Relax: A Coffee Set Designed to Nourish Relationships

Encouraging Connection Through Design

The inspiration behind the Relax coffee set stems from the desire to cultivate personal relationships in a world where time is a precious commodity. The complementary shapes of the concrete and porcelain items symbolize the importance of personal connections and how people complement one another. The ensemble of industrial concrete and delicate porcelain creates an exciting contrast, with the textures of these materials influencing and highlighting each other.

What sets the Relax coffee set apart is its purpose. It is not just a functional coffee set; it is a tool designed to encourage the nourishment of relationships. The cups, sugar bowl, and milk jug are designed to fit into the concrete tray, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences. The tray not only serves as a storage place for the porcelain items but also holds other coffee-related accessories, such as spoons or tea biscuits.

The production process of the Relax coffee set involves a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. The cups, sugar bowl, and milk jug are made using slipcasting, with the porcelain items finished with a glaze. The tray, on the other hand, is created through concrete slipcasting, resulting in a durable and visually striking centerpiece for the set.

Technical specifications for the Relax coffee set include a concrete tray measuring 36 cm in length, 3 cm in height, and 7.4 cm in width. The glazed porcelain cups have a height of 5 cm, a width of 7.4 cm, and a volume of 120 ml. The sugar bowl and milk jug have similar dimensions, with volumes of 80 ml and 160 ml, respectively.

Designed by Rebeka Pakozdi, the Relax coffee set encourages people to chat while enjoying their coffee. By creating a defined way of using the set, it prompts meaningful conversations and strengthens relationships. The combination of materials and forms in the design allows for multiple interpretations, symbolizing the many facets of human character.

The Relax coffee set was initially developed as a school project, with extensive research conducted into materials, technologies, and shapes. Pakozdi's empirical research, utilizing both library resources and the internet, resulted in a design that seamlessly combines form and function. The shapes and materials of the set react and reflect each other, creating a visually captivating and purposeful ensemble.

Overcoming creative, technical, and research challenges, Pakozdi successfully incorporated industrial concrete and delicate porcelain into a functional and aesthetically pleasing coffee set. By embracing new technologies and innovative solutions, the designer has created a product that not only serves its intended purpose but also adds a touch of sophistication to any coffee-drinking experience.

The Relax coffee set was exhibited at the Selection art exhibition in Budapest in May 2013, garnering attention for its unique design and concept. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2014, recognizing its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that contribute to quality of life improvements and make the world a better place through their incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

With the Relax coffee set, Rebeka Pakozdi has created more than just a coffee set; she has crafted a tool for connection and a reminder to slow down and enjoy the company of others. By bringing back the tradition of drinking coffee together, this design encourages meaningful conversations and strengthens relationships in our fast-paced world.