato from nendo was initially inspired by watching the craftspeople at WonderGlass’ workshops as they worked with molten glass. The idea behind the design was to allow the material to direct the design process, resting in a method of laying hot glass sheets over steel shapes, then to be suspended between steel bars to allow for the natural drape of the material to develop and reveal its form.
The result is an impressive collection of designs that transform with the changes in the surrounding light. Almost weightless in appearance, each piece has a beautiful connection to movement with a natural presence, appearing as chiselled sheets of ice.