zaha hadid and gareth neal collaborate on fluid sculptural vessels

as part of a project presented by the american hardwood export council and benchmark furniture, renowned architect zaha hadid and british designer gareth neal teamed up to craft two sculptural wood vases. they were produced as part of ‘the wish list’ originally exhibited at the V&A museum during london design festival 2014. sarah myerscough gallery has exclusive representation of the vessels and is displaying them at COLLECT 2015 at the saatchi gallery in london in may 2015, and design miami/basel in june 2015.

sculpted using oak, they illustrate the fusion between technological innovation and traditional wood techniques to produce a fluid flowing nature to its form. the overall result is a fine example of combining two design disciplines, as well as juxtaposing craftsmanship and new technologies in woodwork.

the vases sit on top of the table also by zaha hadid
(above and main) image © petr krejci

gareth neal comments: ‘I was keen to take advantage of the hadid studio’s advance computer modeling software, pushing the boundaries of digital tools. I was particularly interested in the idiosyncrasies of traditional hand processes such as a hand thrown pot, or a raised piece of silverware and how simulating these could be achieved through digital imitation. through using the traditional vessel form as a starting point and subverting its appearance to dramatic extremes, mimicking traditional carving technique i hope the pieces will embed the design with a sense of the handmade through the arm of a robot, questioning the viewer’s perceptions of craft and the handmade.’ 

see designboom’s previous coverage of ‘the wish list’ here

tall black vessel : 755 mm height, 440 mm width, 320 mm depth, edition of twelve
image © petr krejci

low oak vessel: 340 mm height, 875 mm width, 300 mm depth, edition of 12
image © petr krejci

fluid, futuristic trails is the distinct feature of the vessels
image © petr krejci

image © petr krejci

using computer technology to establish the form
image © petr krejci

image © petr krejci

the mould of the vase
image © petr krejci

gareth neal incorporating techniques by hand for the finishing touches
image © petr krejci

image © petr krejci

close up of the fluidity of the wood vessels
image © petr krejci

gareth neal and the finished product
image © petr krejci

the renowned architect zaha hadid and gareth neal together
image © petr krejci