Play is an essential and integral part of our design approach, connecting them to delight, curiosity, and the interplay between imagination and creation. Charles and Ray Eames are often quoted as saying, 'Take your pleasure seriously,' and this principle guides them as we view play as a non-negotiable aspect of the design process.
Many of their most meaningful breakthroughs have emerged not from rigid planning, but from playful experimentation. The spirit of play tends to flourish when curiosity is given the freedom to explore. From Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin to Matisse's experimentation with paper cut-outs, they draw inspiration from how playfulness ignites creativity and sparks new ideas.
For adults, play doesn't come as naturally as it once did. Stifled by the notion that learning must be mastered, many adults approach tasks with a serious, focused mindset. In contrast, children aren't driven by the pursuit of mastery – they are drawn to fun and exploration. This is perhaps why childhood memories often feel more vivid and alive; as children, we are fully present and connected to the joy of discovery. For many adults, play often marks the end of a learning cycle. It begins with serious focus, and as understanding deepens, ease and enjoyment follow. At the conclusion of this cycle, play offers a renewed sense of discovery and delight.
There are countless opportunities to explore how learning and play can coexist. At their studio, they strive to break free from routine and autopilot, seeking new experiences and expanding their knowledge daily. Their design process often begins with specific objectives, but by stepping back and rethinking these goals, we open ourselves to new possibilities. Questions such as "What else could this be?" or "What might it become?" encourage creativity and foster fresh perspectives.
One memorable example of this playful approach was when they first unveiled the full-size prototype of softwall. As the pleated structure unfolded, they walked further and further apart, mesmerised by the astonishing 60-foot expanse before them. It felt as though this wall had emerged from thin air, sparking laughter and delight. At that moment, it became clear that this was a special creation worthy of sharing with the world. If they felt such joy, they realised others would too.
Opening that initial softwall, made from tissue paper, was reminiscent of the sound effects used in theatres to replicate rainfall. As if the wall itself was an instrument, they quickly noticed its inherent musicality. It was particularly rewarding to meet someone at a party who recognised this and purchased a blue paper softwall to wrap around his son's crib. The child's natural interaction with the softwall – reaching out, running fingers over its fins, and exploring the soundscape – reaffirmed its sensory appeal.
The multi-sensory nature of play remains a key focus for them. Touching something creates an immediate, intimate connection – whether it feels warm or cool, pleasant or surprising. This multi-sensory experience has been central to their design of urchin softlight, a shape-shifting lamp that invites playful interaction. The pliable, elastic material of urchin evokes the sensation of petting a living creature, transforming simple contact into something profoundly human. It fosters a tactile dialogue that is both deeply satisfying and intimately connected to thethe senses.
Tapping into childlike imagination is another essential aspect of their design philosophy. Following the initial joy experienced with softwall, they have been determined to create objects that elicit a similar sense of delight. Embracing play is not solely about creating finished products – it's about engaging with the creative process itself. The objects that evoke a childlike response are the ones they choose to share.
Pablo Picasso once remarked, 'It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.; This sentiment resonates deeply with their artistic journey – rediscovering the inner child and nurturing imagination is a lifelong endeavour. As a studio, they are committed to continuously tapping into this primal creativity, never losing sight of the wonder that lies at the heart of design and creation.
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Molo
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