168 - Heim + Viladrich

Heim + Viladrich Fold Console Polished stainless steel Piece No. 1 of 8 Date of creation: 2025 H90 L180 P34 cm The Fold Console draws inspiration from the art of coachbuilding—the art of shaping metal by folding, bending, and refining the material. Techniques once used in automotive bodywork are reinterpreted here in furniture design. Inspired by outdoor roadside landscapes, where the linear lines of guardrails contrast with the curved forms of automotive design, the Fold Console translates this dialogue into a piece of furniture. Two folded sheets of stainless steel are placed symmetrically beneath a tabletop, creating a structure that is both sturdy and balanced. The subtle folds give the console its character, connecting the base to the tabletop. Each element is hand-polished using a slow and meticulous process that reveals the metal’s natural luster and texture. Unlike mechanical polishing, this method creates a delicate surface that gently reflects its surroundings, while highlighting the marks present in the molded stainless steel sheet. The result is a piece of furniture that appears as much sculpted as it is engineered. By subverting and reinterpreting the symbols inherent in materials and industrial culture, Heim+Viladrich’s formal practice seeks to reveal the craftsmanship and expertise that shape the anonymous aesthetics of our industries and daily lives.