Prototypes and Experiments IX at Aram Gallery

How does the process of artistic creation start, evolve and end? That’s the question asked by the ninth edition of the Prototypes and Experiments series at London’s Aram Gallery. At this exhibition, the answer comes in the shape of of models, samples, tests and drawings taken right off the shelves of designer’s studios.

Also, for the first time, Prototypes is also including architectural drawings, evaluating it as a form of experimentation that can communicate new ideas.

The roster, with contributions from more than 20 ateliers, includes material from Re:Connect, a seating island by De Allegri Fogale inspired by “the hidden beauty inside data cables.” Ineke Hans’ ahead-of-its-time Laser Chair “came about when laser cutting was not really a design tool yet”, and the trial-and-error process entailed “lots of cut outs and jigsawed models before the final chair was cut.” The foam models that lead to Suzy Snooze, a baby monitor/sleep trainer by Map Project Office, and the paper models for Shin Azumi’s Topo teapot are also on display.

Louie Rigano and Gil Muller share their experiments for Shore Rugs, handwoven from custom-made silicone cord, while Merel Karhof and Marc Trotereau present the colour and form research stages of the ShadeVolume lighting range. Also available are the foam and paper models behind Rezzan Hasoglu’s Sand to Glass craft experiments and Theo Riviere’s wooden trials for his stools.

Another project shown at Aram is Monadnock’s building proposal for the Oculus, an architecture centre that is in itself a tool for learning about architecture. Also available is a collection of doodles, renders and drawings behind MOS Architects’ School No. 1 in Krabbesholm and Office KGDVS Dar Al Jinaa and Dar Al Riffa buildings in Bahrain.

The exhibition is open until August 19, 2017