manipulate glass with the 'touch-me' vase collection by matteo silverio + stefano bullo

when you see glass products, they’re most likely labelled as ‘fragile’ or with large ‘handle with care’ warnings. this research project by matteo silverio and stefano bullo sets out to turn the preconceived idea of this material on its head. exactly as the name suggests, the ‘touch-me’ vase series invites people to touch and mold the glass objects without the danger of breaking them. 

images and video courtesy of matteo silverio

the project intends to demolish the mental barrier associated with glass in a radical way. for each vase, the glass has been cut, decorated, and combined by hand, obtaining a manipulable ‘fabric’. even more importantly, the glass comes from production waste, making the ‘touch-me’ collection sustainable and an excellent example of circular design.

‘in a certain sense it is a rebellious project because it makes the act of manipulating glass democratic, and no longer the prerogative of elite glass-makers. therefore, everyone can shape these vases, actively participating to the creative process,’ says matteo silverio, designer of the ‘touch-me’ collection.

project info:

project name: touch-me

design and R&D: matteo silverio

glass maker: stefano bullo

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