Unfold
to be revealed gradually to the understanding
Unfold was founded in 2002 by Claire Warnier and Dries Verbruggen, after they graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven as a platform for everything they did and would do. The Antwerp-based duo developed a strong multidisciplinary background in design, technology and art and often collaborates with a vast network of kindred spirits and specialists.
Currently Unfold focuses on three overlapping domains:
Computation and production methods
Unfold takes its name from a fascination for computation design methods and the surface of the human body, which led to a series of design projects called ‘tribute to surface’. A computer program designed to Unfold simple forms was used on complex 3D models, such as a 3D scan of the human body. It generated new patterns and demanded new production methods. These projects are primarily research based, although the methods are implemented in assignments whenever suitable.
Spatial design and products - furnictecture
What you see is not always what you get. Unfold likes good products and furniture that meanwhile imbed a hidden meaning or carry a layered narrative. The Unfold-duo challenges the spectator to have a closer look by subtly playing with aspects such as spatial alienation (a.o. the interplay between two and three dimensions), unexpected material combinations and a good dose of humour. This multi-perspective approach often leads to products and projects that evolve in time and space and gradually Unfold themselves to the user or visitor/participant.
Theory and assembling
As concept, context and the interplay between form, material and content are integral parts of its own design practice Unfold became increasingly interested in the somewhat artificial boundaries between (the) design and art (world). Apart from designing furnictecture for art events it started curating and producing happenings where these boundaries were blown. Unfold started digging into the motivation of quite some designers to lean on the art world and found the weakness of the design discourse at the basis of it. Ever since Unfold finds it important to add relevance to this discourse.
Claire Warnier, founder, researcher, designer
graduated at the Design Academy Eindhoven, department of Man and Identity in 2002 and received a Master in Art Sciences at the University of Ghent in 2008. Besides Unfold she works on her phd thesis in design theory, before she worked as a curator for Z33, art center in Hasselt, Belgium.
Dries Verbruggen, founder, lecturer, designer
graduated at the Design Academy Eindhoven, department of Man and Living in 2002. He co-founded United Statements in 1999. Besides Unfold he teaches design at the ICT & Media Design department of the Fontys University of Applied Sciences.
Unfold worked for ao: Jaga and Studio Joris Laarman, Middelheim Museum, Droog Design, Unilever, Contour Video Art Biennial, Meg Stuart, Netherlands Architecture Institute and Heineken.
Unfold exhibited in ao: Brussels, Antwerp, London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, New York, Milan, Stockholm, Prague.
Unfold was published in various books and magazines ao: Frame, Elle Living, Grand Stand 2, Designboom.com, Spacecraft 2, House of concepts, Beyond Architecture, Vanidad.
