Or
if that doesn't Branston Pickle your fancy, how about
indulging in a rustling branch that recreates the calming
sound of trees in the wind when attached to a rustling
device: a real must for frustrated urbanites yearning
to get back to nature.
These
are just two examples of 'psychological furniture' -
the latest thing in furniture design developed by industrial
designers Michael Anastassiades, Anthony Dunne and architect
Fiona Raby. As 'weeds' in the world of design and fellows
of the Royal College of Art, the trio decided not to
base their work exclusively around the usual looks practicalities
of furniture design. Instead, they've created a psychological
dimension between the user and the object, introducing
their work into a space often dominated by inanimate
objects.
The
'garden' theme - entitled 'Weeds, Aliens and Other Stories'
after the book which the collection is based on - evolves,
grows, moves and apparently listens. And among the prototypes
is a long wooden horn which allows you to keep in touch
with plants at the back that may not be able to hear
you if, in true British fashion, you think they can.
The
seat upholstered in grass (pictured top) is one of our
favourites. Although this piece is high maintenance
and needs to be watered and snipped every day, it's
fair to say that the low curving seat upon which it
grows and the smell of freshly cut grass wafting around
your front room makes it all worthwhile!
Public
response has been positive according to Dunne and there's
no reason why their designs shouldn't be available commercially.
In the meantime, if you decide to introduce a bit of
mood into your living space, abandon the idea of a dimmer
switches and tap into the most basic of your instincts
- introduce a bit of surreal gardening into your home!
A
limited edition of 300 copies of 'Weeds, Aliens and
Other Stories' will be published in October. For more
details call Tatiana Karapanagioti @ Salvo Publications
RCA 077 1243 9065. Pictures from www.michaelanastassiades.com
Rachael Demwell
