Lab: A Multifunctional Planter by Diego Leon Vivar

Exploring the Interplay between Industry and Nature

Diego Leon Vivar's inspiration for 'Lab' stemmed from the intriguing interplay between a chemistry lab and life. The design speaks volumes about how humans control nature and, conversely, how nature takes over what humans have created. This ecosystem exists in the delicate balance between industry and nature, offering a thought-provoking perspective on our relationship with the natural world.

'Lab' stands out for its unique properties. It provides an easy and stylish way to cultivate indoor plants, with a modular structure that allows for different configurations of glass containers. These containers can be used as planters or light sources, catering to terrariums, hydroponics, and traditional cultivation methods. The design's lights also enable the plants to thrive in spaces with insufficient natural light sources.

The realization of 'Lab' involved the use of bronze casting and blown glass, demonstrating a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. The technical specifications of the design include three different modules, each with its own dimensions, offering flexibility and adaptability to different spaces.

The interaction with 'Lab' is designed to be user-friendly. Users can add extra pieces to the main module, making the final structure as big as they want. The plants are planted in the glass containers and then supported on the structure. 'Lab' conveys a sense of order and simplicity, giving users a feeling of control over the plants and their growth in an environment different from their natural habitat.

The design project for 'Lab' started in November 2014 and concluded in February 2015. During this period, Diego Leon Vivar faced the challenge of translating his thoughts about the coexistence of humans and nature into a functional object. The decision about the extent to which the design and production process should be chaotic or controlled was another significant hurdle that the designer successfully overcame.

In conclusion, 'Lab' is more than just a multifunctional planter. It is a statement about the relationships between industry and nature, a testament to the designer's paradigm shift about the functions of objects/products after working with visual artists. By winning the Bronze A' Furniture Design Award in 2016, 'Lab' has proven its outstanding creative ingenuity and contribution to improving the quality of life.