Pirouette

“Hand-sculpting fabric out of heavy materials is something we’ve seen throughout history. At Parti, however, we are interested in utilising new technologies and processes, and pushing them to the limit. As a result, the making process is integral to the design, informing its boundaries. The final design is achieved through a process of negotiation between the expression of the piece and the process of making it. Although it would be easier to design a one-off, hand-crafted object, we wanted to push the limits of new technology to create a feasibly manufactured product.” – Eleanor Hill

Running diagonally across the twisting timber ‘skirt’, the wood’s silky grain contributes to a sense of fluidity and motion within the pieces, which are tactile and dynamic, reminiscent of dancers frozen in the moment.

Parti were one of two designers, commissioned by the American Hardwood Export Council, and tasked with creating a piece of furniture of their choice for this exhibition with the objective of shining the spotlight on maple – a valuable yet underused hardwood with a delicate colour and a beautifully fine grain.

The principal goal of these collaborations is to bridge the gap between the design industry and the naturally regenerating forests that supply American hardwoods, and to call for a sustainable material-first design approach that is led by resource availability rather than trends.

American maple (Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum): A close cousin of European maple and sycamore, American maple is a cold-climate species favouring the northern states and can reach heights of 23–27 metres, with a trunk diameter of 75cm. Maple is a predominantly creamy white, hard-wearing timber that can be machined and polished to a very smooth finish, making it a favourite for sports floors across the world. It is also the primary source of maple syrup.

Parti is a design studio based in London, founded by Eleanor Hill and Tom Leahy in 2015. The studio bridges architecture, furniture and landscape, creating atmospheric and characterful objects and places. The practice is defined by an explorative, research-based approach that responds to the specifics of each project, resulting in innovative, well-crafted and beautiful designs that bring joy, intrigue and character into people’s lives.

“The relentless pursuit of ever-changing trends has led to overexploitation of certain wood species, disregarding the rich diversity of natural resources available. Moreover, trends that prioritise flawless, uniform appearances incentivise practices that may compromise the integrity and resilience of forests and ecosystems.”

– Rocio Perez-Inigo, director of communications, AHEC