Conduct by Flavor Paper & UM Project

Electrically-charged wallpaper might seem like a pipe-dream but for Flavor Paper founder Jon Sherman such a fantasy became reality when discovering a new water-based ink. Looking to demonstrate this fresh discovery, the Brooklyn-based wallcovering expert teamed up with furniture studio UM Project‘s founder François Chambard to develop a simple yet playful showcase at this year’s Collective Design Fair (3-7 May). Combining 2D and 3D application, The Conduct installation comprised a series of lights and fans interlinked by printed circuits of conductive ink. Engaging the surface of a normally inert wall with life, The various contraptions inspired visitors to interact. But this interplay wasn’t just physical.

With Sound Light Box, passersby were encouraged to rub up against the entire length of a touchpad; triggering the increase and decrease of a sound. At the same time, concentric Corian-encased tubular rings – in a design inspired by Verner Panton – lit up. Eventually, an inner fan activated. Light Timer Moiré took inspiration from James Turrel as a progressive light bar operated like a timer. As the timer ultimately turns bright orange, the signal travels down the circuits to turn a handprinted moiré panel made of wood and plexiglass. It’s hard to not think of a Fischli & Weiss installation. However, the big difference with Conduct is that Flavorpaper and UM Project demonstrated a new viable solution. They did so in a form-based and visual cohesion that could satisfy anyone’s haptic and tactile desires.