Helsinki Design Week

Posted on 09/10/201821/06/2019 by adminm114

To mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Spain, the Spanish embassy in Helsinki and its ambassador, Manuel de la Camara, have set up a collaboration project in the form of a “Design Embassy”, combining the talents of the Finnish designer Mikko Laakkonen and the Spanish designer Andreu Carulla to furnish part of the embassy’s offices at Villa Himberg, created by Aarne Ervi in 1954.

This project, currently in its first phase, also involves two manufacturers, one from each country. On this occasion, Made by Choice www.madebychoice.com / Instagram: @madebychoice and Mobles 114 www.mobles114.com / Instagram: @mobles114 have been chosen to carry out the project.

Mikko Laakkonen set up his own studio in 2003 and specialises mainly in producing everyday objects. His designs have been exhibited extensively throughout Europe, the United States, China and Japan. He has won numerous international prizes, such as the German Design Award (2017), Turkey Design Award (2016), Good Design Award (2016, 2015 & 2010), Muuuz International Award (2014), Finnish Designer Awards: Furniture Designer of the Year (2014), Red Dot: Best of the Best (2013) and the Young Designer of the Year prize (2009).

www.mikkolaakkonen.com / Instagram: @studiolaakkonen

Andreu Carulla set up his own studio in 2006 in Banyoles, Spain and has worked for clients such as MUJI, IDÉE, Nani Marquina and the Celler de Can Roca. His studio has won several prizes, such as the Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best (2015), Silver ADI-FAD Delta Award (2016), Nomination for the German Design Award (2018), INTERIORES Young Talent of the Year (2015) and ELLE DECO Best Spanish Designer (2012). His work has been published in various magazines, such as Dezeen, Monocle, Wallpaper and Surface.

www.andreucarulla.com / Instagram: @andreucarulla

The “Design Diplomacy” collection was presented during Helsinki Design Week 2018 and the items created now form part of the Spanish embassy at Villa Himberg in Helsinki.

Mikko and Andreu began the project by researching into the cultures of their respective countries. After pooling their know-how and studying the raw materials typically used in each country, they reached the conclusion that wood, clay and cork had to be the materials for this collection of side tables and stools.

Finland is immersed in the Taiga, a biome that boasts some of the most extensive forests in the world, while Spain has a long tradition of working with terracotta and cork and the province of Girona in particular (where Carulla was born) is famous for its “black clay”, fired in kilns using evergreen oak, the tree that also produces cork.

Nikko and Andreu discovered a common ground which led them to design universal creations that make the most of each country’s prime raw materials. The result is a series of two pieces: a stool inspired by the typical wooden water buckets used by the Finns in traditional saunas and a side table with a black clay base and wooden top that fuses perfectly with the material of the base, which in turn forms part of the top.

Pol Montserrat x Mobles 114

Posted on 25/07/201803/11/2021 by adminm114

Pol Montserrat decided to devote himself to art after finishing his Graphic Design course at ELISAVA and he soon managed to create his own style and language. Simple shapes created with just a few lines or a patch of colour in Chinese ink on paper, deftly combining different styles but without losing the essence of the piece.

Pol’s work can be seen in Eldorado and Odiseo by Folch Studio, in the Marset lighting catalogues and also at the Hotel El Palauet in Barcelona. For Pol “the key to success is a commitment to projects that goes beyond budgets and clients”.

This year, Mobles 114 has asked Pol to create the illustrations for the two covers of its 2018 Novelties Catalogue, as well as the illustrations for the walls of our stand at the 2018 Milan Trade Fair.

3 days of design

Posted on 11/06/201817/01/2019 by adminm114

3 Days of Design is the Denmark’s most important design event, with the participation of more than 60 showrooms all over Copenhagen. The most important Danish brands, as well as the Swiss and Italian embassies, the Institut Français and the Embassy of Spain display their respective designs.

