Exhibition

Silent Revolotions [ Contemporury esign in

Sloveniu
2225 September 2011
London Design Festival
Tent London, Dray Walk Gallery
London, United Kingdom


The Museum of Architecture and Design presents the exhibition SILENT REVOLUTIONS, a selection
of design that marks the first two decades of this young European country. Rather than showing a
sweeping overall view the show focuses on outstanding individual cases. The selected design exhibits
embody the passion and obsession of individual artists, the drive, innovative development and high-
quality production, ranging from the filigree turn-tables by Franc Kuzma and the seductive Black
Cherry Lamps by designer Nika Zupanc to Seaways Greenline 33 Hybrid, the worlds first large
hybrid boat, and Trimos Qbiss One with ArtMe modular faade systems. The exhibition also
presents certain key productions from the countrys largest actors in the industry, including Elan's
revolutionary series of WaveFlex skis designed in cooperation with Gigodesign studio,
Alpina's Racing Elite cross-country ski boots developed in cooperation with Jure Miklavc
studio, and Gorenje's Simplicity home appliance line by Gorenje Design Studio. The exhibition
that illustrates important or even turning-point moments in the history of Slovene design, albeit in terms
of a new design mentality or new development trends, is accompanied with an extensive publication
that does not focus only on the products and individual designers and studios, but also on clients and
producers who played an important role in the implementation of these projects.

This exhibition that brings together more than 25 selected works is the first extensive
international presentation of Slovene product design of the last two decades. By intertwining
economy and culture, together with concerted cooperation with government institutions active in
the field of creative industries, the project is aimed at representing the best of Slovene production
and companies and in so doing, making Slovenia more widely recognised through industrial
design.

The exhibition will be opened by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Mr Borut Pahor.

The exhibition has been selected for the inclusion in the Icon Design Trail, the only independent guide
to the London Design Festival, which highlights only the most interesting, new and must see events
and shows at the festival.


The curator Maja Vardjan studied at the Faculty of Architecture University of Ljubljana and is currently the architecture editor of
Ambient magazine. Between 2007 and 2010 she ran the T5 Project Space gallery, which was conceived as an open platform for
the promotion of design as an integral part of culture. She is the author of Design in Dialogue (a publication on contemporary Dutch
design) and the forthcoming book Portraits on the studio Bevk Perovi Architects. Her writing on architecture, design and visual art
has been published in Slovenian and foreign publications, and she is the Slovenian correspondent for a10 New European
Architecture magazine.

Authours of the exhibition display are Bevk Perovi Architects. Studio was founded in Ljubljana (Slovenia) in 1997 by
Matija Bevk and Vasa J. Perovi. Bevk Perovi projects have been presented at Slovenian and foreign exhibitions and published
in the expert magazines and books. They are receivers of the many home and international acknowledgments and awards; the
most prestigious was Emerging Architect Special Mention Mies van der Rohe Award 2007 for Faculty of Mathematics,
Ljubljana.




List of Designers and Companies (Product, designer, producer)

Exhaust systems, design: Igor Akrapovi, Akrapovi / Alpina Racing Cross-country ski boots, design: Jure Miklavc, Jan
Jagodi, Robert Krinar; Alpina / Bags and Jewellery, design: Lara Bohinc, Lara Bohinc / WaveFlex skis, design: Gigodesign
and Elan Research Department, Elan / Flow water set, design: Tanja Pak, Glesia / Simplicity household appliances, design:
Gorenje Design Studio, Gorenje / Gwig lighting fixture, design: Asobi, Intra lighting / Wall-mounted coatrack, design: Toni
Kancilja / Stabi S Turntable, design: Franc Kuzma, Kuzma / Black Cherry Lamp, design: Nika Zupanc, La Femme et la Maison
Nika Zupanc / Criatura, design: Leonora Jakovljevi, Leonora Mark - ave femina / Holey Roket Stove, design: Rok Oblak,
co-author Larry Winiarski / Squareplay play space, design: Oloop / Sitty foldable seat, design: Gigodesign, Petri / Taurus Electro
G2 glider, design: Ivo Boscarol and team, Pipistrel / Motor yacht Greenline 33 Hybrid, design: Jernej and Japec Jakopin,
Seaway / Fin, Dea in Luna Chairs, design: Katjua Kranjc and Rok Kuhar, Stol & Stol / Lajt chair, design: Janez Suhadolc /
Efekt shovel, design: Rinz, Pavlinec in Pavlinec, Tehnos / Qbiss by Trimo and Artme, design: Trimo, Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering and Gorenje Design Studio, Trimo / Slim lamp, design: Bevk Perovi arhitekti, Vertigo Bird / Siti armchair,
design: Arne Vehovar, Zilio Aldo & C. sas

