Tableware often deals with the challenge of storage. Complete sets of cups, bowls, and cutlery may occupy an entire cabinet, used merely a few times weekly. For the most part, they remain hidden away, not contributing to your space. This seems like a waste for something so essential.
Michael Jantzen’s Art-ware prototype reimagines this concept entirely. Rather than stowing tableware after meals, he has designed a system where dishes, cups, and cutlery connect, transforming into abstract sculptures. These can serve as décor when not used for dining.
The design concept
The Art-ware system hinges on male and female connectors integrated into each piece. Simple protrusions from the surfaces allow various components to connect seamlessly. A bowl may lock onto a cup, cups can stack, and cutlery can slot in, securing the entire arrangement without additional hardware.
Clever configurations result in more than just functionality. Stacked cups form vertical columns, and bowls arranged creatively develop organic, biomorphic clusters. Slide cutlery through, and the ensemble resembles abstract art — fitting for a gallery, not just a kitchen sink.
Using Art-ware
The beauty of Jantzen’s design lies in its dual purpose. The assembled Art-ware set can grace a shelf or table as decoration. It’s a sculpture that doubles as a dining set, pulled apart for meals and reassembled afterward in countless configurations. No two arrangements need to look alike.
Sustainability and future potential
Made of recyclable plastic, Art-ware aligns with Jantzen’s sustainability goals. A single product serving multiple purposes means fewer resources than separate items fulfilling each role. There’s no need for extra storage or display; the dining set itself is the décor.
Currently a prototype, Art-ware is the first in Jantzen’s envisioned series of designs, extending this idea further. The concept has the potential to transcend tableware, as Jantzen has applied similar thinking to furniture and architecture over the years. The dining set encapsulates a broader logic — objects serving a clear purpose while offering unexpected benefits.
Source: yankodesign.com
