aequo.design develops ambiguous objects from industrial materials for palais de tokyo

obj collection by aequo.design invites inventive use

At a time when functionality often overshadows creativity, aequo.design’s OBJ Collection breaks the mold with a series of versatile design objects that encourage users to explore their own inventiveness. Realized for the Palais de Tokyo as a visual extension of the contemporary art center, the collection sits on the border between design and art. The objects, including concrete candle stands and zinc vases, behave like mini works with a deliberately imprecise use, remaining to be determined by whoever takes possession of them. In this sense, they invite their holders to take part in the creative process uncovering uniquely personal interactivity. Crafted from standardized industrial materials, each piece from product to packaging is also produced locally in France.

all images © Benjamin Helle

a visual extension to palais de tokyo’s culture and history

Commissioned by the Palais de Tokyo, multidisciplinary design studio aequo.design developed a range of derivative products intended for the enjoyment of visitors and to promote the emblematic institution beyond its physical confines. The OBJ Collection, rooted in explorations of form and materiality, accordingly captures the essence of the Palais de Tokyo as a tangible link to its rich history, notably its policy of institutional permaculture.

Each object serves as a miniature artwork, its purpose intentionally left open-ended to be defined by the individual who possesses it. This intentional ambiguity extends an invitation to users to participate in the creative process. ‘They are the first level of reading and correspond to the ‘memory of the place’. The second level of reading is found in function; the object surprises and questions the visitor who is invited to experience it. This is the experiential memory,’ notes the team.

travertine stairs

zinc container

concrete columns

aequo.design’s OBJ Collection

zinc container

powder coated rod

product design made with existing zinc pipes

stainless steel pin as postcard

graphic design packaging

made locally in France

project info:

name: OBJ Collection for Palais de Tokyo
designer: aequo.design

photography: Benjamin Helle | @studio.b.helle

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: ravail khan | designboom