Simplicity is a complex thing. These words summarize the design philosophy of Michael Anastassiades, Designer of the Year at the next edition of Maison & Objet, in Paris from 17 to 21 January 2020.
Despite being famous mainly for his collection of light fixtures, Michael Anastassiades designed products of different kinds, from furniture for B&B Italia, Herman Miller, Cassina, to glasses for Lobmeyr, to loudspeakers for Bang & Olufsen.
His projects are exhibited in the permanent collections of the MoMA in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and many more, in addition to London streets.
Master of Light
Anastassiades, born in Cyprus, opened his own design studio in London in 1994, and in 2007 launched the eponymous lighting brand at the trade fair held in Paris. His objects are characterized by primary shapes – line, circle, sphere – that define apparently simple products with a complex soul, exactly in the same way as a perfectly tailored suit made with fine fabrics combines simplicity and refinement.
Darkness is the starting point to design light, according to Anastassiades. Lights must not turn night into day and lamps are furnishing objects, off about 80% of their time. Therefore, lamps interact with the designed environment and their appearance is crucial in an interior design project.
Sustainability is a timeless object
The objects designed by Michael Anastassiades are timeless and go beyond the concept of sustainability. According to his design philosophy, things must last for a long time, forever if possible. That’s why he does not even feel the need to speak of sustainability: precious objects are eternal.
On the occasion of Michael Anastassiades Maison & Objet “Designer of the year”, all his 16 Mobile Chandeliers will be showcased together for the first time: in a dark space, the lamps, powered by motors, will move as if they were planets. This exhibition will highlight once again the concepts of darkness and light, emphasizing the magic resulting from their interaction.