The exhibition will also present some of the historical design products from Slovenia:
Rex Chair, design: Niko Kralj, Stol Kamnik, 1952
Microphone Series, design: Marko Turk, EAL, 19561997
Kiosk K67, design: Saa J. Machtig, Imgrad, 1966
Perfume Atomiser, 1947, and Plastic photographic slide frame, 1969, design: Peter Florjani
Eta 80 Telephone, design: Davorin Savnik, Iskra, 1979



Presentations of designers and companies

Lajt Chair, design: Janez Suhadolc, 1991
The chairs designed by architect, designer and craftsman Janez Suhadolc have a
decided common denominator: they are made of wood, are handmade, and are
both unique and perfect in their imperfection. The designer got the idea for a chair
that can be held at the point of a outstretched finger and that carries the weight of
both an adult person and a child at the same time, in response to criticisms that his
chairs were massive and heavy. The result is an ultra light, minimalist chair of basic
design that developed into an entire Lajt series and represents Suhadolc's most
widely produced design.

Flow water set, design: Tanja Pak for Glesia, 2008
Designer Tanja Pak drew inspiration for the Flow series of glass items form the
elementary movement of water, its waves, transparency and ethereal properties that
she worked to capture in the solid form of glass. The desire to encourage people to
consume water in a healthy way without redundant plastic packaging resulted in the
fine, thinly undulated crystal glass made by the best master glass blowers at
Steklarna Rogaka. Tanja Pak personifies the fragile connection between the
demanding glass-making tradition and new creative technologies. Since 2005 she has run the Glesia
Gallery, which specialises in glass items.

Squareplay play space, design: Oloop, 2007
Oloop is both a brand and a collective with a loosely permanent membership of
three textile designers: Tjaa Bavcon, Katja Burger and Jasmina Ferek. They
joined forces over the course of creative exploration of objects and spaces that can
be worn like a second skin or used to move in space. The large (140 x 140 cm)
multi-layered surface made of breathing cotton jersey fabric, polyester and
polyurethane foam can be folded, turned up, twisted and arranged into various
spatial nests. The square shape of the product is conceived such that the child creates his own
playground.

Efekt shovel, design: Rinz, Pavlinec & Pavlinec for Tehnos, 2008
The multi-purpose ergonomic shovel is a tool suitable for various jobs on the farm, in
the garden or at home that require strength and efficiency. The inventive ergonomic
shape of the shovel that weighs only 1.5 kg greatly reduces the need for bending and
transfers pressure from the back to the legs. The light aluminium bar is coated with
thermal PVC, providing good grip and thermal insulation, whereas the blade with
systematically formed reinforcement allows a greater scoop and requires less force. As a result the
shovel is rugged, light and highly stable, even when loaded.

Siti armchair, design: Arne Vehovar for Zilio Aldo & C. Sas, 2004
Since the mid 1990s, architect Arne Vehovar and his associates have helped shape
Slovene design significantly, particularly in the planning and design of furniture. The
Siti armchair with a solid beech frame and a back and seat in moulded beech
plywood, is designed for easy storage and stacking, saving precious space if
necessary. This is one of the few wooden armchairs that provides real comfort. The
finishing varies, available as natural, coloured or lacquered.

Wall Coatrack, design: Toni Kancilja, 1999
The construction of this wall-mounted coat rack, consisting of a row of carrying and
supporting pegs, represents a well-conceived play of balance, functionality, and
beauty, with no extraneous elements. Its perfection lies in the exemplary concept
and simple form.

