Formafantasma, the acclaimed design duo, has once again left an indelible mark on the design world, this time by crafting the bespoke trophies for the latest Wallpaper* Design Awards. Their unique vision manifests in a collection of paper-based awards that symbolize both innovation and an appreciation for the tactile process of creation. Designed to be assembled by the recipients themselves, these trophies transform from flat-packed components into sculptural accolades, celebrating the collaborative spirit and ingenuity at the heart of contemporary design.
This innovative approach not only highlights the studio's commitment to sustainable practices but also redefines the conventional trophy, making it an interactive and personal experience for each winner. The choice of paper, often seen as a preliminary material, is elevated to the final medium, emphasizing its versatility and expressive potential. This conceptual depth, combined with aesthetic simplicity, encapsulates a fresh perspective on design recognition.
The Evolution of a Paper Trophy: Formafantasma's Vision
Formafantasma, recognized for their thoughtful and experimental design methodologies, undertook the challenging task of creating the trophies for this year's Wallpaper* Design Awards. Drawing on their previous experience as "Designers of the Year in 2021," Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin embraced the opportunity to develop an expressive, paper-based sculpture. The awards are uniquely delivered to winners in a flat-packed format, requiring individual assembly, thereby fostering a direct and engaging connection with the object. This concept stems from the duo's practice of utilizing paper as an initial prototyping material, transforming it from a developmental stage element into the ultimate, celebratory form of the award. The aim was to produce something joyous, festive, and deliberately unpretentious, encapsulating a fresh take on recognition within the design community.
The creative journey behind these paper trophies is deeply rooted in Formafantasma's extensive body of work, including previous projects like "Ore Streams" and "Maison Matisse." The designers' early conceptual boards were filled with imagery of vibrant sculptures that exuded a lightness reminiscent of paper, alongside the artistic influences of Giacomo Balla and Bruno Munari's "Sculture da Viaggio." Munari's "travel sculptures" particularly resonated, advocating for the creation of objects that are as simple as they are expressive, achievable through folded flat sheets of various materials. This philosophy allows for scalability and replicability, making the design accessible and personal. The magic, as Farresin articulates, lies in witnessing a flat sheet transform into a three-dimensional form through elementary cuts and folds, embodying both simplicity and profound craftsmanship. The final awards, made from Gmund Colors Matt papers, are comprised of three distinct parts that seamlessly interlock, forming a micro-architectural tribute for the deserving honorees.
Embracing Simplicity: The Craft of Modular Paper Design
The core philosophy driving Formafantasma's award design centers on the transformative power of paper. By choosing Gmund Colors Matt papers, the designers imbued the trophies with rich textures and appealing hues, elevating a common material to an object of prestige. The modular nature of the trophy, delivered flat-packed, invites the award recipients into the creative process, making the act of assembly a personal and meaningful extension of their achievement. This interactive element underscores a broader message about engaging with materials and forms, echoing the designers' belief in the expressive potential found within simple, deliberate construction. The final object stands as a testament to how modest materials, when thoughtfully manipulated, can yield something truly significant and celebratory.
Formafantasma's design draws heavily from the artistic legacies of Giacomo Balla and Bruno Munari. Munari's concept of "Sculture da Viaggio" \u2013 travel sculptures created from folded flat sheets \u2013 provided a crucial blueprint. This historical inspiration allowed the designers to create a contemporary response that is both elegant and accessible. The awards are not merely static objects but rather a dynamic experience, demonstrating how simple cuts and folds can bring a two-dimensional sheet into three-dimensional existence. This intuitive slot-together construction, made possible by the carefully chosen paper, results in a micro-architectural form that is robust yet delicate. The trophies represent more than just recognition; they embody a celebration of material innovation, thoughtful design, and the inherent joy of crafting something with one's own hands, perfectly aligning with the spirit of the Wallpaper* Design Awards.