On the occasion of the BDW, Nordicthink hosted Synergias (sinergies), an exhibition and event, which we joined together with note (design studio), to give visibility to the creation process of some of the products designed for Sancal by one of the most relevant, multidisciplinary studios in Sweden.
Reflecting on our work with Note, we realised that the synergies went further than a one-off collaboration. Over the years we have created a solid professional relationship, with a collaborative workflow in which projects are taken on as challenges to explore new forms, uses, materials and go beyond conventions. And with this intensity and closeness, a joyful friendship has also been born.
For Malin Engvall and Kristoffer Fagerström it’s always fun to work with Sancal, they told us, because if they are looking to explore formal boundaries when working on a new piece, “Sancal brings the ball back and you are asked for something even more brave, bold”. As you know, our motto is “break the mold and be happy”.
Malin and Kristoffer are industrial designers. But they are not alone when they take on a new project. They are part of a multidisciplinary team with architects, interior and graphic designers. So when they start a new brief, a working group is created in which the different disciplines participate to contribute their own vision. Products cannot be conceived without understanding that they will take part of a space and that they will coexist with other products.
12 years of collaboration and several successful designs that have become icons for us.
The first of these was Tonella and it started from a briefing: Sancal wanted to pay homage to its origins by reinterpreting the small vanity chair (which Santiago Castaño began to manufacture in 1973) with a more contemporary aesthetic. During their visit to Yecla, a wine-growing region, they visited a winery. There, the spark arose: why not take the staves of a barrel as a reference to give shape to this one? Respecting the cute dimensions of a lounge chair, little Tonella was born.
La Isla was born out of Sancal’s interest in including in its catalogue a piece for open social spaces where people, who have nothing to do with each other, coincide. A piece for sharing, but which at the same time guarantees the intimacy of its users. Its soft, rounded shapes give form to a comfortable seating.
Both Tonella and La Isla are pieces that have evolved into wider product families, incorporating new product categories over the years.
Note challenged us with Void Matters. It all started with a sketch hanging on a board in their studio and a question out loud: was it a solid piece or simply a fine structure? Hence his reflection on the positives and negatives. Another question that was answered was who is “crazy” enough to explore this concept and put it into production?
We would like to thank NT for inviting us not only to participate in this talk, but also for bringing to mind memories and good moments with our friends from Note. And those that are soon to come. That’s as far as we can go… See you again in Milan, Malin and Kristoffer?
Images. Elton Rocha.
The exhibition will be open to the public without appointment from the beginning of Barcelona Design Week until 16/11.
Showroom NT
Casanova 214
08036 Barcelona
Exhibition opening hours:
Monday to Friday. From 10.00h to 19.00 h.
