Architecture News

Cesar's Tangram collection, under the artistic direction of García Cumini, is transforming contemporary kitchens. This innovative series moves beyond conventional sharp edges, introducing rounded contours across all elements, from tall storage to wall cabinets and suspended base units. This shift not only softens the aesthetic but also enhances light distribution throughout the space, creating an environment that feels more open and inviting. The collection's core philosophy centers on spatial fluidity, allowing each component to blend seamlessly into an adaptable system that marries design with architectural harmony.

Originating near Venice in 1969, Cesar has consistently envisioned the kitchen as the heart of the modern home. The Tangram collection, first conceived in 2022, exemplifies this vision by focusing on the interplay of geometric forms and material qualities. It has evolved from a standalone island concept to a comprehensive system encompassing columns, wall units, and base cabinets. This expansion reflects Cesar's commitment to responding to the evolving needs of designers, architects, and customers, ensuring that its systems develop without sacrificing their distinct identity.

The Evolution of Kitchen Aesthetics: Fluidity and Form

García Cumini's vision for Cesar's Tangram collection represents a significant shift in kitchen design, moving away from traditional, angular structures towards a more organic and fluid aesthetic. By integrating variable curves into tall cabinets, wall units, and suspended bases, the collection redefines how light interacts with the kitchen space. This innovative approach allows natural light to spread more gently, eliminating harsh shadows and fostering a sense of openness. The design philosophy behind Tangram emphasizes a seamless integration of components, ensuring that each element contributes to a cohesive visual narrative where functionality and artistic expression are intertwined. This thoughtful design process transforms standard cabinetry into an adaptable and visually engaging system, demonstrating a deep understanding of spatial dynamics and modern living.

The Tangram collection's inception in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Cesar, building upon decades of the company's legacy in pioneering adaptable domestic solutions. Initially introduced with a focus on island designs, the collection has since broadened its scope to include an array of vertical and horizontal elements. This strategic expansion, driven by continuous dialogue with design professionals and clients, ensures that Tangram remains relevant and responsive to contemporary demands. The unique geometric forms and material contrasts, such as the Rovere Cortado doors with their intricate vertical millings and the Anodyc Bronze island topped with Breccia Sarda marble, highlight the collection's commitment to both tactile richness and structural precision. This ongoing evolution maintains the collection's distinct identity while pushing the boundaries of modern kitchen design, making each kitchen a unique, fluid landscape.

Craftsmanship and Innovation: The Tangram Collection's Core

Behind the graceful, curved profiles of the Tangram collection lies a sophisticated engineering process that ensures both aesthetic beauty and lasting durability. The use of multi-layer wood bonding, meticulously calibrated for stability, is fundamental to achieving these organic shapes. This dedication to advanced craftsmanship allows the collection to showcase rich material contrasts and tactile depths, creating a multi-sensory experience within the kitchen. For instance, the tall wall-mounted compositions feature "Groove" doors in Rovere Cortado, where irregular vertical patterns artfully conceal panel seams, forming a continuous and visually harmonious surface. These details are not merely decorative but integral to the collection's overarching theme of seamless integration and refined functionality.

The central island, crafted in Anodyc Bronze and adorned with Breccia Sarda marble, further exemplifies the collection's innovative spirit. This natural stone extends into a practical snack counter, supported by a matching stone column and framed by the elegant Palmier edge profile, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail. These thoughtful additions elevate Tangram from a series of individual units to a comprehensive domestic language, capable of adapting to diverse spatial requirements. García Cumini's masterful combination of variable-radius curves and rhythmic patterns transforms static kitchen elements into a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and texture. This balance of technical complexity and formal fluidity underscores Cesar's ongoing ability to craft contemporary living spaces through exceptional design, confirming the collection's place at the forefront of modern kitchen innovation.

Experience the Fusion of Function and Form in "Volt Face"

Transforming the Mundane into the Magnificent: The Genesis of Volt Face

The "Volt Face" series by Studio 5.5 presents a fresh perspective on Schneider Electric's established Odace range of electrical fittings. This project delves into a new realm where these familiar components are not merely functional but become integral aesthetic elements within lighting fixtures and furniture pieces. The designers, Vincent Baranger and Anthony Lebossé, are noted for their signature approach of giving commonplace items a novel purpose without compromising their original functional integrity.

An Array of Innovative Designs: Where Switches Take Center Stage

This inventive collection spans a variety of home furnishings and lighting solutions, including wall lights, tables, bedside tables, and pendant lights. Each item is meticulously crafted to highlight the switches and sockets, positioning them as the focal points of the design. The various elements from the Odace collection are artfully rearranged and combined, showcasing their diverse materials, color palettes, finishes, and tactile qualities in an entirely new context.

Elevating Interaction: The Tactile Experience of Volt Face

Traditionally, electrical switches and sockets are among the final installations in interior design. However, with "Volt Face," Studio 5.5 challenges this norm, making these components the foundational elements of design. The simple action of pressing a switch evolves from a routine task into a significant part of the physical interaction with each piece. The distinctive "click" sound, often an overlooked detail, contributes to a richer, more engaging sensory experience.

A Modular Lexicon for Modern Interiors: Beyond the Catalog

The "Volt Face" project also introduces the Odace range as a versatile design language, offering a modular system for creative expression. Instead of selecting pre-defined products from a catalog, designers and interior architects are encouraged to treat these components as building blocks. This approach allows for endless combinations, repetitions, and arrangements, transforming an industrial product line into a dynamic starting point for creating bespoke objects and unique interior configurations.

The Engaging "Click": A Cornerstone of Tactile Design

The design team emphasized their desire for users to engage with and explore the pieces, fostering a sense of curiosity about their functionality. The act of interaction itself is central to the project's essence, with the renowned "click" sound becoming an intrinsic part of the design's tactile narrative. This integration of the auditory and tactile significantly enhances the user's experience.

Rethinking Industrial Ranges: A Toolkit for Creativity

"Volt Face" invites a re-evaluation of industrial product lines, presenting the Odace range not as an endpoint, but as a comprehensive toolkit. Each socket and switch transcends its singular purpose, becoming a foundational element that designers and architects can manipulate, duplicate, combine, and build upon. This perspective shifts the understanding of an industrial range from a mere collection of items to a rich vocabulary for innovative design.