man machine glass furniture by konstantin grcic at galerie kreo

konstantin grcic: man machine
galerie kreo, paris
february 13th to may 17th, 2014

konstantin grcic is known for exploring hi-tech materials and industrial manufacturing process, unconventionally employing them to realize furniture products. his work can be described as functional, often expressing a technical approach to form, while still remaining sensitive to a certain design aesthetic. in his latest collection ‘man machine’ grcic continues these investigations, focusing exclusively on glass as his medium – a material that is common enough, however rarely applied to the discipline of contemporary design.

‘man machine’ chair
(above and main) image © fabrice gousset
courtesy galerie kreo

developed between konstantin grcic and a workshop in frankfurt (established in 1829), ‘man machine’, which takes its namesake from the 1978 kraftwerk album, has been conceived as a series of furniture constructed from industrial float glass, similar to that which is used in architecture. the transparent panels which form each piece: bookshelves, chair, large table, round table, single and double chests and a vertical cabinet, appear weightless, but are interjected by different components such as cranks, hinges, knobs and pistons, accompanied by black silicone, which define their purpose – each dynamic furniture object lending itself to human movements and mechanical strength.

detail of the mechanism used for reclining the chair’s back
image © fabrice gousset
courtesy galerie kreo

specially commissioned by galerie kreo, ‘man machine’ marks the relationship between lightness, durability, human mechanics and practicality. it is design stripped down to its most imperative elements that while existing as something of high, technical aesthetics, is relatable on a broader level, in which grcic remains true to his own design beliefs and style.

‘man machine shelf’
image © fabrice gousset
courtesy galerie kreo