ECAL low tech factory oncle sam single kernel popcorn machine

‘oncle sam’ by laurent beirnaert, pierre bouvier, paul tubiana photo © nicolas genta image courtesy of ECAL

university of art and design lausanne/ECAL students laurent beirnaert, pierre bouvier and paul tubiana presented their popcorn making machine ‘oncle sam’ as part of the ‘low-tech factory’ exhibition at designers’ saturday in langenthal, switzerland. the project was an outcome of re-interpreting and experimenting with manufacturing processes, whereby the master and bachelor students tackled the production of the universally accepted cinema food – popcorn.

the transformation focuses on a single raw kernel at a time, where an elaborate contraption orchestrates the ingredients in a charmingly grandiose fashion. a tea-light candle heats a solitary grain in oil, which after some time, explodes into the fluffy result – and of course seasoned with salt for taste. the concept was exhibited over two days during the event in the ruckstuhl building – one of the multiple factories around langenthal temporarily converted into expansive exhibition spaces showcasing various designs and products.

the work celebrates and values the means by which a product is created – slowing down a type of manufacture that is usually en masse to a visual spectacle that can be appreciated, acknowledged and savored.

a video of the machine in use

the work celebrates and values the means by which a product is created photo © nicolas genta image courtesy of ECAL

an elaborate contraption orchestrates the ingredients in a grandiose fashion to reach the final fluffy result photo © nicolas genta image courtesy of ECAL

DESIGNERS’ SATURDAY 2012 design is a statement november 3rd – 4th, 2012

the first designers’ saturday took place in langenthal in 1987. since then there have been 13 of these biennial occasions, to provide support for the swiss design scene whilst giving it a publicity platform and stimulating its further development.

designers’ saturday happens at a place where design is actually created. designers’ saturday is not just a product show held on characterless trade fair premises. instead it is a stage where authentic design skills are put on view at the atmospheric production sites of the companies involved.

the event is an international meeting point for the design world. the presentations of numerous internationally known firms will be accompanied by the cartes blanches of both national and international colleges of art and design.