Loaded: what is a design object worth?

A collection of objects designed by SAIC students in Chicago explores the value of an object via two materials—iron and sugar.

What is an object worth? What does materiality mean? These are the questions Helen Maria Nugent and Jim TerMeer asked a group of 15 students in the department of Architecture, Interior Architecture and Designed Objects at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Their objects respond to these questions and make us think about the value of two everyday materials such as iron and sugar. Some, like Won Joon Lee, covered LED light bulbs with sugar and the result is a modular chandelier that can be freely composed. Lauren Mosakowski designed a set of iron boxes for precious objects.

The mind of another student, Zhe Zhang came up with a set of storage containers that differed for different types of sugar. The sugar dissolves inside them and becomes an invisible beverage to drink and enjoy in new rituals. The most conceptual work is by Nathan D. Paoletta who spent 20 dollars on several objects and then melted them in the same mould, giving rise to objects that differed totally from each other. His purpose? To remind us of the invisible links in an increasingly abstract and digital world. ES

Spazio Rossana Orlandi
Via Matteo Bandello 14
12–17.04.2011, 9 am–8 pm

Loaded: what is a design object worth?

A collection of objects designed by SAIC students in Chicago explores the value of an object via two materials—iron and sugar.

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