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Wood in Process by Envisions and Finsa, Milan. Illustration by Elvis Wesley

Wood in Process by Envisions and Finsa, Milan. Photography by Ronald Smits

Wood in Process by Envisions and Finsa, Milan. Sample by Simone Post. Photography by Ronald Smits

Wood in Process by Envisions and Finsa, Milan. Sample by, Henriette Tilanus. Photography by Ronald Smits

Milan Salone 2017: Provocative prototypes

Milan – Design collective Envisions has collaborated with Spanish MDF manufacturer Finsa to imagine the future of wood as a material.

12 designers were given free rein to experiment with raw fibres, adhesive resins and by-products of MDF
A virtual reality experience also revealed the Finsa factories and new material possibilities through a digital landscape

With the aim of being an industry-inspiring laboratory, the Envisions collective’s latest project serves as an impressive incubator for conceiving new identities for wood.

‘We decided to exhibit material processes rather than final objects, as the possibilities of experiments are often undervalued,’ designer Simone Post tells LS:N Global. ‘This way of working is more familiar for designers, but is less common for corporate companies and has a lot of value.’

Offering a contemporary exploration of mundane MDF, the highly visual, playful and textured prototypes offer a glimpse into the future potential of ubiquitous materials and their potential applications.

The Big Picture

For more on the changing perceptions of low-value materials within the realms of luxury design, and the leading designers that are driving this, read our Anti-Materials design direction. LS:N Global will be reporting live from Milan Salone Internazionale del Mobile all week, so keep an eye on our Briefing and Shows sections.