French craft designer develops aesthetic architectural shelves using laser-cut sheets of aluminium

The possibilities of aluminium are not limited to its obvious uses like automotive, construction, packaging and electrical. The white metal is opening up more and more avenues for the artists and designers to experiment with and come up with art pieces with both utility and aesthetic value.

French craft designer Wendy Andreu’s creative process is based on material research and experiments. She applies her experiments to functional design concepts, such as seating elements, sculptural stools, and architectural shelves. The latest developments in her Regen series are the three seating elements, which are shaped directly in 3D. The elements are designed around strong metal templates to create soft and comfortable surfaces. Most of her experiments are done in rope, aluminium, and steel.

Andreu has experimented in detail with is aluminium, the lightweight white metal. She develops the metal into architectural shelves in collaboration with Bram Vanderbeke. The lightweight and aesthetic pieces were first exhibited during Dutch design week 2017 at the Hardcore exhibition.

The piece, Double Pyramid is based on a construction system that does not require screws, rivets, or welds. The piece is easy to assemble and dismantle. The system has been further developed into the fat pyramid & regular pyramid after it gained popularity. Both the designs are made out of flat, laser-cut sheets of aluminium which are assembled in different shapes.