Objects have been a long-existing part of our practice, emerging in the process of designing and building. They are created for specific projects, places and the people that use them. The first Object was developed in 1988, and currently amasses to more than 600 individually designed pieces ranging from furniture to lighting and accessories. Some Objects are integrated into their architecture, some were made only once, and some have been revived. Many of them proved to be interesting and useful beyond the projects from which they initially originated. We therefore decided to develop some Objects further, uniting them in a collection made available to everyone.
The development of an Object is driven by exploration between the analogue and the digital, along with a fascination with materials and craftmanship. The characteristics and means of processing materials like wood, glass, metal, or cork are as important to us as their texture and patina. A combination of rigorous research and design, and a freedom of discovery through trial and error, stimulates our creativity and output. This entire research and development process gives these Objects an appeal beyond the original context of their creation.
Herzog & de Meuron, June 2023