the 'argo crib' uses weaves of copper to protect infants from electromagnetic radiation

in collaboration with master cabinet makers, ludwig & dominique, paris-based studio noir vif has realized the ‘argo crib’ that aims to protect young children from electromagnetic radiation. the project, which takes its name from the ancient ‘argo navis’ constellation of stars, combines sleek timber craftsmanship with weaves of copper to create a protective shield from potentially damaging electromagnetic waves. by bringing together the two studio’s respective skills and research, the design intends to provide the optimum space to cradle and care for infants’ wellbeing.

all images courtesy of noir vif

over a period of 18 months, noir vif and ludwig & dominique worked together to develop the ‘argo crib’. similar to the ‘argo navis’ – the group of stars that give its name – the design is composed of three distinct elements: the hull, the stern and the sail. forming the body of the crib, the ‘hull’ is crafted from walnut to create a smooth, rounded shape, resembling both a ship and the mother’s womb. to achieve the desired protection from radiation, the timber includes a fine copper weave that has been pressed into the wood, creating a continuous barrier from harmful electromagnetic waves.

the crib is crafted from walnut timber

the canopy, which can be opened and closed over half of the crib, relates to the ‘stern’ component. this element is constructed from 6mm thick walnut-coated plywood in three parts, forming a sort of shell over the base of the design. to form the protective shield, a pattern of copper has been implemented on the exterior face of the wood. with it’s smooth, organic shape, the ‘stern’ helps to cocoon children, while on the interior of the timber, the ancient argo constellation is traced in delicate straw marquetry, representing one of the main inspirations behind the overall project.

the argo crib has been designed under the auspices of the ancient ‘argo navis’ constellation

the lightest and most transparent part of the crib is the ‘sail’. created from a flexible veil of woven copper wire within a carved walnut frame, this part allows air to pass through even when fully closed. together, the 3 parts make for a sleek, almost futuristic, design. when closed, the sail accentuates argo’s protective capsule look, somewhere between a life raft and an airplane cockpit. when opened, both the ‘sail’ and the ‘stern’ fold down and elegantly wrap around the hull and legs of the crib.

the three main parts of the the crib are named after the three sub-sections of the ‘argo navis’ constellation

the project has been realized with assistance from the ‘mines paristech materials research laboratory’, the ‘saint-gobain coating solutions department’ and with support from the ‘carnot network’. the copper pattern on the double-curved surface of the stern is made using flame thermal spraying and a specially developed masking process. the ‘argo crib’ extends the use of these processes, normally reserved for advanced industrial applications, to a new material, wood, and to a field that is still little explored, craftsmanship. the resulting delicate copper pattern is the first application of this ongoing research process.

the ‘sail’ and ‘stern’ fully opened

the ancient ‘argo navis’ constellation is traced in delicate straw marquetry

the project combines research, design and fine craftsmanship

the junction of the three parts: the hull, the stern and the sail

the copper pattern pressed on the timber

PLA 3D printed scale model

the construction of the ‘argo crib’ in progress

placing a copper network on the curved walnut surface of the stern posed a strong technological and scientific challenge

project info:

project name: ‘argo crib’

design: noir vif

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: lynne myers | designboom