Liquid Geology by CAN
London-based architecture studio CAN stands behind the creation of Liquid Geology, a collection of tables that continues the practice’s experimental research into innovative material use in unexpected contexts. The series features dining, coffee, and side tables characterised by chunky, rubber-coated bases and slimline, steel-enamel tops. The steel is hand-cut and lightly bent to form a soft lip around the edge. The table tops are coated with rich blue, green, or orange enamel and fired in a kiln at 820 degrees Celsius before being hand-splattered in a contrasting tone and re-fired. The rough, craggy bases are coated in ’rubber rock,’ a unique material composition of recycled rubber chips and resin developed by CAN while researching alternative material uses in furniture production. Each base, varying in size and form, is hand-cast and coated in deep gloss paint to enhance the texture. Liquid Geology is the culmination of research into underutilised materials to create hyperreal spaces and products. The distorted scale of the super-thin steel on chunky bases hints at viewing the tables through a watery lens or as a cross-section of a mountainous lake.
CAN’s Liquid Geology explores the idea of contrast through scale, texture, and materiality. It embodies CAN’s unique studio personality, unencumbered by style and influenced by kaleidoscopic colours, classical art, geography, pop culture, music, and film. The collection was inspired by rugged coastal scenery, underwater deepsea landscapes, and Claude Monet’s 1880s paintings of sunrise and sunset on the River Thames. CAN drew on the rich detailing and colouring of the impressionists’ work alongside the practice’s own ongoing research into geographic contexts to create furniture with an otherworldly feel. The table tops offer a reflective, lightly undulating surface reminiscent of a lake, appearing to float on rocky underwater outcrops, resulting in a collection of sculpture-like furniture designed to intrigue.
CAN design architecture and objects that transform the ordinary and enrich everyday experiences. Their creations amplify cultural contexts by pushing the boundaries of physical and social spaces. At CAN, the focus is on moving beyond the obvious, delving into the deeper cultural and historical influences of each project to craft striking and memorable environments. They believe that architecture has the power to make cities more joyful, inclusive, and vibrant places to live and work.
Website: can-site.co.uk
Instagram: can_agram
Email: info@can-site.co.uk
Country: United Kingdom
