The strength and stiffness of the fibres, combined with the lightness of plastics or bioplastics, inspires designers to create light, energy-efficient products. At the same time, composite materials allow great freedom of form. Designing with composite materials is situated in a context of social challenges: global warming, ecological impact, sustainability, mobility issues, population ageing, digitalisation. Equally important is how the properties of composite materials form the starting point for utility objects in which high-tech connects with artistic imagination, poetry, contrary beauty, craftsmanship and old and new cultural customs.
al(l) Projects in Aluminium by Michael Young
€29.95For Michael Young, experimentation and research into different materials and techniques is his greatest passion.
Born in Sunderland (UK), he works from his studios in Brussels and Hong Kong. His designs for furniture and utensils are technically sophisticated and advanced, but thanks to a touch of humour, never sterile. He has spent more than ten years in Asia testing the most sophisticated technological processes and exploring the possibilities of different types of materials. His aluminium projects in particular stand out for their uniqueness and daring approach. This first monograph offers a nice cross-section of Michael Young’s oeuvre and compiles not only his work in aluminium, but also his most iconic creations in other materials.
This book appears on the occasion of the exhibition al(l) in Grand-Hornu (31 January – 29 May 2016).