Fiona Sibley meets the Hidden Art exhibitors at 100% Design 2003
Image: JFK bench by Urbis Design Photo: Stephen Brayne
A concrete bench that feels as though you are lying in a shell, a modular system of planters that creates an urban rooftop oasis, or a contemporary version of a grecian urn for your home. These are just some of the sculptural forms cast from concrete by Urbis Design, making a clear contemporary statement from the material at one time mostly associated with dreary postwar urban landscapes.
Richard Mackness launched Urbis Design at 100% Design 2002, a sculptor who has turned to design because of a desire to create objects that combine form and function, and make use of both senses.
“My design has a strong sculptural emphasis, because of a need to create things that are still interesting to look at, not just functional,” he says. The references are to architecture and nature, both inspiring strong artistic values.
“Some of my inspiration comes from walking along the beach in Cornwall, but just as much from bridges and tall buildings - things of the city. There are a lot of similarities between them.” Urbis Design’s new Shell bench derives from a chance find on the beach – the form of a shell so naturally sophisticated its values can translate into a piece of furniture.
“Natural forms have always out-performed human engineering – a shell has evolved in such a way because that’s how it is strong. It’s organic, but it is also engineered, and we cannot really beat that for a model. We worked hard to make the bench really ergonomic, so you can lie on it in complete comfort.”
Urbis Design exhibited at the launch of the new Concrete Centre recently, because they work at the forefront of technology in their chosen material. Using the most sophisticated glass reinforcements allows them to make their large vessels, such as planters for large patios, at a fraction of the weight. These creative contemporary designs certainly show off concrete to the best of its advantage. “There is no intrinsic lack of appeal in any material,” laughs Richard, “provided it is used well.”
Funnily enough, the Urbis Design plan was originally conceived to allow Richard and his wife Liz, with whom he works, to move to the country. Unsurprisingly though, the demand for visually sophisticated urban concrete furniture was more modest among the rural gardening tastes of olde worlde Victorian cottage chic than in the city. So for now in London they stay, creating indoor and outdoor concepts for commercial and private clients, remodelling natural engineering on a grand scale. Urbis has proved that in simplicity lies beauty.
September 2003