Value is not fixed. It is shaped by perception, context and use. These projects explore how design can influence the way we value materials, products and ideas. Whether inexpensive or luxurious, products gain value when they remain useful, meaningful and lasting.
V01 → Reading Shelf
Berlin-Maybachufer
Photographer Vera Hoffmann wanted to transform an unused corner of her studio into a custom storage and reading niche. Built largely from existing shelving, pinewood and a mix of real and imitation marble, the project explores
how materials influence our perception of value. Custom shelving accommodates books, vinyl records and storage, while integrated cushions invite visitors to sit inside the architecture. Material costs where approximately €150.
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V02 → Shopper to Hopper to Grit
Originally developed during the 2008/09 financial crisis, Grit began as Hopper, a name combining "shopper" and the steel hopper used to hang freshly killed rabbits. The project questioned consumerism and our relationship with animals by merging the form of a shopping cart with materials that challenged perceptions of value. A seat made from rabbit fur and synthetic felt contrasted luxury with imitation, exposing the contradictions of modern consumption. Designed with llot llov for the Milan Fuori Salone.
Pictures by Vera Hoffmann.
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V03→ Merchandise Products
Designed to Outlast Their Price Tag
Across five projects for Mazine and Pointer, the brief was the same challenge in different materials. Goal was to make something cheap enough to give away and good enough for customers to keep. A branded object only earns its place if it survives the moment it was handed out for. Only that is real advertising in my eyes.
Designed as a Christmas gift for Pointer, the leather Bag Tag borrowed its triangular shape from that year's campaign. A fold-to-double construction solved the challenge of fitting full contact information without using zippers or buttons.
The Shoehorn, developed for Pointer with a Chinese manufacturer, took the value question into a higher register: a wooden handle paired with anodized aluminum, designed to feel closer to an accessory than a giveaway. It was convincing enough that competitors copied it shortly after.
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P04 → Wallet
The design of this wallet has basically been spawned by a play of words and a visual resemblance. The old german word for wallet is "Brieftasche" which literally translates to "Letter bag". This was the reason for me to try a new shape for a wallet that would still be able to hold all of our literal valuable items like notes, coins, credit cards, stamps, etc..
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