In this edition, the Spanish Institution of Foreign Trade (ICEX) led the iniciative ‘Spanish in Danish’ , with the participation of nine Spanish firms: Capdell, Mobles 114, Lzf, Akaba, Vondom, Isimar, Sancal, Dac rugs i Huguet. The show was commissioned by the founder of Earth Studio Eva Harlou.

This has been a perfect occasion to see what’s new in product design and to know about the latest interior designs. The exhibit has brought journalists, buyers, influencers and of course, design lovers.

Mobles 114 has had the opportunity to show part of its chair catalogues such as TUBE by Eugeni Quitllet, GREEN by Javier Mariscal and FORC wooden coatstand, a creation of Lagranja design.

On the other hand, with the occasion of TRIA shelving system 40^th anniversary, Mobles 114 has presented the free-standing version of this iconic design. The uprights are attached to a cross-shaped structure, allowing the ensemble to be steady with no need to drill the wall and, for example, to be put beside a glass wall, or to become a room divider.

Salone del Mobile Milano 2018

Posted on 02/05/201830/10/2018 by adminm114

Milano was one year after the capital city of design. Salone del Mobile 57th edition closed its doors last 22nd April, after presenting novelties and new features in furniture. Mobles 114 was there. Continue reading →

CARLES RIART, ‘moblista’.

Posted on 10/01/2018 by adminm114

A tour about Carles Riart career, from the beginning until nowadays. Highlights are his designs for Mobles 114, his monographic exhibitions and his participation in Barcelona’92. Continue reading →

Happy 2018. Mobles 114 and Marc Morro

Posted on 20/12/2017 by adminm114

For the New Year greetings by Mobles 114, this year we have counted on Marc Morro. This designer -“mueblista”, as he defines himself- pays homage to one of the most iconic pieces of the Classics catalog: Copenhaguen ashtray, by André Ricard.

Marc and his furnishing company, AOO, are passionate for routine and the beauty of hte little things. Little things like this minimalist design, free from adornments chosen for the occasion. In a reinterpretation which adds a surprising new use to the ashtray, signed by Ricard in 1966.

Made in a single block, this ashtray is the result of a geometric design that uses the simple repetition of a cylinder. A recipient made up of an open cylinder with another, smaller cylinder inside to support or extinguish cigarettes; the shape of the groove in the outer wall matches the rest of the ashtray and is perfectly designed to hold a cigarette. This is a hardwearing, stackable ashtray that fulfils its function with the utmost effectiveness.

This design classic is in line with the goal of Mobles 114 which, for more than 20 years, has remained in the market to preserve our country’s heritage in terms of both culture and design.

In this case, Morro has made an analogic photography of Copenhaguen, in its new use as candle holder.

Happy new year 2018!

Mobles 114 in Belgrade Furniture Fair

Posted on 15/11/2017 by adminm114

From 7th to 12th November, Belgrade hosted 55th edition of Belgrade Furniture Fair. The most important events in the Southeast Europe within furniture design, manufacturing and distribution.

The fair is the meeting point of the furniture manufacturers and distributers, engineers, designers, architects and general publics. Young talented designers had its own space. And as a highlight, Design Talks. Hosting many renowned speakers from the whole world.

Mobles 114 had the opportunity to participate on a discussion during Design Talks at the second day. Emko from Lithuania and Gir from Serbia were the other participants. We spoke about the starts in the design world and furniture production, but also the tradition and heritage, the environment importance in which they create and manufacture, production process and the ideas moving them, innovations and production enhancement, but also the matters unavoidable in the present world, such as environmental protection, recycling and the local resource use.

The event top point is in the Golden Key award, granted by the International Jury to the most successful exhibitors in 2017.

Golden Key for The Best Outdoor Furniture was awarded to the manufacturer Mobles 114 from Spain for Tube Chair Aluminium, design Eugeni Quitllet.

1987 – 2017: Mirac 30 years

Posted on 18/10/2017 by adminm114

Recognised as an icon thanks to its modernity, Mirac is a leading coat stand in the world of interior and general design.

30 years ago, JM Massana and JM Tremoleda were inspired by the stars to design the Mirac coat stand. The name comes from the Andromeda constellation, where Mirac is the second-brightest star.

The spiral arrangement of the spherical chrome pegs is reminiscent of the stars around the sky. This distribution means it can hold the maximum number of items in the minimum amount of room. A practical, useful, discreet and timeless coat stand.

Mirac is one of the products that embody the philosophy of Mobles 114. Discretion and elegance. A coat stand that combines perfectly with all kinds of indoor ambiences and areas and a clear example of how good design never goes out of style.

For its 30th anniversary, we’ve updated the finishes. The original version with the chrome pegs and aluminium tube is still available but we’ve added two new finishes: Mirac white with matt chrome pegs and Mirac black with black chrome pegs.

Mobles 114 in Milano: Fuorisalone

Posted on 10/05/2017 by adminm114

Milano is the capital city of design every April. Salone del Mobile capitalizes all the news about furniture. But further from the fair, you can breathe creativity in every corner. Let’s take a walk in Fuorisalone by Mobles 114.

Surface&Interface at Palazzo Litta

Historic palace was the biggest contrast at the exhibition A matter of perception, organised by Damn Magazine. A social point and network where Linking minds, where you can find Surface&Interface. An exhibit curated by RED AEDE in collaboration with Valresa and the support of ICEX, España Exportación e Inversiones.

New technology Virtual Melt by Valresa allowed the REDmembers to collaborate with designers, illustrators and visual artists to personalize some of their furniture pieces.

Bendita Gloria studio created an illusory scenario where technology interacted with TRIA by Mobles 114 placing fictitious coasters which question our perception and help us to be tidier. A beautiful way to place the glasses.

Inspired in Barcelona: IN&OUT

Another wonderful building, Palazzo Isimbardi, was home for the exhibition organised by ACCIÓ (Generalitat de Catalunya) and BCD Barcelona Centro de Diseño.

‘Inspired in Barcelona: In & Out‘ showed Barcelona as an open city, an invitation to live outside and enjoy the creative and cultural Mediterranean flair.

Intercrea UJI, at Instituto Cervantes

Interaction and creative synergy at this project by Universitat Jaume I and Clausell Studio with design students of “Grado en Ingeniería en Diseño Industrial y Desarrollo de Productos”.

Michael Alexander, Judit Andreu, Vicent Blai, Carlos Joaquín, Joan Martí, Miguel Oury, Alba Puerta, Borja Sánchez, Paula Usó, Núria Vernís and Francisco Viciano presented Line shelve, Obbo umbrella stand, Octa and Ona bins and Ric charging totem; all of them developed thanks to a collaboration with Mobles 114.

A well designed house in Madrid.

Posted on 03/05/2017 by adminm114

Today we visit Madrid. Specifically, a refurbished building from XX century by Swiss architecture studio Wespi de Meuron Romeo architects and Ábaton arquitectura.

A singular-shaped duplex with gabled roof, with interior design signed by Batavia couting on the best examples of furniture design in our country.

A space in white, with a very special architecture, where Spanish design icons are the highlights. Among others, Torres Clavé 1934 armchair, produced by Mobles 114.

Torres Clavé can be found at the living room, adding a Mediterranean, natural flair to the atmosphere.

Pictures by Luís Asín

Salone del Mobile Milano 2017

Posted on 12/04/2017 by adminm114

Last 9th April Salone del Mobile Milano closed its doors after 56th edition. Five days of design and furniture as points of interest, where Mobles 114 actively participated.

The stand placed at Hall 10, designed by Stefano Colli, has been home to the new collection of Mobles 114, with designs by Álvaro Siza, Miguel Milá and the architect Germán Rodríguez Arias which have been reissued to be presented, alongside other contemporary pieces designed by Javier Mariscal, Massana-Tremoleda and Eugeni Quitllet.

Products like Fil, a lamp that forgoes ornamentation; MMS table, light, small and stackable; adaptable Tombal, both an umbrella stand and an ashtray, and iconic Catalana, which represents the bond that Pablo Neruda and Germán Rodríguez Arias established during the architect’s exile in Chile. New additions to the collection are Green and Tube stools, and Gracia wood.

A dynamic walking by Barcelona design, accompanied this time by our friends Santa & Cole for the lighting, and greenery Voltasol by livingthings.

It has been a great pleasure to be surrounded by good friends, clients and fans in Milano. Thanks for your visit!

Miguel Milá, Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts 2016

Posted on 18/01/2017 by adminm114

The Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts is awarded by the Ministry of Culture of Spain to individuals or institutions excelling in artistic or cultural creation or to those that have provided valuable services to promotion of art and culture or to conservation of artistic heritage. This past year 2016, one of the awarded has been industrial designer Miguel Milá i Sagnier.

“Member of the generation of design pioneers of the 50’s, most of his furniture and lamps have become authentic classics.

He started designing his own products due to the shortage of objects and raw material at the time he finished studying. So he began producing by his own company Tramo, with his associates and friends the architects F. Ribas Barangé and E. Pérez Ullibarri.

He was involved in the first meetings to promote design in Barcelona and profesionalize the materia, ending in the creation of ADI-FAD (Industrial Design Association of The Fostering Arts and Design). Today is a reference of Spanish design.”

His designs are the result of painstaking but seemingly simple work which has led to many of his products being recognised as icons of our country’s industrial design. Mobles 114 is glad to be one of the producers of Milá’s designs. Congratulations Miguel!

Mariscal draws Green

Posted on 04/10/2016 by adminm114

Javier Mariscal artistic works make him one of the most prolific and multidisciplinary authors of these days. Graphic design, interiors, furniture and visual arts have been signed by the artist born in Valencia living in Barcelona, from the 70s.

Mobles 114 has one of the most recognised and highlighted Mariscal designs: Green chair, an example of sustainability and creativity. Its ECO version is 100% recycled and recyclable (polypropylene from industrial waste), and Colors model is a new, carefully selected range of colours using 100% recyclable materials.

As the designer says, “in spite of its rough appearance it boasts great ergonomics thanks to the polygonal geometry of its seat”. Raised embossing softens the texture by homogenising it, also contrasting with the back of the chair.

And thanks to the rich immagination of Mariscal, we can discover Green is more than a chair. As we can see through the graphic interpretations starring one of the star products of Mobles 114 catalog.

Thick lines, collages, or directly from the notebook. In good company with famous Garriris, in Barcelona or next to the sea, classic scenarios or contemporary atmospheres with old and new classics. Mariscal draws Green generating a life around.

Architecture in BarcelonaConcept: a great selection

Posted on 22/03/2016 by adminm114

Surfing the internet allows us to surprise and discover a lot of nice things. For instance, today we stop by the blog of Mobles 114 dealers in Poland, BarcelonaConcept, which has attracted us thanks to its section Architecture.

Casa Bloc

Flash Flash

The most important buildings of the last years, and the icons of the city, are highlighted on the selection. The trip guides us from the Casa Bloc, social buildings designed by Josep Lluís Sert , Josep Torres i Clavé and Joan Baptista Subirana, to the best “tortillas” in town at Flash Flash restaurant, designed by Federico Correa and Alfonso Milà, among others.

Mediapro building, Carlos Ferrater, Partick Genard, Xavier Martí Galí

Auditorium, Rafael Moneo

International studios from Barcelona such as MBM Architects, Carlos Ferrater, or Pritzker prize winner Rafael Moneo are some of the authors. An interesting walk which discovers the contemporaneity of the architetonic skyline. A surprise in a city associated to Antoni Gaudi and Gothic buildings with a proposal of cosmopolitism.

CCCB Centro de Cultura Contemporánea de Barcelona, Albert Viaplana / Helio Piñón

Museo Picasso, Jordi Garcés

Mobles 114 has donated iconic pieces to Museu del Disseny de Barcelona.

