Contract - May 2012 - (Page 160)

Lasvit Liquidkristal by Ross Lovegrove legendary designer ross lovegrove, who has collaborated with numerous high-profile companies over the years to produce furnishings, fixtures, and objects, has teamed with the five-year-old czech glass company lasvit for his latest creation. lasvit liquidkristal (below) by ross lovegrove was unveiled at milan’s triennale Design museum during Salone internazionale del mobile in april. the new product from lasvit’s Glass architecture Division was on view as a pavilion for the triennale’s Salone d’onore. lovegrove describes liquidkristal as the result of an innovative, proprietary process, a “high-precision heat transfer.” Gas is trapped between two panes of glass, and only one of the glass layers develops an undulating texture, giving the effect of a fluid liquid. working digitally with fluid dynamics, lovegrove Studio and lasvit explored large-scale distribution and densification of patterns found in nature. with mathematical models, the behavior of glass was simulated under controlled thermo induction. this produced a line code that served as the blueprint for the production process in which highly precise temperature control imbued the glass surface with the beauty of optical effects seen in water. working with lovegrove, lasvit’s research facilities developed a special flexible mold system to capture this effect. the glass is highly customizable, allowing large-scale pattern aggregations over multiple sheets. “there is a magic in glass in the way light and transparency are captured in the fusing process, one moment liquid, the next solid,” lovegrove says. “this is something that can be harnessed and predicted in the meeting of design, physics, and technology.” the installation—a freestanding pavilion—was composed of curved liquidkristal wall panels. an leD light display with changing colors enhanced the water-like effect of the glass. lasvit is introducing liquidkristal for multiple applications in both interior and exterior environments. lovegrove told Contract that he is in discussions with a number of major architects interested in implementing liquidkristal in their projects. —John CzarneCki 160 contractdesign.com may 2012 photo: Filip Slapal (top); courteSy laSvit (bottom two) Exhibition ross lovegrove (right) has designed a new glass product called liquidkristal for lasvit. liquidkristal was displayed (below) at milan's triennale Design museum in april. http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - May 2012

Contract - May 2012
Contents
Editorial
Industry News
Coming Events
Exhibition: Coverings
Exhibition: Highlights from Salone Internazionale del Mobile
Product Focus: Enlivening the Flexible Office
Product Focus: A Collection to Define 21st Century Herman Miller
NeoCon® Preview
Hospitality’s Influence in Workplace Design
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Campus
Steelcase Office and Work Café
Shlemmer Algaze Associates
Red Bull Amsterdam
THQ
Grey Group Roof Deck
Knoll, East Greenville Headquarters
The Metrics of Distributed Work
Tools: Pinterested, by Design
Exhibition: Hallingdal 65
Designers Select: Office Furniture
Sources
Ad Index
Exhibition: Lasvit Liquidkristal by Ross Lovegrove

Contract - May 2012