And thus, A+A see alchemy as being an important element of every idea, every project, and every creation. “The immaterial makes the material,” they say. “The intrinsic qualities of the materials are the secrets of our creation.” There are, however, also secrets shared with their partners throughout the process. This is also why they ensure their partners are paid upfront, out of respect for the work they do in creating new products.
For A+A Cooren Design Studio, and the many galleries and companies that have come to support them, the result is a minimal Japanese French design aesthetic that incorporates references to nature in the objects they create. From art and craft pieces to interiors, their designs are recognizable by their sleek and unique aesthetics. But they are also known for their comfort and usability. “We don’t want people to simply look at the form of our products,” says Aki. “We want them to sit in them, even in galleries. We want them to be comfortable in and with them.”
Examples of their Work
Three recent exhibits involving A+A Cooren Design Studio – presented in our magazine’s slideshows and through videos provided by Carpenter’s Workshop – reflect this framework.
Tiss-Tiss
Tiss-Tiss was an exhibition presented by Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery, London. It involves furniture and lighting created by A+A Cooren Design Studio.
The process of making the furniture involves several stages, from Aki and Arnaud creating not just the design but actually creating the master mold to working with skilled craftsman to develop a final product. Without revealing trade secrets but through what generally can be seen in the accompanying video, Aki and Arnaud personally create the initial form, lay on the fabric, produce subsequent poly forms, work with liquid aluminum to find a balance within the sand that ensures proper strength, and finish pieces to ensure the proper patina is achieved. The result effectively generates an
optical illusion, causing the viewer to look deeper in an attempt to understand how what appear to be textile sheets are incredibly sturdy pieces of aluminum capable of
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Right:
Aki & Arnaud Cooren
at work
creatimg
their
sand cast
aluminum
furniture.
Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery.