Salone 2012 Preview: Cutline Furniture by Smooth Plane

Designed by Alessandro Busana, the collection known as Cutline is the first featured product line by the new Italian furniture brand known as Smooth Plane. Cutline will be presented at Temporary Museum for New Design in an exhibition entitled “Discovering,” curated by Giulio Cappellini and Gisella Boriolo and held during Milan Design Week 2012. Already somewhat of a sensation, Cutline results from an aesthetic philosophy that highlights material and craftsmanship: the furniture uses a radical cut to emphasize the beauty of the wood, as well as the secret of what lies inside.

Cutline Table. Designed by Alessandro Busana. Manufactured by Smooth Plane.

Differential Storage Displays and Conceals

Cutline Table. Designed by Alessandro Busana. Manufactured by Smooth Plane.

The Cutline Collection includes a table, coffee table, high storage, medium storage, and low storage. All of the pieces feature a signature cut “that defines a dynamism of a precise action… a cut creating functionality in each object and, at the same time, giving rise to an aesthetic able to evoke emotion.” This cut is functional, because it allows users to put some items on display and to hide others. It is this dual nature that makes Cutline an excellent choice for education venues.

Cutline Table. Designed by Alessandro Busana. Manufactured by Smooth Plane.

The Cutline Table serves as an effective and spacious desk. On one side, its visible niche offers two levels. On the other side, Cutline Table includes a large lateral drawer that features pressure opening and hydraulic closing. It makes a great desk for professors employed at design colleges. It’s also ideal for K12 teachers, who often need to lay out their class plans—plus, the secret drawer can hold their grade books (or laptops or notebook computers). The open shelves work for objects that students should be able to access: pencils, paper, rulers, etc.

Cutline Table. Designed by Alessandro Busana. Manufactured by Smooth Plane.

The same binary idea of concealment and display is found with the Cutline storage. The high tower and low unit seem ideal for elementary schools. The tall unit will keep small children away from whatever is out of reach; the short unit will allow kids to reach textbooks and other items. Of course, the Cutline Collection also looks good: solid wood and interesting juxtaposition make the furniture visually arresting. The artistic nature of the pieces reflects the philosophy of the Smooth Plane brand, which seeks to “give wood a new identity.”

Cutline Table. Designed by Alessandro Busana. Manufactured by Smooth Plane.
Cutline Table. Designed by Alessandro Busana. Manufactured by Smooth Plane.

Via Moco Loco.

About the Manufacturer: Smooth Plane is an Italian furniture brand located in Bagnoli di Sopra, a town in the Veneto region of Italy. A new design company, Smooth Plane began production with its Cutline series of furniture, which is “defined by a volume section, a section that actually exposes the interior side to reveal the true nature of the object and the careful craftsmanship of solid wood.” Smooth Plane’s CEO is Dario Bordigato and its design & art director is Alessandro Busana.

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