Hot & Cold, conceptual ideas about temperature by Fabrica

20/04/2014. Fabrica Centre. [MIL] Italy
metalocus, ÁNGEL BLANCO

Making of scenes of HOT & COLD, a conceptual representation of temperature, and an experiential journey through a series of multi-sensory artistic and sculptural installations that “give shape” to air, inviting visitors to participate in an immersive laboratory of hot and cold experiences.

Following research into the effects of temperature, the designers showed a series of works based kinetic and sound material.

Following research into the effects of temperature, the designers showed a series of works based kinetic and sound material.

Industrial, graphic and interactive designers at Fabrica created a series of sensory installations that aimed "to give a visual and experiential form to temperature" for air conditioning brand Daikin, in Milan last week.

Hot & Cold, a conceptual representation of temperature, by Fabrica Centre. Click for larger image

A sculpture called Air was made from suspended borosilicate glass letters, a material which is typically used in laboratories and resists extremely high temperatures.

Hot & Cold, a conceptual representation of temperature, by Fabrica Centre. Click for larger image

“dripping water from ice-encased tropical plants and quietly rotating feather-patterned fans featured in this climate-themed exhibition by Italian research centre Fabrica.

Hot & Cold, a conceptual representation of temperature, by Fabrica Centre. Click for larger image

A series of tropical plants entitled Flora were encased in ice, which gradually melted away and collected in a glass vessel to reveal the plant.

Hot & Cold, a conceptual representation of temperature, by Fabrica Centre. Click for larger image

The Solar exhibit used NASA's interpretations of what planets sound like. In the centre of the exhibition, the team hung a mechanical model of Venus and Neptune, the hottest and coldest planets, orbiting the sun.

Hot & Cold, a conceptual representation of temperature, by Fabrica Centre. Click for larger image

The HOT & COLD exhibition took place at the Garage Milano show during the city's design week, presented at Salone del Mobile 2014, which concluded last week. Thirty-six exhibits were installed within a laboratory-like setting entitled HOT & COLD; among the works exhibited, a kinetic installation in which moving feathers in a range of shapes, colours, and graphic patterns evoke the seasonal migration of exotic birds; meanwhile, tropical plants take shape in a series of ice compositions creating a path throughout the space. Venus and Neptune, respectively the hottest and coldest planets in the Solar System, become the inspiration for an acoustic experience, built from sampling the climatic sounds of these contrasting planets.

The project's creative director Sam Baron, at Fabrica, said, “In this project we conceived design as a practice that must communicate through form and function. An exchange between opposites that represents the distinctive approach taken by Fabrica, a place where young talents from across the globe can constantly engage with each other, in projects with universal appeal. A design that sets out from an object, and reaches towards sound, graphics and interactivity.”

Marco Dall’Ombra, marketing manager for Daikin Italy added, “HOT&COLD is a highly striking and appealing project, perhaps the most exciting highlight among the various initiatives organized to celebrate the launch of Daikin Emura, a stylish icon and authentic example of cutting-edge industrial design.”

A gallery of multicultural creative visions conceived by the international team of young researchers, at Fabrica for Daikin.

(Daikin is a firm that has always led the way in improving the environmental quality of the home, with products that blend design, efficient energy use and respect for nature and the environment. Fabrica is a research centre. It pursues research through making, producing groundbreaking projects in collaboration with the world’s best creative talents.

The HOT & COLD experience continues on the web featuring the point of view of the designers involved, the creative process and a comments section engaging the public to participate in the project.