Radiation Collection, image courtesy of NOCC

Parisian design studio NOCC unveiled their new Radiation Collection at the “Maison et Objects” design expo in Paris this year. The collection consists of two “positive” mutations : the “Hypertrophy chair” and the “Outgrowth coffee table”

+ Press release courtesy of NOCC

Parisian design studio NOCC introduced their Radiation Collection (in Chernobyl) today at the “Maison et Objects” design expo in Paris as a “Talent à la carte”. The Radiation Collection is comprised of a set of furniture- a chair and a coffee table- which possess mutations.

Radiation Collection - Hypertrophy chair, image courtesy of NOCC

We imagined a scenario in which traditional pieces of furniture would have endured some kind of radiation; where their genes would have mutated. The next generation of these pieces would then manifest the mutations. We came up with many versions of possible mutants. We then wondered which of these mutations would be “positive” evolutions, that would enable the entity to better survive in its environment, while others we called “negative” evolutions (these comprised the majority) and did nothing, even reducing the ability of the entity to survive in its environment.

Jean-Christophe Orthlieb and Juan Pablo Naranjo, co-founder of NOCC

Radiation Collection - Outgrowth coffee table, image courtesy of NOCC

Radiation Collection (in Tchernobyl) is a collection based on the evolution of objects. This experimentation has created adaptations comparable to the ones observed in nature’s species, resulting -in the long run- to evolution. The purpose of this collection is to explore the utilitarian possibilities of changes in the traditional shapes of furniture, as we know them archetypically.

The collection consists of two “positive” mutations : the “Hypertrophy chair” and the “Outgrowth coffee table”

The making of Radiation Collection, image courtesy of NOCC

Hypertrophy chair : the hypertrophy of one extended armrest complements the use of the chair as a functional object (The chair can then be used as a newspaper rack, coat hanger, etc…)

The making of Radiation Collection, image courtesy of NOCC

Outgrowth coffee table : The “outgrowth” on the table offers additional storage space.

This project is a way of approaching creation from a different angle. Instead of directly seeking a solution to a problem, imitating the process of evolution allows us a more empirical approach. It becomes thus not a question of finding a new solution but rather a process of selecting one among those available to us .

NOCC

Radiation Collection - Hypertrophy chair, drawing courtesy of NOCC

Radiation Collection - Outgrowth coffee table, drawing courtesy of NOCC