Federico Stefanovich Unveils “Salina Collection” Inspired by Marine Life

Federico Stefanovich, a designer recognized by Wallpaper* as an Ascending Star, has introduced his latest body of work, the “Salina Collection.” Presented by the Mexico City gallery Ago Projects, this collection features a range of lighting and table designs that draw inspiration from the organic structures found in marine life. Stefanovich’s approach moves beyond literal representation, instead abstracting the anatomical qualities of shells and carapaces to create pieces that embody both fragility and strength.

Marine Morphology Reimagined

Stefanovich’s creative process for the Salina Collection begins with a deep dive into the morphology of aquatic organisms. He is interested in capturing the essential skeletal qualities that define these natural forms. “Rather than reproduce these references literally, the collection reinterprets them through an abstract lens, seeking to capture the delicate balance between fragility and strength – the rigidity and organic fluidity that characterizes many forms of marine life,” Stefanovich explained. His focus is on structures, behaviors, and relationships within nature, rather than solely on existing design typologies.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

For the collection’s table designs, Stefanovich utilized sand-cast bronze. This material choice was deliberate, allowing him to meticulously recreate the intricate yet robust skeletal forms. The bronze process enables the creation of hollow limbs and branches that can integrate necessary electrical components. This method highlights Stefanovich’s fascination with the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, where handmade processes and digital tools inform each other. He also emphasizes the importance of celebrating the “traces of making” rather than concealing them.

Fibreglass for Illumination

The lampshades in the Salina Collection are crafted from fiberglass. This material was selected for its ability to balance precision with an element of unpredictability, with inherent air bubble imperfections reminiscent of natural shell surfaces. Shaped using 3D-printed molds, the semi-translucent fiberglass is ideal for diffusing light, allowing the complex curves to reveal their textural variations when illuminated. Stefanovich notes the contrast between the dense, skeletal feel of the bronze and the lighter, translucent quality of the fiberglass, which together create a dynamic tension within the collection.

Engineering and Aesthetics

Stefanovich’s work also delves into the engineering aspects of design. He expresses a deep interest in the structural logic, balance, assembly, and weight distribution of his pieces, considering these elements as significant as the visual outcome. In the table designs, he pushed the boundaries of asymmetry, demonstrating how functional and expressive solutions can emerge from the object’s inherent support and assembly. This approach mirrors nature’s own efficient and elegant design principles.

Key facts

This collection offers a unique perspective on how natural forms can inspire contemporary design. For an audience interested in architecture and design, Stefanovich’s Salina Collection highlights innovative material applications and a thoughtful approach to form and function, demonstrating a deep engagement with both natural systems and advanced fabrication techniques.

Source: Wallpaper – Federico Stefanovich looks under the sea for his ethereal new lighting collection – https://www.wallpaper.com/design-interiors/lighting/federico-stefanovich-salina-collection