What better way to kick off our Milan Furniture Fair countdown than with our favorite ‘free-range’ furniture designer Ryan Frank. Frank’s modular bamboo creation, dubbed ‘Zig’, is just one of many designs we’ve got our eye on for this year’s Salone Internazionale del Mobile starting next week. We’ve got three Inhabitants heading to Italy to bring comprehensive coverage of the 2008 furniture fair and get a glimpse of what green looks like on the international scene this Spring. If the Zig storage/display system is any indication of what eco-friendly design treats are in store for us, things are looking very promising.
Zig is made from solid bamboo and will be available in a variety of naturally stained colors to highlight the fun form and intriguing negative spaces. Commissioned by Alberto Bianchi Albrici of the renowned Milanese gallery Post Design, Zig is an exciting development as it represents a keen sense of style and a mean green philosophy. Known for his use of sustainable and salvaged materials, Frank says his designs start with sustainability, “All my furniture I design has some form of eco-sensitivity in the materials and processes I use.”
We are always excited to find new pieces from this eco-minded designer. Previously, we’ve swooned over Frank’s Inkuku (Zulu for “chicken”) chair that put a modern spin on a traditional African craft technique by choosing to use plastic shopping bags and recycled aluminum as the materials. And we were entranced by the Strata line that turned de-constructed old office furniture and FSC-certified wood into new, sleek chairs and tables.
We are thrilled to be able to include Ryan Frank’s work in our Milan coverage this year. We have lots more in store from Salone 2008, so stay tuned – Salone Internazionale del Mobile gets underway next week and we’ll be there from start to finish!
+ Ryan Frank website
+ Salone Internazionale del Mobile
+ Ryan Frank’s Plastic Bag Chair on Inhabitat 2006
+ Strata Recycled Furniture by Ryan Frank on Inhabitat 2007
+ Milan Furniture Fair 2007 at Inhabitat
Via ELMANCO
In reference to the Milan Furniture Fair, I read it will be a representation of 50 Spanish Furniture Companies… they will present their innovative dessigns this month: fom 16 to 21 April..
There are great pieces.. have a look: http://www.muebledeespana.com/