Design Studio BD Barcelona Design has released Cristallo, a limited-edition cabinet designed by the late architect and designer Alessandro Mendini, who passed away last year.
Part of BD Barcelona's Art Editions collection, the Cristallo, Mendini's final design, is based on a concept that Mendini referred to as Tarsia Urbana (Italian for urban marquetry), and was inspired by the classic shape of a cup trophy.
Set on a rectangular dark-wood base, the cabinet features a unique y-shape, and is made from sycamore veneered MDF and has glossy red, blue and green panels, with circular inlays in the sides, as well as an intricate graphic of a trophy superimposed on the front.
BD Barcelona described the commission as a 'thank you' for Mendini, who had worked with the company since the early 80's and was a frequent collaborator.
"Cristallo is a limited and was manufactured with care. For us, it is a celebration.History wanted it to be Mendini's last design throughout his long and rich career," the brand said in a release.
"Alessandro Mendini was a unique person characterised for his great generosity amongst many of his other qualities. His passing has left behind a huge void."
Mendini, speaking on his work with the company before his death in February 2019, says: "It's an essence, a treasure, the memory and fundamental energy necessary to produce a vital collection that is sophisticated and coherent. It is fertile, prepared, appropriate and elegant. BD ignited discussions and accumulated so many heterogenic objects, designs and proposals and models that little by little became museum pieces"
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