Combining the natural and industrial, the 'FallenTree' bench by Benjamin Graindorge is a surreal piece of seating. The bench looks like someone decided to carve a bench out of a tree but stopped half way through. Half of FallenTree is smooth and finished wood, while the other half is composed of branches. As a result, the bench has a natural feel to it while remaining sleek and modern.
Grandorge created the piece for Design Miami with oak and glass. Using the two basic materials, the artist set out to pay homage to the source of his materials. According to Grandorge, "The FallenTree bench is intended to reveal the wood’s DNA, to express its deepest nature by attempting to highlight the living fiber it is made of."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Natural-industrial Fusion
- The combination of natural and industrial elements presents opportunities for creating unique and innovative designs.
- Sleek-nature Aesthetics
- The blend of sleek modern aesthetics with natural elements opens up possibilities for designing furniture and products with a contemporary yet organic appeal.
- Material Homage
- Paying tribute to the source materials by showcasing their inherent characteristics can inspire new ways to incorporate natural elements in design.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Furniture Design
- Incorporating a hybrid of natural and industrial materials into furniture designs can lead to disruptive innovations in the industry.
- Interior Design
- Integrating the natural- industrial fusion aesthetic in interior design can create visually striking and unconventional spaces.
- Art and Sculpture
- Exploring the concept of material homage can result in thought-provoking art installations and sculptures that challenge traditional notions of craftsmanship and design.
