'Crafting Connections' explores the art of furniture making in small-scale workshops

Guided by the creative vision of Belgium-based furniture designer Frank Ternier, Atelier Ternier crafts pragmatic interior design and furniture projects in collaboration with artists, designers and architects. The carpentry workshop begets contemporary ideas that redefine the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. In their latest exhibition named Crafting Connections, the studio features works of 12 independent European design practices "offering a glimpse into the themes of collective creativity, innovative design and self-production," according to an official statement.

The design exhibition morphs form and function to conceive sculptural and minimalist pieces including rugs, lamps, chairs, cabinets, tables and candlesticks. Running from August 30 - September 29, 2024, at the SURPLUS Interieur store in Ghent, Belgium, the presentation sports rich materiality including smooth aluminium, rich oak and soft textiles. The diverse furniture design offerings at Crafting Connections bring contrast to the serene backdrop of woven tapestries. Illuminated by an ambient lighting design scheme, the exhibition space spotlights the subtle nuances between various materials and forms, creating a cohesive and dynamic experience.

Below are STIR's picks of some of the key exhibits from the Crafting Connections showcase:

Stubs by Atelier Ternier's LABT

Stubs is a playful collection of stackable stool designs conceived by Atelier Ternier's furniture design studio LABT—a fusion of 'stool' and 'tub'. Ternier crafted the product designs from solid ash wood with lacquer finishing to collate a customisable collection with 20 intense colours. Four stools resemble a barrel tub when stacked together, making Stubs both, a functional and visually striking addition to any space.

Beam by ÆTHER/MASS

A beam of light carves a hooked path through the air, seemingly rising from the ground in the sculptural installation by Belgian designer Davy Grosemans' ÆTHER/MASS studio. The lamp's polished stainless steel body mirrors its surroundings, giving it an elusive quality that enhances the emitted light. According to the studio, the lamp gives an impression of emerging "from the earth, not from the sky as one would expect". Inspired by the double fitting design of the 1930s Linestra and Ralina lamp models by Germany-based lighting companies Osram and Radium, Beam's extended filament casts a bold, continuous light beam. Resembling a metal beam, the base transforms the piece from a conventional lamp into a sculptural artefact, seamlessly blending art and function.

Stack by studio MOTO

Ghent-based architecture firm studio MOTO conceives Stack, a dynamic collection of furniture that is "simple, effective, stable, stackable and expandable". The versatile system allows users to create custom pieces built from a limited number of modular aluminium components without the need for screws or mechanical fixings. Stack presents multiple combinations and design possibilities, ranging from a coffee table designed with two metal plates to a sculptural totem made of six components.

Neon by Paulineplusluis

Industrial cable trays are transformed into caged light structures in Brussels-based Paulineplusluis studio's Neon lighting collection. Initially utilised to organise electric cables in buildings, these galvanised steel trays are repurposed to house LED neon tubes, with laser-cut aluminium components joining the elements to create a fusion of raw industrial materials and refined design. Available in multiple lengths, the lamps transform functional building elements into striking contemporary design pieces.

Glass Cabinet by Bautier

A modern interpretation of the classic vitrine cabinet, Bautier's Glass Cabinet melds timeless design with contemporary functionality. Crafted from solid oak with a matte lacquer finish, the freestanding piece is designed for kitchen and dining spaces to store and display ceramics, glassware and tableware. The upper section features two sleek glass sliding doors and adjustable wooden shelves, providing both visibility and flexibility while the lower part includes a fall-front compartment with a curved handle, adding elegance to its practical design.

Other creatives and design practices participating in the Crafting Connections showcase include Belgian furniture designers Jonas Van Put, Jaap Bontekoe and Vormen; textile designers Cathérine Biasino and Marie Mees; artist Willem Cole; Berlin-based transdisciplinary designer ErtlundZull; and Lisbon-based product design studio UTIL.

Probing the evolving dialogue between craftsmanship and design evocative in the presentation, Ternier tells STIR, "The show gathers designers and manufacturers who reflect the current state of furniture making, how it happens behind the doors of small scale workshops. The hand always gets involved—at the initial sketches, at the sawing table, at the CNC, at the sanding station, at the assembly station, at the spraying cabin, [and] during a placement."

Atelier Ternier's 'Crafting Connections' is on view from August 30 - September 29, 2024, at the SURPLUS Interieur store in Ghent, Belgium.