Unusual doorbells, coat racks and peepholes featured in the Hæ/Hi exhibition exploring the residential entrance during Iceland’s annual DesignMarch festival.
is titled Hæ/Hi Volume III: WelcomeThe showcase in central Reykjavík featured designs that strive to make the experience of entering or leaving a home more comforting.
The exhibition is the third iteration of Hæ/Hi, a collaborative exhibition project between design studios in Iceland and Seattle, home to the largest Icelandic population in the US.
Included in the Reykjavík designer’s Ding Dong exhibition Jan Helgi HolmkeersonLo-Fi Three is an alternative to conventional and app-based doorbells.
Designed by Holmgeirsson for „parents with small children, the hearing impaired, dog owners and people who simply want to be alone,” they are intended to elicit a more pleasant sensory experience when someone is at the door.
Instead of an electronic ringing sound, one flashes a light, one mechanically moves parts picked up from a tambourine to make a jingling sound and emits a steam signal reminiscent of Richard Rogers’ colorful air vents.
„I know I’m not the only one who’s very happy with designing my pieces, and I’m casually setting things up for myself, rather than some serious constraints leading to playfulness,” Holmkeerson said. Exhibition.
„I see this group as an opportunity that allows me to experiment to a degree and try new materials, ideas and processes – and about the dynamics of the group and the openness of the concept that makes it possible.”
was put on display Durun Arnadottir’s Loopy – A cod rack made using rope obtained from a local fishing net manufacturer.
Reykjavik Design Consulting A different pickle Kom’inn/Comin’ contributed a pair of padded door covers covered in soft fabric.
One covering spells out „kamin,” signifying leaving home, while the other spells out the Icelandic word for „come in.”
Exhibition co-curator Darrin Montgomery told Dezeen that the playful approach taken by the contributors came together organically.
„It happened. We set up a Miro board and everyone could see what each other was doing — I don’t know if that influenced the plans or if it was just an opportunity for participating studios to play around and have a little fun,” said Montgomery, founder of the Seattle design studio. oar.
„Maybe a little bit of both. Anyway, we were really happy with how cohesive the exhibition was. I wish we could take credit for that, but I think it was pure luck.”
A total of 14 designers and studios participated in the exhibition.
Other designs include Theodora Alfresco’s Hallway Bench, a clay shelving system Seisei StudioFrom the doorstep Think about itwith a shoe brush Sidona Bradleythrough peepholes fruit superThrough a key cabinet Hannah Dees WhiteheadThrough the door handles John HoganBy a Shurak Paddle Design Shop and a catchall cushion by Little Anomaly.
The exhibition will travel to the Icelandic Embassy in Copenhagen in June for 3 days of design.
Last year’s Hæ/Hi exhibition at DesignMarch focused on the theme of friendship and solidarity. Future rounds will focus on different rooms of the house.
„Every year during DesignMarch I’m amazed at how many members of the public attend the fairs. This year was no exception,” says Montgomery.
„There’s something very inspiring about people who aren’t part of the design community coming through the exhibition,” he added. „They are often interested or indifferent, but rarely ignore.”
DesignMarch Iceland’s annual design festival covers furniture and product design, architecture, fashion and other fields. Videos of the festival’s talk shows are compiled on Dezeen.
Cinematographer Studio Seeds.
DesignMarch took place from April 24th to 28th at venues across Reykjavík. Visit the Dezeen Events Guide for more events, exhibitions and talks on architecture and design.