“In a world where everyone is rushing around mega multi-tasking, to sit at an ordinary desk feels so static,” says Spanish artist / designer Jaime Hayon. “I felt compelled to design a desk with a feeling of motion, inspired by the kinetic sculptures of Alexander Calder. Balancing various shapes and materials at various heights supported by a metal frame. In theory it’s like a mobile but in reality it’s a desk.” Each Palette Desk partners two shapes together: an elongated bean shape with a simple round shape. The two merge a marvellous mix of regal materials available in three different combinations. For the table tops, choose from polished Nero Marquina marble or honed Bianco Carrara marble, satin polished brass or stained ash veneer in black, red or grey-green. The base is made from welded and powder coated steel tubes, adding a contemporary touch to this collage of contrasts. “While most designers define themselves by one signature style, Hayon never ceases to surprise us with his amazing way of creating hybrid concepts as part of a new design idiom. With the Palette Desk, to be able to combine such disparate components into something so striking yet harmonious makes Hayon himself the master multi-tasker.” The Palette Desk is almost like a multi-tiered sculpture that doubles as a desk.
Dimensions
H: 83cm/32.7in x D: 62.0cm/24.4in x L: 140cm/55in
Material
Powder coated steel, marble or brass, lacquered ash or walnut veneer
Spanish artist-designer Jaime Hayón was born in Madrid in 1974. As a teenager, he submerged himself in skateboard culture and graffiti art, the foundation of the detailed, bold-yet-whimsical imagery so imminent in his work today. After studying industrial design in Madrid and Paris he joined Fabrica in 1997, the Benetton-funded design and communication academy, working closely with the legendary image-maker and agitator Oliverio Toscani. In a short time he was promoted from student to head of their Design Department, where he oversaw projects ranging from shop, restaurant and exhibition conception and design to graphics. Eight years later, Jaime broke out on his own, first with collections of designer toys, ceramics and furniture, followed by interior design and installation. These collections put Jaime at the forefront a new wave of creators that blurred the lines between art, decoration and design and a renaissance in finely-crafted, intricate objects within the context of contemporary design culture.
Inspiration
