VIA 2014 AT MAISON&OBJET

A selection of intriguing products from the French foundation

As you may or may not know, the non-profit association VIA (Valorization of Innovation in Furnishing) gives French designers and design students the unique opportunity to see their designs turned into protoypes and promoted for an entire year. Several well-known creators, such as Philippe Nigro, got their start thanks to VIA. At Maison&Objet, they presented an array of interesting products from various sources, including a furnishing program from design studio numéro 111, a series of six projects that received assistance grants and a Partnership Program.

Insulaire from numéro 111 examines the living room as an island with various uses. Divided into two levels, the concept consists of conventional sofa seating and a less traditional examination of floor space with a rug and versatile cushions. Various other pieces link the two such as a modular table and a room divider that doubles as storage.

The six objects exhibited as part of the Creation Assistance Grants featured a series of interactive seating and intelligent lighting sources.

 

Oo by Julien Groboz is a modular light source that can be adjusted according to the user’s needs and whims.

 

Stacked by Laurent Greslin is an arm chair that is assembled in three parts with legs that are inserted into the back and serve as armrests.

 

Aérobie by Pierre Charrié is a light fixture that also serves as a CO2 detector.