glass: A new vocabulary of forms

DESIGN STUDIO NIRUK x GLASS

„Translucent or opaque, whether it reflects or absorbs light – glass is fascinating. Worked into delicate and thin-walled designs, it appears fragile; when blown into thick-walled shapes, it conveys depth and weight. Glass can be exquisite, fireproof and nowadays even indestructible, possessing many different properties and thus opening up numerous possibilities in design for us.“ 

Crystal glass. Industrial glass. Smoked glass. Coloured glass. Hardly any other material is as versatile in appearance and effect as glass. Multifaceted and playful light effects can be generated just as easily as new surface textures or unexpected shapes and patterns. Glass is alive – and, through changes of its aggregate state, allows countless possibilities. It presents both a design challenge and an opportunity. And thus an ideal sphere of activity for Design Studio Niruk. Nina Ruthe and David Antonin illustrate their approach with various objects made of glass. „Our glass objects and productsare the results of planned tests and processes,“ they explain. Although the traditional art of glassblowing allows a spontaneous modification of the object, it is essential for Design Studio Niruk to develop products that are suitable for industrial production, however, without restricting the designers in any way. Planned experiments have given rise to a variety of objects; collaboration with professional glassblowers has enabled the designers to develop a surprisingly new vocabulary of forms.

‘Out of the box‘ thinking for a new vocabulary of forms The formal language is achieved both through the work in the hotshop and the focused implementation of a wide variety of tools, thus illustrating the design duo’s unique approach. Design Studio Niruk‘s range of glass designs is diverse: ranging from their own portfolio of experimental projects to product series for renowned manufacturers. In interaction with light, glass generates surprising effects. Design Studio Niruk playfully exploits this special quality for their products. What they all have in common is the combination of traditional craftsmanship with creative ‚out of the box‘ thinking. When heated or melted, glass can always be reshaped – a fact that also describes Nina and David‘s design process.

Experimenting with modular forms When creating glass designs, in addition to particular existing tools, such as an antique waffle iron, Nina and David work with modular and self-built moulds. The dimensions and surfaces of elements can be individually adapted. Consisting of plug-in components, the elaborate construction of the moulds enables a kind of rapid prototyping: thereby it is possible to intervene in the production process and react directly to the results. The created objects reflect the character of ‘inflation’, they are both organic and geometric, and thus correspond to the design identity of Design Studio Niruk. A modification of the modular mould has a direct effect on both the material’s viscosity and the blown-in glass itself. New ideas can be realised quickly, which is not necessarily the case with other materials. When working with glass, the implemented techniques become visible.

Playful ways to create a variety of shapes One of Niruk’s most unusual tools used in the design process with glass is an antique waffle iron: misappropriated for this use, the first design created with this tool during the glass blowing process was WAFFLE – characterised by the special waffle pattern on the object‘s surface. The results and knowledge obtained from this project were then used for the modular mould construction for BRAMBLE: consisting of three different designs, the range of vases for the Danish manufacturer Bolia is available in both clear and smoked glass. In the case of the OULA vase, on the other hand, a unique design object was created even without the use of unconventional tools. In order to give the liquid glass its individual shape, the designers developed modular moulds made of wood and iron, which can be slotted together to create individual forms: the result is playful vessels that set no limits to creativity. OULA is the best proof. Creativity and audacity – along with a love of experimentation, nature in particular offers a special source of inspiration for the Niruk designers: the ICICLE vase is instantly reminiscent of a frozen icicle. A playful design, defined by linear structures and a distinct shape.

The importance of colour In addition to self-developed moulds and unconventional tools, the colour of the material plays an important role for the designer duo. Colouring changes the character of glass significantly: lines and material thickness are clearly emphasised, giving the object an expressive character. Reminiscent of textile folds, the FALDA vase delights not only with its special surface structure, shaped by a flexible mould made of fanned-out beech-wood slats, but also with an interplay of light and colour. With its dark blue tinted glass, FALDA evokes associations of water, flowing and deep.

„Glass is subtle, appears light and blends into the environment; unusual shapes or special structures interact with their surroundings and play with light and shadow. If you were to realise the same form in ceramics, the object would have a completely different effect just by the choice of material.“

PASSAGEN 2019 – INTERIOR DESIGN WEEK KÖLN.

For the second time DESIGN STUDIO NIRUK’s exhibition „Diving into processes. Materialising ideas.“ was presented to the public. In a small gallery in the heart of Ehrenfeld, one of Cologne’s vibrant districts, visitors could experience the product designs, material studies and the latest prototypes of the designer duo. From inspirations and experiments to real product ideas, the exhibition was filled with a personal touch and visitors were given the opportunity to get an insight into NIRUK’s way of working.

DESIGN STUDIO NIRUK was awarded with the PASSAGEN PRIZE 2019 for this unconventional presentation and its individual products.

Therefore a a big thanks goes to all visitors, Büro Sabine Voggenreiter, German Design Council and Stadt Köln for their great support! It was an eventful PASSAGEN DESIGN WEEK KÖLN 2019!

BIENNALE INTERIEUR KORTRIJK 2018

Hooray! It’s done: at Biennale Interieur 2018, DESIGN STUDIO NIRUK took to the stage in Kortrijk, showcasing unconventional product designs.

Inspirations, Experiments and Ideas were the keynote themes along which the exhibition design was structured and that invited visitors to immerse themselves in a unique world. The prevailing focus: materiality. Cork, concrete, glass or porcelain – DESIGN STUDIO NIRUK creates symbioses, develops innovative solutions and takes the time needed to come up with good design. Thank you very much for visiting us at Biennale Interieur in Kortrijk. For those who could not make it to the fair, explore our work at PASSAGEN 2019 in January during Imm Cologne.

Our journey into the world of geometric structures, innovative textures and new materials continues! Diving into processes – materialising ideas.

See you in Cologne! Nina & David

An Experimental Design Process – NIRUK GOES KORTRIJK

Away from the mundane and into the unknown – childlike curiosity and an honest passion for materials:
for the first time, DESIGN STUDIO NIRUK will be providing an insight into its approaches, showcasing their very unique perspective of the design process under the banner of Diving into processes – materialising ideas.

Inspirations. Ideas. Experiments. Three elements of design that are at the focus of the work by Nina Ruthe and David Antonin, showcased at Biennale Interieur at Kortrijk, 18 – 22 October 2018. The design duo develops its own materials, always keen on thinking outside the box. Over the last few years, the designers have thus created surprising objects with a very special appeal: from playful glass objects and minimalist mirrors to sophisticated pieces of furniture – NIRUK’s work not only focuses on the results of clear design, but also on the production process. The playful treatment of reflections, textures and material qualities characterises the designers’ method. For the first time, the duo provides a deeper insight into its approach and, alongside ‘free to edition’ product designs, showcases the creative process in its ‘Material Lab’. It’s almost as if you’re getting a glimpse into their studio located just outside Cologne.

„You are warmly invited to meet us at Biennale Interieur 2018. Come and immerse yourself!
We are looking forward to welcoming you!“