Taurus Electro G2 glider, design: Ivo Boscarol and team for Pipistrel, 2008
World-renowned Pipistrel is known for their high-end ultralight motorgliders. Just a
few years ago the company launched a pioneering product called the Taurus
Electro G2, the first electric two-seat aeroplane in the world. The aircraft is
economical, quiet and emits no CO2. The engine and landing gear are completely
retractable, thereby reducing air resistance and fuel consumption. The parallel seating makes the seats
ergonomic and comfortable and facilitates adjustment of the cockpit according to the size and shape of
the pilot. Pipistrel has also developed the Solar Trailer for road transport purposes. In favourable
conditions, its powerful solar panels can recharge the gliders batteries in five hours.

Slim lamp, design: Bevk Perovi arhitekti for Vertigo Bird, 2008
Vertigo Bird is a contemporary Slovenian lighting brand established in 2008. Since
its launch the company has worked intensively with both Slovenian and foreign
designers to build a diverse and compelling lighting collection. The idea for the Slim
lamp designed by Bevk Perovi architects combined a standard fluorescent tube
and a ballast module. The bottle-shaped casing of the ballast module is the extension of a laser-cut
aluminium pipe that aims to achieve optimum light emission. The result is a lamp of monolithic shape
with an unusually slim body. It can be used as an office lamp, a free-standing lamp or a vertical-
suspension wall lamp.

Holey Roket stove, design: Rok Oblak, co-author: Larry Winiarski, 2009
Designer Rok Oblak developed the Holey Roket vernacular stove in cooperation
with different centres producing biomass briquettes worldwide. The unusual L-
shaped combustion chamber and the position of briquettes improve the air flow and
allow higher burning temperatures for toxic gasses and other substances; at the
same time the shape enables simple adding of fuel during cooking. The open-source shape is simple to
imitate and can be adjusted to existing stoves. In addition, existing pipes can also be used as a model
for briquettes. The making of the Holey Roket is cost-free. Because organic waste is used, it
encourages sustainability and contributes to a cleaner environment.

Greenline 33 Hybrid Powerboat, design: Jernej and Japec Jakopin for Seaway
Group, 2009
Seaway is the worlds leading boat development and engineering company. In
response to the global recession of 2008, the company began to develop a vision
aligned along changing values in contemporary boating, resulting in the hybrid
Greenline 33. The primary feature of this special 10-metre craft is its hybrid power (electric or diesel)
co-generated by roof-mounted solar panels, which recharge the batteries throughout the day. As a
result, the Greenline 33 sails without noise, smoke and unnecessary carbon dioxide emissions. The
special Superdisplacement shape of the hull combines a safe and comfortable voyage with little
resistance, which means a pleasurable time onboard and low fuel consumption.

Gwig lamp, design: Asobi for Intra lighting, 2006
Intra lighting is an international company based in Miren specialised in the
manufacture of architectural lighting and lighting systems. The pendant Gwig lamp
is a result of cooperation between Intra lighting and Asobi Design Studio. The
unusual LED lamp has the appearance of special ambient jewellery. The idea for a miniature lamp
that would function as an aesthetic element in a space gave birth to three independent LED diodes in
an aluminium core that, like a transparent floating module, combines high technology with the futuristic-
looking object.

Stabi S turntable, design: Franc Kuzma for Kuzma, 1998 and 1999
The Kuzma company has long left a unique mark in music technology for home
environments, producing analogue turntables and tonearms for over 20 years. In the
second half of the 1990s they developed the Stabi S turntable, followed by the Stabi
XL, the massive form of which still induces respect. The Stabi S turntable excels in
its minimalist design. All features influencing the sound are executed without any compromise
whatsoever, like the rigid connection between the pivot of the platter and the tonearm base. Nor is there
anything redundant about the Stabi XL either everything is governed by function. Because of its
mass, this supreme turntable that weighs as much as 80 kg (the massive platter weighs 24 kg) does
not need any suspension, only a strong and stable base.

