david chipperfield collaborates with TSATSAS to design the ultimate 'SUIT-CASE'

david chipperfield has teamed up with german design studio, TSATSAS, to create an elegant, hand-luggage-sized suitcase. the collaborative project aims to meet the needs of frequent travelers while also embracing a more conscious approach to travel.

image © gerhardt kellermann

with architecture offices in berlin, london, milan and shanghai, david chipperfield is no stranger to traveling around the globe for work. and the idea of designing a suitcase had been at the back of the architect’s mind for some time: ‘I guess the idea of the bag is personal to me because I have spent most of my life traveling. instead of complaining that every bag I buy does not work, it has been an opportunity to design a bag that suits my lifestyle,’  explains david chipperfield.

image © gerhardt kellermann

after meeting esther and dimitrios tsatsas in their frankfurt/main studio in 2017, the ‘SUIT-CASE’ project was born. then followed years of meetings to create the ultimate piece of luggage. the TSATSAS duo contributed their design and material expertise while chipperfield laid down what he required of a suitcase: hand-luggage size yet with enough space for a suit. ‘as a rule, I never check in luggage. the question then is: can I fit everything that I need for a four- or five-day trip, which is typically how long I travel for, into one bag? that means I need papers, I need my normal shirts, and ideally a suit, because if you fly in your suit, it tends to get creased. so that was my own brief and it became the suitcase’,  says david chipperfield.

image © gerhardt kellermann

SUIT-CASE was originally meant to be launched in april 2020 with an extensive presentation during the salone del mobile in the milan office of david chipperfield architects. but then COVID-19 struck. the event was canceled and the launch postponed indefinitely as it didn’t seem fitting in the midst of such a dramatic global pandemic. the team instead decided to rethink the project with a more conscious approach to travel in mind, moving away from the stress and rush of flying in the past.

image © gerhardt kellermann

SUIT-CASE is designed to be timeless and uses high-quality materials and finishes for greater longevity. the case is made from wood fiber: a biodegradable and emission-free material. this is then covered with calfskin leather from a german tannery whose environmental efforts have earned it the highest accolade from the international leather working group: it is gold certified. the suitcase interior is lined with soft lamb nappa leather combined with natural canvas; the metal fittings are made in italy from recycled brass. SUIT-CASE is completely plastic-free.

image © gerhardt kellermann

conceived as hand luggage, the piece is ideally suited for business or weekend trips. SUIT-CASE weighs just 2.7 kg and its minimalist, clear silhouette conceals an interior perfectly organized for storing travel utensils. a spacious pocket integrated into the front of the case provides easily accessible room for documents and other items that might be needed quickly during a trip – both a laptop and travel documents but also cable and toiletries bag can be stored there making it a bag for both work and travel needs.

video © gerhardt kellermann

‘each of our designs be it a handbag, backpack or clutch is a miniature piece of architecture. in many aspects designing a bag, making patterns and prototypes is the same as dealing with form and space, with the user and their environment,’  is how esther tsatsas describes their work ‘this is why we hit it off with david chipperfield immediately – we share his great love for detail, a high standard of quality, and the same aesthetic values.’ david chipperfield adds: ‘this was a collaboration that was really reassuring because we did not have to worry about quality. we had the security of someone who knew how a bag could be constructed and lent material form if we told them what it should do and what the priorities are.’