Sebastián Ángeles abstracts soundwaves of calmness and love into furniture design

Mexican industrial designer, Sebastián Ángeles employs the synthesis of basic elements of everyday life reinterpreted in a contemporary manner, establishing a renewed aesthetic to create entirely new sensations. The new furniture collection by the designer dubbed Frequency is inspired by the abstraction of sound frequencies and their wave patterns. Through Frequency, Ángeles explores a path where design and sounds associated with healing converge to produce two limited-edition art objects. “Our society is surrounded by frequencies, which influence our well-being, mood and even our health. This concept inspires the collection to create objects that portray healing sound frequencies,” shares Ángeles about the thought behind the collection.

The objects focus on the artisanal approach to material treatment and the utilisation of ergonomic advancements. “We want to create pieces that not only look beautiful but also promote a sense of calm and well-being. The use of these patterns and textures seeks to help create a more peaceful environment that promotes relaxation and a greater sense of connection with the world around us. We seek to create unique and meaningful shapes that help explore the intersection between art and wellness,” shares Ángeles on crafting a collection that is ergonomically designed to prioritize the feeling of wellness. Technological artefacts and sound visualizers, which record and display sound frequencies as graphic patterns, were utilised by Ángeles during the creative process. These served as the inspiration for the 396Hz chair and the 528Hz side table. “Together, the chair and side table create a sense of balance and harmony in any space,” Ángeles adds.

The collection is crafted with bronze, due to the texture and tactile quality of bronze that generates sounds as you walk across its surface. “Bronze casting has a long history dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The indigenous peoples of Mexico were skilled in the art of metallurgy and their creations were often used for practical and ceremonial purposes. With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, new techniques and influences were introduced, creating a rich and diverse tradition of bronze casting that has continued to evolve and thrive to this day,” shares Ángeles on employing Bronze as the material to preserve the traditions and heritage of Mexican craftsmanship.

The 396 Hz frequency, which is used to give shape to the 396 Hz chair's curves, is said to aid in the release of guilt and anxiety. As a result, the composition of the chair design includes shapes that stand for liberation and freedom that were inspired by the designs created in sand-based sound visualisers. The chair's curved and ergonomic design conforms to the body's natural contours to enhance comfort and relaxation. Cast bronze was used to create the chair's structure and legs, which allowed for a three-legged design that, despite its intricacy, reflects the composition of this frequency.

The 528HZ side table design tries to convey the essence of love, a powerful feeling that can unite people and foster a sense of harmony and balance. The table's round top represents the idea of fullness that is frequently connected to love. The table's concave design suggests a delicate curve that mirrors the suppleness and flow of feeling. The sound of love, which is thought to resonate at a frequency of 528 Hz, is also connected to healing, change, and the return to equilibrium. A succession of gentle curves and waves make up the pattern that was retrieved, which implies that these sound waves are moving.

The furniture design that is part of the Frequency collection was designed to be observed, interacted with, and occupied the space firmly while imparting a sense of peace to both the space and the user. It evokes a harmonious encounter between art and well-being.

Text by Ria Jha