Digital Meets Physical Form With The W&S Collection for Hay

Introducing a selection of functional objects from the Wang & Söderström collection for Hay. Whilst radiating an organic aesthetic, these objects have in fact been cleverly 3D printed and moulded in porcelain and stoneware. Inspired by the place where digital and physical form meet.

The Wang & Söderström collection for Hay is a family of objects that combines human, tactile qualities with digital processes. These sculptural yet functional pieces are full of beautiful curves, twists and textures. A versatile collection, W&S for Hay includes candle holders, bookends, doorstops, vases, and ornaments in different colours and finishes. This versatility makes them ideal for displaying in a wide range of spaces and contexts.

Each organically shaped object draws on the intersection of the digital and physical process. Nature-inspired forms have been embodied through 3D printing and later produced in ceramic. Form and function come together perfectly as the objects serve as useable pieces of art.

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Who are Wang & Söderström?

Wang & Söderström is a Copenhagen based design studio made up of designer Anny Wang and architect Tim Söderström.

Anny Wang studied spatial and furniture design at the Academy of Design and Crafts in Gothenburg, Sweden. Tim Söderström studied architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark. Together, they founded Wang & Söderström in 2016.

Their work explores the crossover between the digital and the physical. Wang & Söderström explore what it means to be human as technology becomes ever more deeply integrated into our lives. There is an emphasis on the emotional and tactile quality of materials, objects and textures to give the digital a more human-relatable quality. The aim: celebrate digital advancements without losing the human element.

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The Process

Wang & Söderström believe that digital and traditional craft should not be considered contradictions of each other. Instead, their work celebrates a unification of the physical and digital. They see digital advancements as an opportunity for new ways of sensing and exploring materials in a human way.

Their primary tool is 3D software and all projects, whatever the outcome, start there. The duo often 3D print their sculptures, however this exciting collection for Hay is the first time their approach has been translated into ceramics.

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Sculptural Versatility

The twisting, organic shapes in this collection give all the objects a sculptural feel. These abstract shapes are also what makes the collection so very versatile.

None of the objects have a single purpose. Instead, their designs are open-ended so that the function is left to interpretation. Though some may invite you, through their specific dimensions, shape, or weight, to put flowers in them or lean books against them, their chosen purpose is ultimately up to the user. This is no accident, Wang & Söderström want people to create their own relationship towards their chosen objects.

"By adding sculptural qualities to our objects, they become less defined and more versatile. They both depend on and transform their environment while relating to each other and to us. We think it is interesting how people connect with these objects in their own way, primarily because there are no predetermined rights or wrongs when it comes to their prescribed purpose."

You can shop the Wang & Söderström collection at Utility Design today.

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