"I have to think about the future because, not that I'm bored with it now, but I can't live now, it's not my place to live now. I've got to live ahead of myself."
- Ross Lovegrove
As I outlined in my previous Pichi Kichi blog post, I wanted to explore Ross Lovegrove in more detail, as I didn't feel that the student who was given him as a designer really explained why they disliked his work. Their presentation was more along the lines of "here's a chair that he made, I don't like it, next slide".
Of course, the first stop on the Ross Lovegrove train was his website. I've got to say, even the design of his site is great. Before I'd even come to any of his projects, I found myself purely just enjoying this web-experience. The initial screen invites you into his world, and as you scroll, text and simple vectors draw your attention to different parts of the website. But, I must admit, I do question anyone that describes themselves as a "visionary creator" in a circumstance outside of a CV or job interview. Then again, I guess this website is his CV - in a way...
I began to navigate through his work on his website, his social media and from news articles. I have picked out a couple that I will talk about further.
YAMAGIWA ANDROMEDA
I'm not usually interested in the design of home furnishings and fittings. Everyone seems to be obsessed with the design of chairs and lights... I don't get it. But, I do get this.
Andromeda is a light which was designed by Ross Lovegrove for Yamagiwa. The lamp's shape, inspired by the galaxy it's named after, is both visually stunning and unique. The flowing curves and smooth surfaces create a sense of elegance and fluidity, making it a great centrepiece that could grab people's attention in any room. The use of LEDs and movable mirrors within its body allow the user to reflect light in any direction. Not only is the light itself a great design, but I love the shapes it leaves on the surface of the walls; it adds a new dimension to the room. I think that Andromeda is a perfect example of how design can merge both functionality and aesthetics.
Superbiomorphic Yachts
One of Ross' most recent projects is a series of "SuperBiomorphic Yachts" that "challenge traditional notions of yacht design" - and they are stunning.
The yachts use a design principle called "netification", which uses net-like structures to create complex shapes that allow huge amounts of natural light to pass through to the boats' decks. This creates not only a great visual aesthetic, but a great living experience, too. I absolutely love these designs and I think they're extremely innovative compared to other yachts on the market today. Even some of the most expensive, custom made yachts have bodies that are no where near as modern and inventive as these designs. However, reading deeper into their design, you discover that they were actually made by an AI. Ross had input a range of data and requirements into an AI system which generated these yachts. He did then make adaptations, but you have to question how much of it is his design. I think to a certain extent, due to the inputs and requirements, they are. But, I would say they're equally not. I struggle to accept that AI is just a 'tool' that designers use. I think it is a lot more than that.
Zanotta Bench
A minute ago, I was saying how I'm not particularly interested in chairs and lights, but I think Ross Lovegrove might be making me fall in love with chairs and lights...
Firstly, phwaaarhhhhh. Yum yum yum. I love it. I really, really, really love it. Especially the side view. This chair represents everything that I love about simplicity in design. It isn't any more than it needs to be, and it isn't any less than it needs to be. It's not covered in distracting colour, shape or ornamentation. It's a beautiful piece of furniture which, even without huge padded seats and cushioning, appears inviting and comfortable. Side on, it almost reminds me of the old Apple keyboards, or even an iPad in a Magic Keyboard Case.
The use of materials is also great. There are only two, visible materials on the chair, and the way that they interact with each other is fantastic. There are no visible joints or screws; it's as if they're connected together magically.
Love, love, love, Lovegrove.
Overall, I would say I am a big fan of Ross Lovegrove's work. I think he is definitely very innovative in his design thinking and approach to projects. He says that he tries to "think about the future", and I believe that does really show in his work. However, I think he is more than capable of designing things as great as those yachts without the use of AI.