What is Thanksgiving if not a time to give thanks? The holiday, which has for many become known as Turkey Day, sometimes seems to promote gluttony over gratefulness. But amidst turkey, football and family politics is a day dedicated to the expression of gratitude. So, at 3Rings, we partake. And although it’s been a rough year for many, there are things to be thankful for nonetheless.  So moving beyond this sappy, sentimental note is a bit of appreciation for design.

The thought of reducing a year of 3Rings design to a short list (maxing at the magical number 5) was daunting to say the least. But looking back at some favorites proves to be an interesting exercise indeed. Design means different things to different people – so here’s a quick chronicling of some of the year’s good design – through my eyes.

I’m thankful for design that reinvents everyday objects in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Toilets are rarely the targets of redesign. They’re neither a sexy area of exploration or functionally flawed. But Buratti + Battiston’s Washbasin+Watercloset offers innovative concepts in sustainability through the functional and physical fusion of the toilet and sink.  Water from the washbasin (sink) is reused to fill the water closet (toilet bowl), reducing water consumption by 25% in comparison to a standard dual flush toilet.  The form is a simple diagram of the way in which it functions, making it a beautifully executed example of the mantra “Form follows Function”.

Washbasin+Watercloset. Designed by Buratti + Battiston.

I’m thankful for new typologies in soft textiles.  Cloud, designed by the Bouroullec Brothers for Kvadrat, is a modular component with endless artistic applications. Tactile and sculptural, the individual triangulated tiles are connected to one another with special rubber bands, evolving as you add elements to it to produce a unique three-dimensional effect. They can be hung on the wall or from the ceiling, placed on the floor, or along railing and stairs. Fluid yet dynamic, at the new Kvadrat showroom in Stokholm, “A large Clouds motorized wall opens and closes with a touch of a switch.” Hanging from the ceiling, it coats the side wall, softening the general acoustics but when necessary, splits the space between the showroom and office area. This new typology in soft textiles has endless applications, both artistic and functional.  Molo’s softwalls, another product for which I am particularly affectionate, can provide similarly adaptable and artistic alternative to traditional partition walls.

Cloud. Designed by the Bouroullec Brothers for Kvadrat.

Softwall. Manufactured by Molo.

I’m thankful for design that recognizes the need for multifunctional spaces. Boffi’s On/Off kitchen, designed by Alberto Colonello, transforms from a solid paneled wall into a full-functioning, gourmet kitchen nearly instantaneously. Designed to look like a single mono block of steel when closed, the minimalist kitchen is marked by a smooth and unobtrusive exterior that conceals everything from the sink and stove to the wall oven. As with the notorious Polly Pocket (from the 1980s) the On/Off kitchen packs itself into a compact “case” when not in use – thus allowing the space to function as a living space rather than a kitchen.

Boffi’s On/Off Kitchen. Designed by Alberto Colonello.

On a very basic note: I am thankful for comfort, which Inga Sempé’s Sofa Coussin for LK Hjelle expertly achieves this both physically and emotionally. It’s a a sofa you can literally wrap yourself into. As my first article for 3Rings, there’s inevitably some sentimentality involved, but nevertheless, it’s a piece that makes you feel good.

Sofa Coussin. Designed by Sempé for LK Hjelle.

I’m thankful for witty design – clever pieces with a sense of humor. The V/a.g.r.a. lamp, designed by Romolo Stanco for Nonesiste, rises up when turned on and falls limp when turned off. Call it stupid if you like, but moving beyond the obvious puns, V/a.g.r.a. is in effect, a living lamp composed of “embryonic and morpho-organic articles that come to life, move and react as living creatures stimulated by light.” The realization of this lamp with its curious technology required the expertise of Physicist Stefano Besseghini. Nevertheless, it inspires laughter – an activity that could occur more frequently in everyone’s lives.

V/a.g.r.a. lamp. Designed by Romolo Stanco for Nonesiste.

We’re surrounded by design every moment of every day – and good design can change the way we live.  It seems like a bold statement – but it is in fact true. So, as you partake in your traditional Thanksgiving festivities – think back to the past year of design and find those products (and designers) for which you are most thankful.  If we had to, why shouldn’t you?  And as always, please share!