Roberta Banqueri's "Skin": A Masterpiece in Furniture Design

Unveiling the Unique Properties and Inspirations Behind the Award-Winning Sideboard

Roberta Banqueri, a Brazilian designer, drew inspiration from an everyday object for her award-winning design - the human skin. The sideboard, aptly named "Skin", is designed to interact with users in a welcoming manner, providing a sense of protection and cover, much like our own skin. The result is a sheet of wood, part of the door structure, peeled in an irregular way, creating an element that aids in the opening of the sideboard.

What sets the "Skin" sideboard apart from other furniture pieces is its unique door opening mechanism. The handle, integrated into the unit, offers an ergonomic, sensorial, and unique experience. This innovative feature lends the product a light and provocative aspect, making it an exclusive solution in furniture design.

The creation of "Skin" involved a mixed technique, combining technological precision with the subtlety of craftsmanship. The external finishing and coating were done manually, while the cutting was executed in a machining center. The front, referred to as "Skin", was created through a process of pressing multilayers and molding them under pressure, resulting in a folded sheet. The irregular cuts were defined in a process that involved feeling, seeing, and approving.

The sideboard measures 2400mm x 500mm x 750mm and can be used in various environments including dining rooms and kitchens. It offers a functional storage solution for dishes, utensils, and other objects, while also providing a flat support surface. The project was initiated in February 2018 in São Paulo and completed in September 2018 in Antônio Prado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was later exhibited at the Paralela Fair in February 2019 in São Paulo, SP Brazil.

The design process involved extensive research to determine the most suitable material for the main element, the skin. The hinge was carefully chosen to allow the doors to fully open with the applied skin. The distance between the parts was also studied to ensure they do not touch when opening. The top of the blade was rounded to avoid sharpness and risk to the user. The final product is a masterpiece that interacts with human perception, combining materials of different finishes to highlight the main element, the Skin.

In conclusion, Roberta Banqueri's "Skin" sideboard is a testament to innovative design, combining functionality with artistic expression. It is a product that not only serves a practical purpose but also engages with the user on a sensory level. This unique blend of art and functionality has earned "Skin" the prestigious Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2019, a well-deserved recognition for a truly remarkable design.