Grazie Enzo: Contemporary Responses to Enzo Mari

The graphic design studio A Practice for Everyday Life (APFEL) was set up by Kirsty Carter and Emma Thomas in 2003. They design graphics and publish a growing library of typefaces based on research and centred on the user.

Gamper’s work spanning furniture, interiors and books is playful, intuitive and resourceful. It centres around the necessity of creating something useful while also being imaginative.

The work of Sam Hecht and Kim Colin, founders of Industrial Facility, is characterised by a thoughtful consideration of form and a sensitive and well-researched approach to how objects are used day to day. It is what they call ‘a duty to ensure the project has not just commercial credibility but also usefulness, appropriateness and longevity'.

Born in Japan to a family of artisans, Kobayashi’s work approaches fine craftsmanship with a twist of light-heartedness. Often working in wood, he experiments with fabrication techniques and colours, blending elements of his cultural heritage to create objects that are sophisticated yet playful.

Lauber creates objects and pieces of furniture that contest traditional functions and production methods. She is interested in low-tech solutions and ways of simplifying the making process as well as the design of her finished pieces.

Marriott is an industrial designer often making things in small batches, and overseeing every stage of the design process. He is interested in making functional objects that are not led by fashion, marketing or fads.

Masebo began his career working with industrial fabricators and has continued to do so since setting up his own practice. From his background in making, he has a deep interest in manufacturing processes and the workings of the factory floor. He works closely with manufacturers and tries to find new uses for industrial machinery to push its limits.

Morrison is known for the apparent simplicity of his designs. Uncomplicated and understated, his work questions what ‘good design’ is and he strives to create objects that are understated, useful and made responsibly.

Pappalardo’s practise is informed by her background in set design. She has a particular interest in seating and looks at chairs as a study of the body and form itself, not just as functional objects. She likes to use unconventional techniques and works with repeating patterns with the aim of distilling the design’s final form.

RESOLVE is an interdisciplinary design collective founded by Akil Scarfe-Smith and Seth Scarfe-Smith that combines architecture, engineering, technology and art to address social challenges. Much of their work aims to provide platforms for the production of new knowledge. An integral part of their practise involves designing with and for young people and under-represented groups in society. They see design as more than its aesthetic value; it is also a mechanism for political and socio-economic change.

Founded by Joseph Henry and Pooja Agrawal in 2020, Sound Advice is a platform dedicated to tackling inequality and racial discrimination in the architecture and the built environment industry. Fed up with the often academic discussions around inequality, they started by creating slickly designed slogan-like statements. These led to articles, podcasts and events that focus on inequality in London.

Founded by Clara Gaggero Westaway and Adrian Westaway, Special Projects are interested in using design to enhance peoples’ quality of life. The studio focuses on digital wellbeing and how technology can be humanised. They also advise technology companies on how to integrate wellbeing features into their software, aiming to help users find a balance between the analogue and digital.

Designers Nina Tolstrup and Jack Mama set up Studiomama in 2000. Their work is driven by a dedication to sustainability, recycling materials and using new forms of upcycling. Their design process is often spontaneous and playful in nature.

Founded by Bernadette Deddens and Tetsuo Mukai, Study O Portable looks to transform mundane and ordinary objects into pieces that challenge the imagination and invite engagement.

Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist with Francesca Giacomelli

This major exhibition celebrates the life and work of one of the greatest Italian designers of the 20th century, Enzo Mari, whose designs have inspired generations of creatives around the world.