Black Cherry Lamp, design: Nika Zupanc for La Femme at la Maison Nika Zupanc,
2010
In her work, designer Nika Zupanc persistently reinterprets stereotypical, everyday
objects as she thematizes the role of women in the predominantly masculine world
of design. The Black Cherry Lamp is a modular assembly of lamps that pays
homage to every single cherry in the world blessed with a shape that is simple and mysterious at the
same time. The suspended lamp is made of a blown glass bulb hanging on metal tubing. The lamp is
available as a single cherry, twin cherries or triplets.

Alpina Racing Elite CL and CS, design: Jure Miklavc, Jan Jagodi, Robert Krinar
for Alpina, 2008
For many years manufacturer Alpina has worked in cooperation with industrial
designer Jure Miklavc who, with constructor Robert Krinar and graphic designer
Jan Jagodi, designed two of Alpinas most innovative and technologically refined products: the Elite
CS and CL model cross country ski boots. Intended for competitors and advanced recreational skiers,
they are suitable for both classic and skating techniques and represent the latest evolutionary
developments and a long racing heritage. The boots are designed to ensure optimum power
transmission with minimum energy loss. They are distinguished by their light weight, ergonomic
volume, good flex, excellent torsional stability, simple on and off, and innovative lacing system.

Kawasaki ZX10-10R Evolution exhaust system, design: Igor Akrapovi and team for
Akrapovi, 2008
The Akrapovi company is a leader in the design of exhaust systems for
motorcycles and sports cars. Their Kawasaki ZX10 Evolution model represents an
important turning point in the companys development. The models advantage over
the original exhaust system is its 10 percent increase in engine power while weighing in 60 percent
lighter thanks to the use of titanium as a construction material. The companys Hydroforming process
has made possible a new pointed hexagonal shape for the muffler as well as the production of new
bends in the pipes, which were developed for optimising the flow of exhaust fumes. The system was
designed for racing purposes, but a similar European road version is also available.

Speedwave 14, WaveFlex 14 and SLX WaveFlex Plate skis, design: Gigodesign in
collaboration with the Elan research department for Elan, 20072011
Elan is a major manufacturer of skis and snowboards that is often setting new
milestones in the ski industry. Elans innovation WaveFlex
TM
, patented in 2006,
solves the dilemma of providing the user with versatile skis on a highly segmented
ski market. The result is skis that are fast and stable on the slopes both in short and long turns; that are
soft and flexible, while at the same time providing torsional stiffness and good hold on the snow. The
idea of the function and effect of waves was developed at Elan; the design is the result of cooperation
with the Gigodesign studio a sandwich with a characteristic wave profile. Its the perfect ski for
versatile skiing, as its smooth longitudinal flex and powerful edges hold in all snow conditions.

Qbiss One with ArtMe modular faade, design: Trimo, Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering and Gorenje Design Studio for Trimo, 2009
Trimo is one of Europe's leading companies offering complete solutions in the area of
fireproof roofs and facades. In the field the company is regarded not only as a market
leader, but also as a trendsetter and a highly innovative company, as proven by their numerous
international awards. The modular faade Qbiss One intertwines the purity of architectural form and
comprehensive technical solutions. With its emphasised joint the Qbiss One is the right answer for
projects where simple, accomplished forms combined with functionality and fast assembly are required.
ArtMe Faade design uses new faade surface reshaping technology that enables the architect or
designer to complement the faade cladding with a preferred design.

Simplicity household appliances, design: Gorenje Design Studio for Gorenje, 2009
Responding to contemporary trends in interior design and lifestyle, Gorenje, a
manufacturer of high quality domestic appliances, introduced Simplicity line
featuring simple and logical operation using a single control dial. Simplicity is a line
of selected appliances distinguished by affordability and particularly simple,
economic operation, which is handled by a single dial button with easy-to-
understand icons for selecting preset programmes. The functionality of the simplified operation is
suitably matched with well-considered form. The appliances exhibit a simple appearance that is
nonetheless elegant and refined. The ergonomically shaped dial button also serves as a visual
hallmark that unifies the look of a line.

