Gravita: An avant-garde play of gravity by Andrés & José

Andrés & José, a multidisciplinary studio based in Yucatán, Mexico, has come up with a pragmatic and contemporary experience with their recent lighting solution Gravita. Established by Andrés Sáenz and José Alvarez, the studio explored the movement of light through mass in tension by examining the phenomenon of gravity. The piece was presented at Design Week Mexico, Inédito 2021, and awarded with the honourable mention for its user experience.“Our projects arise from an intense relationship with immediate contexts, committed to interacting with a reality in the now that involves all possible environments, cultural, ideological, time and space,” share designers Andrés & José, co-founders of the Mexican studio. The duo also highlight their repertoire and contribution towards global design, understanding that people's quality of life can be improved from different scales. “Seeing our work as a means to solve social problems and as an activator of improvement of social sense, with practices take the bases and guidelines of the place where they are implanted or created,” they share in a statement.

The Mexican studio works in the realms of design, architecture, art and the public domain, researching and experimenting with materials and experiences to stride towards new possibilities and innovation. Gravita is a large format object, a luminous composition that can be the element of highlight or the main axis of composition for any interior, exterior or public space it partakes in. Akin to all of their projects, the lighting design was the consummation of a solution-oriented approach partnered with exploration and modernism. “It arises from the idea of proposing in a single object more than one solution and unique result responding to the various needs of users and spaces, thus an object of different scales that can have a flexible and adaptable configuration arises,” explains Andrés Sáenz.

The elements of the ensemble unify at the base, a craftsmanship of the native stone from Yucatan, Calcehtok, finished by hand in a natural and raw aesthetic. The structure is a thoughtful assembly of tubular steel tensioning cables held together by joints and screws. Its arm and the rotating light ring allow Gravita enough flexibility to be seen at 360°, an astounding vision that can uplift any atmosphere it is put in. “Relate the natural essence of the material, such as stone, with the lightness of metals. We try to find and evidence the beauty in the materials and processes within a historical context, showing the sincerity of the material. With the above, it inclines us to reflect on the importance of the process in economic, aesthetic and production terms, resulting in timeless objects,” says José describing the essence of the composition.

With Gravitas, the designers showcase the significance of incorporating the use of native materials and the judicious utilisation of resources. Involvement of local artisans in the design process instead of manufacturing products in series escalates the product’s value for daily life. The inspiration Andrés & José draws from cultural and ancestral heritage, their desire to break established paradigms and their exploration with expressions and new artistic languages is all vivid in their impactful creation. A refreshing manifestation, Gravitas flawlessly channels local culture and knowledge but in a contemporary design.