U-JOINTS exhibition explores the functional and aesthetic relevance of the ingeniously designed joint

but how many different ways can you work with the basic functionality of a joint? depending on its nature, a joint can serve different purposes; in layman’s terms it is the thing that allows two different components to come together to achieve the product’s ultimate function. either ingeniously designed as a unique piece of work or replicated countless times, the joint can transform into a fascinating object in its own right.

all other images courtesy of U-JOINTS unless stated otherwise

curated by andrea caputo and anniina koivu, U-JOINTS presents examples from an eclectic group of designers. visitors are led through an exploratory journey investigating historical pieces before more contemporary experimentations are presented. various abstractions are cleverly captured in the playful works of studio wieki somers ‘radiations curing adhesive‘ (2014), a series of silk flowers preserved in UV resin; studio brynjar & veronika‘s ‘hinge, ball joint, flute mechanism‘ (2016), a large circular flute requiring four musicians; and pierre charpin‘s ‘compositions with rubber bands‘ (2000-2018).

throughout the exhibition the concept of the joint is reimagined, in large scale industrial solutions and smaller concealed components, from traditional wood and plastic models, to more innovative and technological, conceptual and state-of-the-art options. one particular 3D-printed iteration is the bouroullec brother’s ‘plug-in‘ (2000), a series of PLA connections holding together a screen of chestnut wooden branches. the works of the designers are showcased in a scenographic museum-like setting, which develops into a sequence of table ‘sets’ separating the specific type of work exhibited.

image © designboom

image © designboom