Sitty folding chair, design: Gigodesign, implementation: Petri, 2009
The Sitty folding chair is a rational design solution for public areas because it takes
up a very minimum of space. With a single pull, it is put in the sitting position; once
standing again, the seat automatically retracts into a vertical position, freeing the
surrounding space. The chairs load bearing capacity carries up to 150 kg, it dries
quickly after a rain, and the water washes the seat clean so no additional cleaning is
necessary. It is highly suitable for public and private urban areas where other
solutions cannot be used, such as city centres, train and bus stations, marinas and
airports. Sitty is a pilot project of Gigodesign, a leading Slovene design studio
founded in 2000.

Eclipse bags and jewellery, design: Lara Bohinc for Lara Bohinc, 2007
Lara Bohinc is a company headquartered in London that creates and distributes
high quality luxury goods by designer Lara Bohinc. Born in Slovenia, Bohinc is one
of the most innovative and exciting jewellers working in fashion today. She retains a
deep respect for the traditional principles of her craft, but also draws on her
knowledge of industrial techniques and materials to revitalise her jewellery design.
Her design is simultaneously classical and contemporary, there is something
searingly modern about her bold use of precious metals and unbranded, knotted leather handbags as
seen in the Eclipse collection, which after just a few years since its launch is already considered design
classic.

Criatura shoes, Leonora Jakovljevi for Leonora Mark Ave Femina, 2005
Leonora Mark - Ave Femina shoes are devised as opuses rather than dictated by
the order of seasonal collections. Leonora Jakovljevi creates shoes according to
principles better known in art circles, with production collections assembled in the
artist's portfolio. The Criatura opus was inspired by a world of fairytales and mystical
forests, and is made of deer and horse fur further enhanced by horn buttons. The fur
is not cut and normally keeps the shape dictated by its own qualities rather than the
form of a shoe. These shoes are made manually, by hand, in all phases of production; are designed to
please the eye and hand as well as the feet.

Fin, Dea and Luna Chairs, design: Rok Kuhar and Katjua Kranjec for Stol &
Stol, 2011
Stol, one of the furniture giants in the former Yugoslavia, is currently developing
a new series of contract furniture. The new series of chairs designed by Rok
Kuhar and Katjua Kranjec are based on existing factory moulds while the
plywood is later treated by cutting and turning it into entirely new compositions.
The chair series includes plywood furniture, upholstered chairs, chaises lounges
and armchairs. The designers found the beauty of the design process in the
transformation of the existing and took the limitations of the project as a creative,
constructive challenge.


Dates and Opening Hours
22, 23, 24, 25 September 2011
10am8pm, ThursSat
11am6pm, Sun

Location
Tent London @ Dray Walk Gallery
Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane
E1 6QL London, UK

Organisation
Museum of Architecture and Design, Ljubljana, Slovenia, www.mao.si
Curator: Maja Vardjan

The Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO) is a partner of London Design Festival 2011.

Coordinators
Ministry of Culture Republic of Slovenia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Slovenia
Ministry of the Economy Republic of Slovenia
Public Agency of the republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship
Government Communication Office

Additional information and photos
Museum of Architecture and Design, mao@mao.si, P: 00386 1 5484 270
Anja Zorko: anja.zorko@mao.si or P: +386 1 5484 273, M: +386 41 606 436
Pika Leban: pika.leban@mao.si or P: +386 1 5484 274

http://www.mao.si
http://www.mao.si/For-the-media.aspx
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54395392@N06/sets/72157627291845350/


About London Design Festival
The London Design Festival is a city-wide celebration of design that takes place over nine days. This
years Festival takes place 1725 September 2011. Now in its ninth year, the London Design Festival
will be the largest and most significant yet, with an expected 180 partners and more than 250 events
celebrating the worlds creative capital.

About the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)
Museum of Architecture and Design will be presented at the London Design Festival for the first time.
The Museum of Architecture and Design is a national Slovene organization for the architecture,
industrial design, visual communication and photography. MAO systematically collects, stores and
studies materials related to these fields of activity and displays them in temporary and permanent
exhibitions, making it possible for visitors to understand the past and the future of architecture, design
and photography. It offers visitors a diverse experience with modern, attractive exhibitions,
presentations and programmes with content for people from different backgrounds and all ages.
Through various educational events museum is establishing itself as an innovative space for
creating, gathering, exchange and learning.