Draga & Aurel Freeze Light Refractions in Frosted Coffee Tables

Draga & Aurel, a multidisciplinary design studio founded by Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, recently unveiled their latest collection of furniture called 'Zen.' This collection, presented during Milan Design Week by the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, builds upon their previous work with the 'Flare series' by exploring the phenomenon of light refractions within furniture pieces. The 'Zen' collection features three coffee tables and a dining table, all meticulously handcrafted from Lucite by artisans in Como, Italy. The tables in the 'Zen' collection are designed to resemble blocks of ice, achieved through a frosted surface treatment applied to the Lucite. This treatment creates a cool, ethereal aesthetic. Inside each table, carefully arranged sheets of pastel-hued Lucite are embedded, capturing and replicating multi-colored light refractions as if they were frozen in time. The unique characteristic of each table, resulting from the handcrafted process and the distinct arrangement of the Lucite sheets, reinforces the idea that these pieces are individual works of art. Draga & Aurel's deep fascination with the interplay of color and light is a central theme throughout their work. They view light as an activator of color through matter, and their exploration of this dynamic interaction is a continuous process. The designers emphasize that their achievements are the result of extensive experimentation and study, utilizing material samples to observe how light behaves when passing through different layers of varying colors, shapes, and thicknesses. This methodical approach allows them to discover the perfect interconnection between color, light, matter, and form. The studio consistently merges artistic vision with functional design, as exemplified by these sculptural tables. Draga & Aurel challenge the notion that functionality and aesthetics are opposing concepts, asserting that their pieces are collectible design objects due to the experimental and artisanal processes involved, yet they always fulfill a practical function. This balance makes their creations viable objects for everyday life. They prioritize in-depth research and the elevation of materials, particularly acrylic resin, which has become a signature element of their style. Their goal is to integrate the material meaningfully into the context of the object itself, ensuring its functional relevance. Looking ahead, Draga & Aurel are pursuing three interconnected directions for their studio's evolution. Their art design project, especially the 'Transparency matters' collection, is expanding their presence in the gallery world, collaborating with prominent partners like Rossana Orlandi, Nina Yashar, and Todd Merrill on exclusive projects. Additionally, they are engaging in new collaborations with design companies, having recently debuted with historic furniture brands Poltrona Frau and Giorgetti at Milan Design Week. Their commitment lies in fostering valuable partnerships that benefit both the studio and the collaborating companies. Finally, their purely artistic side is flourishing through Aurel K. Basedow’s paintings, a growing project that has necessitated the expansion of their workshop to accommodate increased artistic production. #DragaAurel #ZenCollection #LuciteFurniture #LightRefractions #MilanDesignWeek #ContemporaryDesign #HomeFurnishings #ArtisticFurniture #Craftsmanship #DragaAurel #ZenCollection #LuciteFurniture #LightRefractions #MilanDesignWeek #ContemporaryDesign #HomeFurnishings #ArtisticFurniture #Craftsmanship