Zurich-based Postfossil Design Collective came together to create a platform for exploring how design can influence responsible, and adaptable behavior. Earlier this year, at Milan’s furniture fair, they excused themselves for ‘deviating’ from a focus on the use of sustainable materials and production methods, yet Postfossil presented an impressive eco-conscious collection at Salone Satellite. Their thought-provoking designs garnered the Design Report Award for unique ideas that challenge our post-fossil perception.
By both examining and re-assessing our relationship with objects in a bid to make us more aware, Postfossil‘s thoughtful products reflect each designer’s response to their statement question ‘How will we live in a post-fossil age?’ And, with a touch of humor. For instance, Michael Niederberger‘s Branch Series brings nature indoors. His decorative products make trees sprout from walls, and branches from furniture legs.
Based on the romance of the old fashioned night-candle, Christine Birkhoven‘s Good night Eileen lamp, uses LED technology. Designed for short term mobile use, the lamp remains lit for a few minutes when removed from its magnetic base, then slowly dims with just enough time for the carrier to get it back to the stand.
Anna Blattert & Daniel Gafner took home a Salone Satellite Design Report Award for the First Light reading lamp, which uses no electricity at all! Completely powered by wind up mechanical parts, it’s easy to see why this design was a favorite in Milan. The power is generated though a weight and cog wheels ‘just like clockwork’ in the body of the lamp. With a clear glass shade, you can continuously interact with the piece to generate power while admiring it work.
We also loved Annina Gaehwiler‘s Torre project. The modular ceramic ring system allows the pot to grow around the plant. New clay elements with fresh earth can be added as needed, saving time and essentially providing the plant with a made-to-fit habitat.
+ PostFossil Design Collective
+ Milan Design Week 2008
+ MILAN 2008: Highlights from Salone Satellite
