Architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen launched a collection of furniture, Gravitas, made entirely from stone, blending contemporary aesthetics with materials found in nature.
The series composed of 18 pieces created for Mexican stone company Arca were revealed during Miami Art Week, “born out of the relationship between nature, space and mankind”. Chairs, stools, coffee and dining tables, library stands and a chaise longue explore contrasts through texture and appearance – a rough exterior and a polished surface, gravity and lightness.
“Natural materials are the focus of my creations. They instil a sense of serenity and wholeness into my projects,” the architect and furniture designer shared, who is also the creative director for Italian brand Molteni&C.
“Often, a significant part of the emotion in my work comes from my consideration for the materials within a space. In this instance, my approach to materials was quite different – the stones selected are integral to the story I want to tell. In this collection, the stone is the protagonist.”
True to his distinct design style, Van Duysen opted to work with materials in earthy hues sourced from European and Mexican quarries, while artisans from Spain, Italy and Mexico brought the designs to life.
Using Porfido and Carrara marble from Italy, Cafecina from Spain and Lava Stone from Mexico, the materials bring an inherent edge to the design of each piece, while retaining a clear link with nature through neutral colours and coarse surfaces.
“The rough surfaces are really tactile and refers to my preference for raw materials. The smooth and shiny surfaces give a void optical effect of lightness and infinity. It also gave these objects a sense of dynamism by confronting the same material but with two different treatments. Like finding balance in nature.”
José Fernández, CEO of ARCA, says “In Vincent Van Duysen, we found a partner who understood the soul and nature of our stones. His designs have brought out the best in our materials, creating a collection that exudes both refinement and raw beauty.”
Photography: Nick Hudson
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