I’m continually amazed by the aesthetic versatility of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. Just when you think you’ve got her pinned down to futuresque and technologically-savvy (Digitable), she fashions a piece that evokes the dark gothicism of 19th. century Prague (Bohemian Collection), or a rug inspired by the raw organicism of Blue-Green Algae of all things! (Cintas). Her latest effort–fresh off a lauded display at the recently-concluded Salone–reinforces her chameleon status:

Net-Box. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Molteni.

Net-Box

and Scriba for Molteni & C are, respectively, a multi-functional wardrobe and a multi-functional desk, each possessed of the kinds of compartments within compartments that make storage not only eminently useful but also quite intriguing. Just the thing for those with a fetish for hidden confines, with cherished memories of secreting oneself away in a dark and private space.

Not that any of the niches in either wardrobe or desk is large enough to accommodate a grown human person, even though the aesthetic of Net-Box might be described as “locker-room revamp” (not to evoke any painful memories of being forcibly secreted away in said dark and private space). Constructed of solid and laminate wood and lacquered metal mesh, Net-Box re-conceives the locker into a spacious and well-organized clothes horse with a bright, modern look. The metal mesh doors are outfitted with side storage, thus making excellent use of this potentially wasted space.

Scriba. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Molteni.

Scriba. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Molteni.

Net-Box. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Molteni.

Scriba is a complementary piece. Made of the same light-toned wood as Net-Box, Scriba also incorporates some daring dashes of alternative materiality, like the built-in metal mesh book support and the clever leather side pocket that drapes casually off to the side like the saddlebags of an elegant Gaucho. Other of Scriba’s pragmatic features include a handy side drawer and a customized computer niche complete with pull-out keyboard tray (this is well worth the effort, take it from me, since it keeps your hands at the right ergonomic height). If you thought the metal mesh detail was the only linkage between Net-Box and Scriba, think again. For the latter’s aesthetic coup is the decorative open-work that constitutes one of the desk’s two structural lynchpins. It’s a nice touch that gives the entire ensemble an airy and open feel. Maybe not the best choice for those who prefer total enclosure, but for the rest of us, it should work just fine.