One would expect nothing less than a dream team to design the objects of an annual program called “WaterDream.” So that’s just what manufacturer Axor delivered once again for the 2016 edition at Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.
Philippe Grohe © Alexander Schneider für Axor / Hansgrohe SE
“We discussed the meaning and value of water in our living space with some of the world’s best architects and designers, while testing the limits of individualization,” said Philippe Grohe, vice president of design management for Hansgrohe SE, of which Axor is the luxury brand. For more than 20 years, the company has invited celebrated designers to reimagine the spout of a faucet into an individually adaptable “dream” spout made of any material they desired. In this installment, Axor tapped David Adjaye, Werner Aisslinger, FRONT, GamFratesi and Jean-Marie Massaud. “Developed with strong creative liberty, these five crafted and fully functional pieces are now on display for a design-savvy audience in Milan,” said Grohe of the resulting concepts, which were all built on Axor’s U-Base fixture.
All product photos © Uli Maier for Axor / Hansgrohe SE
Not one to shy away from atypical colors (think the Sugar Hill housing complex with graphite-tinted precast concrete), British architect David Adjaye conceived “Ritual,” a trapezoidal bronze spout with a striking dark granite wedge-shaped inlay.
David Adjaye; portrait by Ed Reeve
Werner Aisslinger’s concept, The Sea and the Shore, is equal parts spout and shelf for holding objects. Fashioned in the ancient material of clay, a material that speaks of tradition and longevity, the spout is more like a fountain with its exposed top.
Werner Aisslinger; portrait by Jens Gyarmaty
Water Steps, conceived by Swedish design group FRONT, pairs two shallow cone-shaped dishes that produce a cascading stream. Made of PVD-finished metal, the sculptural piece demonstrates a playful exchange between form and water.
FRONT’s Sofia Lagerkvist and Anna Lindgren; portrait by Lena Modigh
The Danish-Italian duo behind GamFratesi chose to work with wood for Zen. Drawing on the classic Japanese wood fountain to illustrate the connection between nature and water, their design consists of a minimalist cylindrical volume intersected by a slim straw-like spout.
GamFratesi’s Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi
And, finally, Jean-Marie Massaud — a longtime collaborator of Axor’s — created an object that seems to magically release water. The piece is essentially a staggered stack of three simple geometric marble forms with a dark-bronze disk-shaped base and coordinating bronze joystick handle.
Jean-Marie Massaud; portrait by Pierre Monetta
In Milan for Salone? You have until April 17 to view these concepts at the Axor flagship showroom at Via Durini 15.