Using metals as one would use paper or fabric; designers have been using technology to turn harsh solid material into products that have the aesthetics not normally associated with an industrial material. Products have a sense of movement and weightlessness that belies their material. There can be a functional purpose to these elements, pleats and folds add strength and stability and usability to the design.  

Origami Table by Anthony Dickens for Dickens & Wilson   A unique design that requires no screws bolts or fixings the stability of the table comes from the load on the legs to tighten the joints. Inspired by a traditional African tripod chair legs are made of identical flat pressed steel which slot into place. The table can easily by disassembled back down to a flat pack allowing for easy transport and storage.

Blossom – Ryuji Nakamura.      

Using steel that is only 0.1mm thick the Ryuji has punched out thousands of flowers to decorate this dining room in Japan. As the sheet is so thin, it gently curls at the edges creating countless floral silhouettes.   “The part of the flower attached to the wall assimilates with the wall while the raised petals throw shadows on the wall, producing a clear outline on the surface”. Originally created for a wedding dinner, the use of the flower is not only an aesthetic device. “The flower is connected to the happiness of a wedding, and I chose white to make the shadows stand out best. It provides an uplifting feeling even before the actual wedding party has started”

Other works by Ryuji can be seen here http://www.ryujinakamura.com

Plopp Chair by Oskar Zieta

Rather like Jeff Koons recent use of steel to imitate inflated toys these pieces are rather more sculptural than practical

The stools are made from hydro-formed metal; two sheets of metal are welded together following the outline of the stool, which is then filled with fluid under pressure.  This industrial production creates a unique sculptural piece that looks as if it has been blown up by a pair of lungs rather than a machine.

Impressive they may look; there is the little problem of comfort. I tried the stool and found that it’s not the comfiest of stools. The creases in the steel mean you have to turn the stool to find a bit that suits your err… derrière.

Ribbon by Hemal Patel for Headsrung!

Inspired by ribbon blowing in the wind each rack can hold up to 5 coats. As you can see from the image each ribbon is unique, the intention being that it should be treated not just as a functional piece but as a sculptural work fluttering across your wall.  A simple but effective design I think it works on both functional/sculptural levels

 http://www.headsprung.co.uk/ribbon.html

La Stanza dello Scirocco by Mario Trimarchi for Alessi .  Like a stack of playing cards tumbling to the ground. There is a long winded explanation for this but I prefer his more succinct version “ The upshot is a collection of geometrically irregular items made up of small splinters of various sizes, interlaced in an unstable balance. 

 I came up with the idea that “La stanza dello scirocco” could be recounted through the story of drawings done by hand and through images of shadows, and that we could then ask everyone to exert themselves ever so slightly and make a small input with their own imaginations.”