"Field of brooms" with Christoph Merian Verlag

We, Flavia Brändle and Margrit Linder, independently discovered the Swiss grass hand brooms and were captivated by the skilful craftsmanship of these everyday objects. A closer examination of these hand brooms—their distribution and history—led us from local traditions to global contexts and deep historical insights. In the book, which will be published by Christoph Merian Verlag in June 2025, experts from various disciplines explore the broad field of bound hand brooms. They examine topics ranging from traditional manufacturing techniques to historical, cultural, and ecological contexts. This book is shaped by the contributions of the following people: Alix Arto, Susanne Brorson, Jonathan C.L Chan, Meret Ernst, Carlos Fontales, Laura Huber,Michael Kessler, Ishan Khosla, Evey Kwong, Manuela Lehmann, Kim Lenschow, Claude Lichtenstein, Adrian Linder, Gabriele Lutz, Sara Martinsen, Adrian Möhl, Jasper Morrison, Chrissie Muhr, Nicole Pérez, Wu Qingyun, Nelly Rodriguez, Elisabeth Sawerthal, Kristina Scheelen-Nováček, Georg Steinmann, Hermann de Vries, Grafikstudio UFO

COMMONS with Kasia Kempa

COMMONS is a modular system of elements that transforms semi-permanent open spaces in city centres into interactive and social zones. The sustainably produced and durable elements offer a playful and visually appealing approach to creating social meeting zones and can be used flexibly and individually. Starting from a simple system with a conical base as the basic element, interactive objects, installations and spatial cooling structures can be created. All elements are constructed from standard components, which not only ensures simple reusability and flexible installation depending on the location, but also enables the seamless realisation of site-specific and individual additions. COMMONS creates meeting zones for the public when urban brownfield sites are due for redevelopment or spaces are made available to the public for a period of time. Photo credits: 1 + 2 Dan Cermak, 3 Fabio Rutishauser

Furikake Lantern with Rio Kobayashi

Rio Kobayashi was on the exploration of a wood-bending technique by precisely cutting it with a Japanese saw. With Brändle‘s interest in the modularity and mutability of objects, the duo experimented with the design of a lantern and its various combinations and mounting directions, bringing a dynamic element to the project. The delicate, bent wooden frame with precise details is covered with shoji paper. An additional layer of colour reminiscent of Japanese culinary tradition, where pure rice is transformed into a delicious dish by the addition of furikake flakes, similar to the colourful sprinkles on shoji paper. The „Furikake lanterns“ are available as individual elements that can be hung above a table, fixed to the wall in a staircase or assembled modularly to form a larger hallway piece.

handfelted Slippers with Eva-Maria Beer

The "handfelted slippers" where created for the Korean Brand 4321-Market to the theme Swiss-Korean Souvenirs. The unique Swiss-made slippers, crafted from Swiss wool, draw inspiration from the captivating color play of goji stones. The design blends the cozy comfort of traditional Swiss „Hüttenfinken“ with the distinctive shape of padded Korean socks. The slippers are available in lilac/blue or tangerine/navy and come in three sizes. Photo © credits Adrian Pirlet

Piece of Cake Sofa with Rio Kobayashi

Each upholstered block is self-standing and can be arranged flexibly within the frame or placed freely throughout the room. These versatile settings provide comfortable seating for social gatherings or create a relaxed platform for intimate lounging. Additionally, the wooden side tables and loose cushions can be positioned as desired, allowing for a personalized setting. The name ‘Piece of Cake’ humorously reflects Kobayashi’s experience in designing his inaugural upholstery piece. The Piece of Cake Sofa is covered with textile from Peter Pilotto x Christopher de Vos’s “Phase 02” collection.

STUDIO ATEBO - SE-09 Regalsystem

STUDIO ATEBO is a young Swiss furniture label founded in 2021 by the carpentry company Atebo. In order to grow their small range of products, I proposed to develop a shelving system based around pure wood joints. The innovative wooden connection with the lozenge shaped interface is visually highlighted and thus becomes the product‘s distinguishing feature. The design appears sculptural and yet retains the simplicity of a system which can be wall mounted or freestanding. With a selected range of accessories, the system can be incredibly versatile, transforming from a kitchen shelf, to a library shelf or a shop fitting system. It also finds application in the living area, as well as in offices and public spaces. Photos © Data Orbit/ STUDIO ATEBO

On AG - Cloudtec Stool

The Cloudtec Stool is inspired by the On patented cloud technology and the dynamic environment at the On office. Its flexible seat keeps the user moving while sitting and helps stay focused. Produced in Switzerland, each seat is made from 2.5 pairs of On shoes (60% of the total volume). The worn out shoes are shredded, scattered, heated and pressed in a small manufactory not far from the recently opened On headquarters in Zurich. The simple though still distinctive wooden base fits perfectly into the office environment as well as a lounge area and can be stacked on top of each other. Photos © On AG

STUDIO ATEBO - SE-08 Wallholz

The rolling pin is part of the basic equipment of every kitchen and yet disappears in the drawer after use. To change this, the product has been rethought. The movable handle can be pushed upwards and thus the rolling pin gets a standing surface. The utensil becomes an object that finds its place on every kitchen shelf. Photos © Data Orbit / STUDIO ATEBO

PIEZ DA CUSCHINA

Kitchen cloths, in view and in the hands every day, but little noticed as an object of everyday life. In collaboration with the hand weaver Barbara Speck from Bern, a weave was carefully worked out and a matching colour concept created. The small series will be available from July under the label „KÜCHEN- LAPPEN/ PANNO DA CUCINA/LINGE DE CUISINE/PIEZ DA CUSCHINA“. Photos © Jonathan CL Chan

Ybriger - Pot & vegetable brush

After getting intrigued by a Swiss «Halmbesen» found in a historical museum the story of the Ybriger began. The unique binding technique from the alpine region of Ybrig in Switzerland was historically used by farming women. They used it to bind multipurpose brooms from the regional grown pipe grass for their everyday lives. The Ybriger washing-up brush is a new interpretation of this traditional broom made from the root of the Zacaton plant, a tough, elastic and water-resistant material. The knot creates a distinctive handle for this contemporary, everyday brush. Photos © Jonathan CL Chan