Last November, Gini Moynier has seen its FORMWORK collection, developed for the NOV Gallery, awarded by Dezeen as “Furniture design of the year 2024”. Using discarded wood from the building industry, this series of upcycled wooden furniture, characterised by a combination of spruce and oak, highlights the value and the potential of pre-used materials, with no compromise on aesthetics. It prompts reflection on the current use of raw materials, and offers an alternative that fosters a more responsible wood consumption in the furniture industry.
At the heart of its practice, the design studio forges strong links between cultural heritage and contemporary practices, between craftsmanship and industrial production, to propose an innovative approach that invites the industry to break new grounds. Echoing this vision, the PATCHWORK tray collection, awarded by Bolia, bridges the Korean textile tradition and the art of Swiss cabinet-making. Inspired by the Korean patchwork technique known as Bojagi, Gini Moynier has combined different types of sustainable wood to offer a refined interpretation highlighting local know-how. With the possible use of wood scraps, this collection opens new perspectives to adujst the traditional production techniques according to the planet’s limited resources.
May it be for furniture or spatial design, Gini Moynier is committee to take into account the complete life cycle of a product, including the aftermath, once it is no longer being used for its original purpose. This also applies to temporary scenography. While designing “Harvesting Memories” exhibition for the Confrérie des Vignerons that was on show at the Historical Museum in Vevey, they chose grape harvest crates as main structural element. Carrying an emotional character in this vineyard region as well as a memorable visual impact in the exhibition, these functional pieces were sold to the local winemakers after the show, to give them a second life.
“Exploring materials and new formal languages is an important part of our practice, but above all, it’s about proposing innovative solutions. Sustainability, inclusivity and diversity are topical challenges. They are fully integrated in our approach, and addressed during the design process, without being reduced to a category. We should normalise taking these challenges into account in the development of each new object or space.” shares Amandine Gini and Victor Moynier.
Among the new projects to be unveiled this year, the duo will present its work at the House of Switzerland Milano, during Milan Design Week 2025. To create a strong visual impact, while staying true to its approach, Gini Moynier has led the art direction and developed an immersive scenography that celebrates this year’s theme “Collaboration”, invites guests to reflect on its critical significance within the industry, and fosters interaction.
More information about the House of Switzerland Milano on design.swiss
Geraldine Morand
Gini Moynier and Cynthia Mai Ammann