Exhibition : Biennale Interieur Courtrai 2012.

Why is a raven like a writing desk ?

Lille design offers a new vision and an unusual showcase for empathetic, unexpected and human design. The public is invited to take part in a new design experience, where shapes, materials and sensations break the mould. Visitors become a real part of the exhibition by testing and touching everything around them. Why a raven like a writing desk ? Or how can something that appears ordinary still have the power to astonish ? Within these aisles, contemporary art and objects from daily life sit side by side. And where exactly is the border between them ?

Lille design – Platform for the development and enhancement of design in Nord Pas de Calais region.

… , perched on his tree … ‘

I chose to develop a poetic object, combining functionality and symbolism. This office, useful and practical, is designed as a meditation space, escapism and imagination, like a treehouse, symbolised by the feet with a plant structure, such as branches supporting the top…

© Christophe GUERIN

With reference to the fable of Jean de la Fontaine, « The Crow and the Fox », I decided to develop a poetic object, combining functionality and symbolism.
First, a functional object, in other words, a stable object with metal feet and a wooden plate; 140 x 70 x 75 cm. The tray has two holes for the passage of electric cables ( lamp, computer, phone … ). Finally, the wooden tray is covered with a natural vegetable-tanned leather, allowing soft and comfortable contact.
A poetic & symbolic object because feet have a plant structure, like a tree or branches supporting the tray. What transforms this office space for reflection and escape, like a treehouse. Electric cables, channelled through the holes on the tray, go down and wrap around the feet, like vines around the trunk of a tree. The leather tray will get patina during the time. This office space will age with its user, and will soak up the memory of him/her. In addition, I wanted to print feathers on the leather, referring to the leaves of the trees, birds that live there and ink pen that was once used to writing letters.

© Christophe GUERIN

In the end, I see the office furniture as a useful object, but above all as a space for meditation, concentration and imagination.