Virgil Abloh's Acqua Alta collection of furniture specifically highlights the flooding of Venice, spotlighted in the Wallpaper% June 2019 publication. The flooding served as a special inspiration for the designer as he creates designs that are set to be a part of the 'Dysfunctional' show coming up.
The Acqua Alta collection is comprised of benches, chairs, and a floor lamp that stands up similar to how it would look when submerged by flooding water. In attempts to bring the collection to a spotlight of environmental issues, Abloh tells Wallpaper* that "This land is not our land. We’re part of an ecosystem. With growing concerns about climate change, the design is a powerful vehicle to explain that message to a broader public. Anyone can understand a chair."
Flood-Inspired Furniture
Virrgil Abloh's Acqua Alta Furniture Spotlights an Environmental Angle
Trend Themes
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Environmental Furniture — Designing furniture pieces that showcase a message of environmental concern and climate change awareness can create an opportunity for a unique selling point and create a niche market.
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Disaster-inspired Designs — Designing and creating furniture that is inspired by natural disasters in a symbolic way can make furniture pieces stand out and appeal to consumers interested in unique designs.
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Artistic Sustainability — Using art and design as a tool for sustainability and environmental awareness can create an intersection for creative and practical solutions in furniture design.
Industry Implications
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Furniture Manufacturing — Opportunities for furniture manufacturers lie in designing and producing imaginative products that cater to the rising demand for environmental awareness and sustainability.
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Art & Design — The art and design industry can take inspiration from this trend and produce furniture designs that are both functional and visually appealing with a greater purpose of promoting environmental causes.
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Sustainable Living — This trend reminds consumers and the sustainable living industry as a whole that there is a need for innovative solutions in promoting environmental awareness and designing sustainable products.