Posted on 15/12/2015 by adminm114

36 objects produced for years have been chosen due to its values as icons of design. Among others, there can be found prototypes of the Pinça (1964) ice tong, or Copenhaguen (1966) ashtray by André Ricard, and also some proposals for the oil container created by Rafael Marquina, and various editions from different years from 1961 to 1990, with a special value as unique pieces of design.

The donation includes also some prototypes of the support for two or three oil containers. Another special design is Fil lamp (1991), designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Vieira, creator of Oporto chairs (1993) too.

Other remarkable objects donated by Mobles 114 are Gracia chair (2006) by JM Massana and JM Tremoleda; Green chair (2011) by Javier Mariscal, wall clock Nautilus (1996) by Oscar Tusquets, and Flod stool (2007) designed by Martín Azúa and Gerard Moliné.

Mobles 114 donation has become a highlight of the product design collection for the Museum, thanks to the value in the market or as an iconic product of the objects donated. It has increased also the prototype collection, very valuable for the Museum as a first sample from designer or company and model to be manufactured.

114: the story of a number

Posted on 03/11/2015 by adminm114

Brand Mobles 114, founded by JM Massana, JM Tremoleda and M Ferrer in 1973, had its first headquarters at 114, Enric Granados street in Barcelona.

The origins of the name are very obvious indeed. Number 114 was part of the first logo, designed by América Sánchez, and was present at the street facade for the first years.

Logotype has been designed four times: years 1974, 1990 and 1998 by América Sánchez, and for the last time in 2011.

For the last revision the company opted for a change of the corporate image, designed once again by América Sánchez with the collaboration of Helena Tremoleda.

We would like to invite you to send us pictures of numbers 114 at the street, from the bus, wherever you found them; tag #m114 and #mobles114 on our social networks Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Numbers define us.

Tube Chair by Eugeni Quitllet

Posted on 27/08/201513/09/2016 by adminm114

The new chair of Mobles 114 furniture collection is a creation inspired by The Beauty and the Beast. Designer Eugeni Quitllet made a mixture between poetry and industry, a sensual shape and a heavy, strong structure.

Tube by Eugeni Quitllet from mobles 114 editions on Vimeo.

Martín Azúa and his ideas about design

Posted on 02/06/2015 by adminm114

(… coming from the first part)

Knowing the “why” and “how” questions are essential in any creative process, what motivates you more when tackling your work?
I try not to have preconceived ideas and I am among the designers who are distracted by the process. I change a lot my opinion and sometimes target. Maybe it’s a defect, I do not know. In any case, I like to keep some creative uncertainty.

It seems that we live in a new paradigm dominated by social changes, a revision of values and technological advances. In this changing and sometimes confusing scenario, what do you think the role of the designer should be?
I’m not dogmatic, I think there are many valid points. Right now I am very interested in working with local resources and claim a physical and technological diversity which obviously comes as new without losing the traditional. I don’t like the idea of a standardized world where products are designed and produced by machines and are made of materials that we don’t recognize.

On occasion you said that design is a tool to make things better, not whimsical or bizarre. If design is an adaptation strategy, what is it about? And is the beautification part of that strategy?
The focus of design needs not be the design. Design is only the strategy it is just the tool. The adjective “designer” puts us in a situation where we forget the essential and get distracted by the superfluous. Of course beauty counts, but it is a beauty that includes ethical aspects, that somehow represents our desire to be better.

“Having it all without hardly having anything”, could you develop this statement of yours?
I don’t know what pushes us to keep more than the necessary. Having many things sometimes limits us. The free people really don’t have a dependency property. I know it’s a contradiction to be designer. But then, if we depend on something that’s worth something.

What is the space that you mostly like about a home? And with what object you can not imagine a typical day?
My favorite space has to do with light and changes throughout the day. When I shower in the morning direct sunlight comes in the bathroom and it’s great. When I eat at noon the sun comes in again and I think that light feeds me more than food. It is something fantastic about Barcelona. I think the second question refers to a special object that has an everyday but exceptional use. I designed some for an exhibition, “Artjects” which can be viewed on my website, and we saw also at the blog.

Category: Outstanding