ALP Shelf

The essence of a product lies in its functionality as a tool from its origin. However, in the modern world, opportunities to physically interact with an excellent tool have been overshadowed by the prevalence of engaging with its “visual information.” As a result, there is even a tendency for creators to prioritize photogenic representations on smartphones over the practical usability and physical experience of tools and architectural spaces. This has led to an imbalanced situation where “visual information transmission” is excessively emphasized.

Inspired by this issue, the event explores the concept of "design that cannot be communicated through visual information." Considering the limitations of photographs—specifically, their lack of physicality and depth—it led to the idea of creating lightweight furniture using a tension structure, made from 3mm thick aluminum composite panels and fishing lines. As we developed mockups on a visual monitor, we were struck by how, from certain angles, the materiality of the object completely vanished, leaving only pure lines on the screen. The realization that "it doesn't convey at all" was affirming. We hope this will prompt reflection on the difference between a tool’s functionality in the real world and its existence as visual information in media.