dystopian ottomans converge the real and the unreal
Converging reality and digital artistry, Roc H Biel, presents a pair of stools that redefine our perception of everyday objects, evoking architectural marvels from a dystopian future. Each piece of Dystopian Ottomans, crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel, reflects and blends with its environment yet stands as a contemplative art form inspiring awe while fulfilling utility. Biel adopted a minimalist approach, utilising single sheets of stainless steel, with thicknesses varying from 1.5 to 3mm, adopting a fabrication process inspired by intricate packaging designs and Japanese joinery, where parts intersect and internal tabs, manually bent, secure the structure. Despite their monolithic appearance, these stools are lightweight, each weighing around just 8kg.
all images courtesy of Roc H Biel
roc h biel explores the intersection between artistry and utility
The Dystopian Ottomans collection, shaped in a creative scape dominated by hyper-realistic AI designs, embodies a fusion of art, functionality, and philosophical inquiry. Roc H Biel draws on his previous creative endeavors which here culminates in a personal quest to create home objects that are not just functional but also serve as a source of inspiration and wonder. The stools occupy this intriguing intersection, appearing as if they have sprung out of a digital render into the physical world – a play on reality that commentates on our evolving relationship with the objects that populate our lives.
The decision to use only stainless steel, cut and bent to perfection, speaks to a broader narrative in design — the pursuit of purity in an age of excess and complex materiality and processes. The industrial designer instead embraces the beauty of simplicity and offers a moment of reflection upon the beauty of design that lies at the intersection of art, functionality, and philosophy.
Roc H Biel presents Dystopian Ottomans
the furniture series seeks to redefine our perception of everyday objects, the real and unreal
a pair of mirror-polished stainless steel stools
the forms reflect and blend with any environment they are placed in
standing as contemplative art forms inspiring awe while fulfilling utility
steel, cut and bent to perfection, speaks to a broader narrative in design — the pursuit of purity in an age of excess
Biel adopts a fabrication process inspired by intricate packaging designs and Japanese joinery