Interview about 5972 Olton Desk, winner of the A' Limited Edition and Custom Design Award 2023
5972 Olton is an oversize multifunctional surface commissioned by a private client, designed to serve primarily as an office desk, and secondarily can manage board game and computer gaming activities. It blends a classic wood with modern red polyethylene red finish and subtle curves into a well-balanced composition. All three main components were carefully dimensioned to best manage the oversize visual aspect of the composition. The end result is an oversize desk capable of enduring hours of board gaming and video gaming adventures.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsConacaste is a traditional hardwood from Guatemala, celebrated for its natural beauty, distinctive grain patterns, and rich tonal variations. My goal was to create a piece that feels modern at its core while embodying the emotional depth of classical furniture, particularly desks.Our perception of materials is deeply rooted in history. Wood is universally seen as a classic material due to its long-standing presence in human craftsmanship. Similarly, red has existed for as long as wood, but it is often associated with innovation—think of Ferrari’s bold red. Historically, the crossover between wood and red is most prominent during the Industrial Revolution and post-war eras, creating a striking visual dynamic.To balance the vibrant red and the natural warmth of the wood, I introduced gray as a harmonizing element. This interplay ensures that the desk conveys modernity, innovation, and timelessness in equal measure.
The name "5972 Olton Desk" was inspired by the Hogwarts Express locomotive after the design was completed. The locomotive embodies magic, power, and uniqueness—qualities I see reflected in the desk. Its name carries a sense of mystique, resonating with those who appreciate board games, game theory, and mathematical elegance.The locomotive's presence influenced the desk's overall perception. Like the steam engine, the desk represents strength, endurance, and an ability to bridge the functional and the extraordinary.
When designing products for human interaction, I place great emphasis on understanding the client’s daily routines, navigation, and usability needs. The 5972 Olton Desk replaced an existing desk, giving us a unique opportunity to analyze the client's workflows and identify enhancements.We prioritized accessibility, ensuring seamless movement around the desk and with the chair. For its gaming functionality, we relied on standard human factors dimensions while incorporating the client’s specific preferences. These considerations translated into ergonomic proportions that prioritize comfort, enabling the desk to transition effortlessly between work and leisure without compromising its elegance.
At Fabrizio Constanza Design, we require detailed spatial information, including photographs from all four angles and a 3D model of the room with all its existing elements. This process helps us capture key dimensions, such as the width of other furniture, wall details, and color schemes.Using this information, we integrate subtle design cues—like matching wood tones or proportions—to harmonize the desk with its environment. These thoughtful adjustments ensure the piece feels balanced, despite its size, and maintains visual coherence within the space.
At Fabrizio Constanza Design, we require detailed spatial information, including photographs from all four angles and a 3D model of the room with all its existing elements. This process helps us capture key dimensions, such as the width of other furniture, wall details, and color schemes.Using this information, we integrate subtle design cues—like matching wood tones or proportions—to harmonize the desk with its environment. These thoughtful adjustments ensure the piece feels balanced, despite its size, and maintains visual coherence within the space.
The inspiration lies in the piece fulfilling its primary and secondary purposes seamlessly. Designing the storage involved careful consideration of practicality without compromising the desk’s artistic composition.For example, we used hidden drawer hangers for a clean look while ensuring easy usability. By adhering to classic drawer dimensions, we saved space and maintained the balance between the desk’s modern style and its classic elements.
The curved partition plays a pivotal role in the design, symbolizing duality and movement. It allows the eye to transition smoothly across the desk, creating the illusion of a smaller piece despite its size.The curve also enhances functionality, providing depth for corporate use while serving as a central pedestal for gaming, accommodating four players comfortably. Its subtle coloration ensures it integrates harmoniously into the overall design.
This recognition motivates me to continue creating meaningful, lasting designs in a world dominated by disposable products. Custom furniture offers a timeless quality, allowing pieces to be cherished for decades and passed down through generations.This longevity maximizes the value of the materials and energy invested while providing dignified work for skilled artisans. Such practices align with my vision of sustainability and regenerative design.
The principle of "measure twice, cut once" is sacred in custom furniture. We rigorously double-check all elements and systems, involving the client in approving color and wood finish samples before production.Achieving the desired finish for a piece like this requires meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring every detail aligns with the design's intent while honoring the materials' integrity.
I envision the 5972 Olton Desk enduring as a functional piece for over 30 years, eventually becoming a collectible. Its modular design allows its components to be reused independently, embodying a regenerative vision.This approach reflects the growing demand for multifunctional furniture that adapts to evolving work and leisure needs while promoting sustainability and longevity.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
