ARTIFICIAL SURFACE
The meticulous preparation of ski slopes is an intricate process that combines the natural metamorphosis of snow with advanced grooming techniques. Initially, snow undergoes a transformation influenced by environmental factors, altering its structure. This natural base is then refined by snow groomers, which use a smoothing board to mechanically press and shape the snow, creating the characteristic longitudinal grooves on the surface. These grooves significantly enhance skier control and safety by providing a consistent and predictable skiing surface. This careful grooming not only elevates the skiing experience but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and longevity of the snowpack, ensuring the slopes remain in prime condition for the duration of the skiing season. Through this blend of nature’s process and human ingenuity, ski resorts are able to offer exhilarating and safe experiences for skiing enthusiasts.
TOURIST
2022
This piece of furniture was inspired by the striking patterns observed on freshly groomed ski slopes, distinctly contrasting with the natural snow’s texture. The design process and aesthetic vision for the bench were rooted in this observation. Constructed from nine individual components, the bench showcases a pattern reminiscent of ski trails on its large surfaces, while the edges reveal the natural wood. This juxtaposition between the patterned surfaces and the wood edges is a key characteristic of the bench, symbolizing the interplay between human-made modifications and the natural environment. This design not only reflects a unique aesthetic choice but also encourages reflection on the balance between human influence and natural beauty.
Material: Massive spruce wood, surface made of white acrylic paint – Dimension: 1240x350x450mm
PROCESS
COLLABORATION WITH: FALEGNAMERIA GALEVI
Inspired by groomed slopes, an object that takes up the groove pattern should be created. It was important to me not to imitate any form, but only to draw inspiration from it. The idea of applying glue immediately came to my mind when I thought of creating this slope surface. During my internship at Harry Thaler, I helped making the new office desks. This involved covering a simple wooden board with linoleum. A spatula with grooves was used to apply the glue to the top. The method of applying the adhesive to the plate and the resulting pattern are ideal mediators of the message.
The piece of furniture bench was chosen mainly because of its enormous presence in the alpine outdoor. In addition, the seating furniture is in dialogue with the table Omamame, which was used to represent the natural surface of the snow.
From silicone to plaster, it was tried to create the surface with very many different materials. In the end, the solution was as simple as it made sense, white paint. As the snow wraps the landscape in a new garment, paint changes the visual characteristics of those objects on which it is applied. In addition, it holds well on the wood, can be applied well, and does not tear out when cut. The panel is a solid wood board in spruce with a thickness of 20 mm and with the dimension of 900 x 1240 mm. Since the edges of the wood are visible, the panel had to be made out of solid wood.
The panel is first cut to size and placed on trestles. Cleaning the board prevents later discoloration. About 1 liter of white acrylic paint was applied to the board. With the help of the spatula, the material is evenly distributed over the plate. The spatula is a grooved one with a spacing of 4mm. The entire plate was painted on several times before a pattern that I liked was created. It was important to obtain beautiful curved shapes whch create a three-dimensional effect. The last step was to remove the excess material from the edges. The paint had to dry for 24 hours. Then the plate was rotated and the same procedure was repeated.
After drying, the plate was ready for further processing. At this, I transported the piece from my basement to my uncle‘s carpentry shop. First it was examined and considered which parts should be cut from which areas. It is about the composition of the individual components and the resulting pattern. Then the parts are cut out on the circular saw. To attach the individual pieces to each other, lamellos were used. For this, incisions had to be made in the desired places. The next step was to lightly smooth the edges. The lamellos were inserted and glued. To dry, the bench was clamped. After five hours, the piece of furniture was ready.
