Gustav Winsth and Alexander Lervik’s Innovative Collaboration
In this groundbreaking collaboration, two generations of designers meet in future technology, giving life to a distinctive furniture collection, some of which exist exclusively in the virtual world, and showcase their process of digital prototyping.
Gustav Winsth has experienced a meteoric rise in his design career, earning accolades such as the prestigious “Rising Star” and “Furniture of the Year” awards this year. His exploration and creation of furniture using VR technology, notably for Lammhults furniture, set the stage for this groundbreaking collaboration.
Alexander Lervik, one of Swedens most well known and established designers, is known for early ventures into LED and 3D print technology, with his MYBrain lamp recognized as Scandinavia’s first signature 3D-printed object. Their joint venture, the Reality armchair, brings together these two design visionaries in a virtual space, pushing the boundaries of production technology and redefining the future landscape for designers. Utilizing VR technology, they designed the furniture in their respective studios, seamlessly collaborating within the virtual environment.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Gustav Winsth shares, “Inviting someone into my design process and sharing the experience of sketching in 3D has been a significant step for me. Collaborating with someone who brings traditional design experience and appreciates our achievements strengthens my belief in the transformative potential of VR for design.”
Alexander Lervik adds, “I’m fascinated by new technology. When I first met Gustav, I asked if he wanted to collaborate on a project where he could introduce me to VR technology. The project surpassed all expectations. Drawing furniture in the air, with me in my studio and Gustav in his, and then seeing the finished result next to other armchairs—it’s like magic. When I take off my headset, it’s almost like I forget it’s not physically there.”
Transitioning from the virtual environment to tangible reality, the meticulous process of crafting the armchair began. For its superior formability compared to steel, along with the advantage of less weight, and as a climate-smart choice for a 100% metal object, aluminum emerged as the ideal material. Collaborating with skilled sheet metal workers, accustomed to shaping motorcycle gas tanks, enabled the production of the armchairs seat. On Ekerö, craftsmen painstakingly created the domes, encapsulating the legs, through manual pressure turning. The parts were then masterfully combined through the works of a skilled TIG welder. Achieving the unique deep- to bright-red color gradation required the expertise of an airbrush motif painting studio.
The Reality armchair is set to premiere at älvsjö gård, displayed in Gustav and Alexander’s stand in Hall A during the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Attendees can immerse themselves in the virtual design process through “VR binoculars” suspended from the ceiling, and explore physical sum in Reality.
