Raw_Edges Duo Displays Dynamic, Dramatic Furniture in Brussels

Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay are raw_edges, a London-based design practice comprising two highly creative individuals, whose opposing design philosophies perfectly complete one another. Yael is fascinated by the manner in which design transforms two-dimensional materials into 3D functional forms, while Shay focuses on the movement of things, their function and their interactions. The duo are featured at this year’s Design September Brussels with several furniture collections, all strongly individualized and featuring many vibrant, ingenious pieces, such as the FAT edition big fat ass double stool, a part of the ‘Coiling Collection’. The ‘Pleated Pleat Collection’ was made using paper, through a technique used in fashion design, namely folding and re-folding; rinse and repeat. The collection was presented in a performance by the designing duo at Craft Punk Design Miami. Thus, the flat, non-elastic material (in this case, paper) becomes a springy, three-dimensional cushion, which is then filled with soft polyurethane foam. Then there’s the ‘Revolving Trees’ table, an awesome conversation starter, at once static and dynamic. There’s the ultra-cozy looking, cushy, flesh-colored ‘Volume’ armchair. And, of course, the ‘Tailored Collection’, which is literally tailored to fit every body. In the exhibition’s video teaser Shay expresses his aim to create furniture which can be altered to suit its user’s shape and size, much like a tailor would. You then watch the two brilliant artists create and use the ‘Tailored Seat’, which does, indeed, deserve its name.

Like all the other editions which preceded it, Design September Brussels 2011 is a melting pot of talent. Raw-edges were co-opted by Brussels-based design art dealer Victor Hunt, in collaboration with Paris’s own FAT Galerie, it features some up-and-coming names as Muller van Severen, Sylvain Busine and Patricia Uriquiola. Open in Brussels from September 8^th until the 25^th, the exhibition strives to present international brands that are present on the Belgian market, in the most select upscale design shops. It will include e, conferences, private showings, film viewings, tours of studios of designers, flea market, urban circuits, pecha kucha, all to highlight the wonderful art/industry of design, applicable across such diverse fields as furniture, objects, industrial products, graphic design and architecture.

(Source: DesignSeptember.be)