‘Stone Archive’ installation by Studio davidpompa in MDW2023

 

Mexico-based Studio davidpompa presents ‘Ambra Toba’, a series of light sculptures that combine volumes of ancient stones, volcanic dust, and aluminum. The ‘Stone Archive’ installation explores the volcanic origin of the new light collection as a part of the itinerant platform of Alcova, which will be open to visitors from April 17th to the 23rd during Milan Design Week 2023. 

 

The collection holds the Mexican ‘Toba volcánica’ stone as the centerpiece consisting of minerals, glass, and volcanic debris ejected one million years ago during severe eruptions. Fragments in the geometrical surfaces are a testament to these explosions and movements. The contrast between porous textures and smooth dark red aluminum coating underlines the studio’s contemporary approach to traditional materials and craft. The connecting components between the sculptural stone elements and the aluminum parts originate from intensive research of linking unique handmade shapes with industrial parts. Each piece is crafted and assembled in Mexico.

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
the ‘Stone Archive’ installation explores the volcanic origin of the new light collection’s materiality

 

 

solid stone interfaces with the intangible light source

 

‘Our philosophy is to use stone in many of our light sculptures, something solid linked to a source of light, something fading and intangible’, shares the creative team at Studio davidpompa.‘The collection embodies this duality in a timeless aesthetic’. The project reflects the research-based process and investigation. Tall archival shelves display stones, folders, and prototypes and frame the exhibition space, allowing the light sculptures to connect with the visual journey and the design evolution. The ephemeral character of the installation is highlighted through the interaction with the visitors invited to take single archive folders.

 

The concept follows the interest to amplify the understanding of ancient stones composing a spatial installation that captures and connects science, aesthetics, culture, and materiality. Debris, ashes, and dust, produced during the span of millions of years are unveiled through the textures of the light sculptures.

 

In partnership with the geological department of the National Autonomous University of Mexico ‘UNAM’, the investigation of the origins of ‘Toba volcánica’ opens a deeper insight into the stone widely used in Mexican culture. The creative studio collaborates with Dutch microphotographer Wim van Egmond for the documentation of the stones in a series of artistic videos and panoramic photos elevating the investigation and further balancing science and design interfusion. ‘Stone Archive’ installation will be part of the itinerant platform of Alcova during Milan Design Week, located in the former slaughterhouse of the historical quarter of Porta Vittoria Abattoir, at Viale Molise, 62.

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
tall archival shelves display stones, folders, and prototypes frame the exhibition space

 

 

The installation features a wide range of collaborations that share the discourse on earth explosions. Research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and work of Dutch microphotographer Wim van Egmond, Mexican chocolate manufacturer Cuna de Piedra, design studio SAVVY, filmmaker Wolf Lass, Portuguese fashion Brand Naus, food designer Philipp Kolmann and writer Alexander Slotnick will be part of the installation.

 

The ‘Stone Chocolate’ act developed by Cuna de Piedra will be presented during an evening event on the 19th of April at 19:00 at ‘Terroir Milan’, Via Macedonio Melloni, 33. The ‘Stone Archive’ installation will be hosted at Alcova, Viale Molise, 62 from April 17th to the 23rd during Milan Design Week 2023. 

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
the new series of light sculptures ‘Ambra Toba’ combines volumes of ancient stones and aluminum

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
‘Toba volcánica’ stone consists of minerals, glass, and volcanic debris

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
the smooth dark red aluminum coating contrasts the porous textures of the stone alloy

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
solid stone interfaces with the intangible light source

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
each piece is crafted and assembled in Mexico

minerals and volcanic debris compose a series of light sculptures by studio davidpompa
‘Toba volcánica’ stone falsely named ‘Cantera’, quarry, is the centerpiece of the collection

 

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project info:

 

name: Stone Archive / Ambra Toba
designer: Studio davidpompa | @studiodavidpompa

location: ALCOVA, Milan

 

 

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: christina vergopoulou | designboom