studio superfluo's experimental dj station for ALTRO design week 2017

during this year’s ALTRO design week in rome, italian-based studio superfluo, along with various designers, artists, and craftworkers, gathered together to transform an old van into a unique dj station. the aim of this annual experimental event is to create something different from the usual design showcases, highlighting the value of work and the product itself.

the colorfully wooden structure strongly characterizes ‘the OTHER design’
all images © iskra coronelli

six workshops have taken place to develop ‘the OTHER design’. studio superfluo took charge of the woodworking workshop building the structure of the dj sets, shelves, tables, the floor, and the whole skeleton upon which the silk screen printing workshop has silkscreened the boards that strongly characterize the project. the cyanotype and monotype laboratories were shorter workshops that have created more decorations for the van. meanwhile, the photography workshop was in charge of documenting the various steps of the other laboratories. in addition to the practical aspects, a more theoretical workshop was organized in which the participants have developed an upcycled product within a circular economy.

the creatively transformed dj station

there are two scenarios occurring inside the van: one on the side, wider, for djs using vinyls, the other, higher on the front for djs who use the drum machine. the van has been uncovered to achieve these locations by expanding the roof and raising it to make the interior accessible in an upright position. additionally, the interior has been constructed so that all the necessary equipment to live concerts can be settled. while, on the outside of the van, there are two structures for lighting and speakers.

details of the silkscreened boards

the final product of the ALTRO design week seems easy at first sight, but turns out to be an empirical-based exploration. ‘the OTHER design’ is an explosion of details, cuts, construction on measure, colors, and different processes that communicate the commitment and dedication of artists who invest their time in designing for the environment without aiming for mass production, but responding to real needs, even in a experimental way.

the old abandoned van before its creative transformation

use of colors and distinct processes form part of the design concept for the experimental project

ADW17 TimeLapse
video © studio superfluo

the interior of the van is accommodated to access in an upright position

participants from studio superfluo building the structure for the dj set

craftsmen from different disciplines invest their time to elaborate an unusual product

the aim is to build a different product from the usual design showcases

participants silk screen printing the boards

a handful of artists participated in the four-day workshop to create the experimental dj station

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom