Perfect LegsThe atmosphere that presents itself upon entering EOOS’ downtown studio in Vienna is befitting of the design trio’s reputation. The space is a lively collection of their design work: glass walls, desks, drawing boards, prototypes, photographs, drafts, models and other props encourage one to further explore the setting amid a flurry of activity. |
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A staff of 15 works at this over-dimensional showcase which has successfully carved out its place in the premier design league, under the watchful eyes of EOOS founders Martin Bergmann, Gernot Bohmann and Harald Gründl. The team completes orders for top labels worldwide. Current projects include designs for Bene, Alessi, Zumtobel Staff and Duravit, to name a few. An object on one of the desks inside the light-suffused space evokes comparisons to one of Howard Hughes’ planes. It resembles a sculpture, paying homage to the smoothly polished charm of mass produced goods back in the days of Raymond Loewy. It is however doubtful that the creatives of EOOS seek to encourage such comparisons. The table legs which EOOS designed three years ago for Bene’s "Filo" meeting and conference table are supposed to "reflect balance, lightness, and simplicity," explains Martin Bergmann, adding further, "whether a table is used for a wedding or a meeting, the focus is always on the people and their interaction. The table is supposed to blend with the background, serving merely as a tool." This statement reflects EOOS‘ approach to meetings and communication. Their latest design drew inspiration from the "Filo" meeting chair which had been developed for the US label Keilhauer. One could the "Filo" chair is the ancestor of the new table. Bergmann states that the design approach of "poetic analysis" applied to every meeting room scenario focuses mainly on "concentration". Speaking of concentration, the chair was modelled on an archer. EOOS sudden inspiration could be described as follows: Tension paired with elastic materials and shapes." The secret of the table which meets high-tech and IT needs of modern offices, while winning over with balance and tranquillity, reveals itself only at a closer look. The "Filo" table boasts a soothing table surface. The tabletop rests on beautifully crafted legs or antlers as Bergmann calls them. The 4.8-m-long table can be extended as required and is supported by only three table legs. Each of the table legs forms four aluminium branches which carry the weight of the tabletop. "This design feature ensures stability and helps to connect multiple tables in a linear arrangement," explains Bergmann. "Filo’s" underside reveals another sophisticated detail. Individually configured media panels can be easily clipped on to every seat as required. Cables are routed to ground along a trunk-shaped cable duct – the Tornado as Bergman calls it. The textile surface of the cable duct allows for flexible power connections "within a radius of about half a meter around the floor opening," explains the designer. At the end of the tour, "Filo" delivers what Bergmann had initially promised. The table shines with balance and calm and is expected to also take on a supporting role at the EOOS studio. The design team values nothing more than meeting with their clients around the table. EOOS is convinced that design is never accomplished alone. "Successful communication with the client automatically leads to an accomplished product," says Bergmann and adds that he and his team enjoy collaborating with strong personalities to jointly arrive at a solution. "All projects involve active exchange and mutual respect," the designer comments on the collaboration with partners from various industries. And just like with Filo here concentration is paramount, for EOOS prefers "saddling up" with fewer companies, but in a more intensive dialogue. Michael Hausenblas |
Link
www.eoos.com     |
