The ambiguous sense of function embedded within Silvia Knüppel's Pl(a)ywood is nothing new for a designer whose previous work includes a solid block of foam shaped into an armoire which must have been hacked at with a knife in order to create storage space (Drückeberger), and a chest of drawers that invites users to lean against it's veneer of shag carpeting (Winterpelz). Pl(a)ywood, however, appears to be Knüppel's most eloquent response to date in the goal of creating a, "new understanding of the respective product and its original functions."

Pl(a)ywood. Designed by Silvia Knüppel.

It's 38 slabs of stacked plywood have shed any sense of awkward or ugly her older pieces may possess, and take on a sculptural attitude when the individual layers are pulled, pushed, or pivoted into place. The piece only looks like a traditional chest of drawers, but actually functions as a shelf when ledges are created for objects to rest upon.

Pl(a)ywood is part of the kkaarrlls collection that exhibited for the second time at this year's Milan Design Week. All pieces in the collection are created by designers at Staatlische Hochschule fur Gestaltung at Karlsruhe, the University of Arts and Design. Their aim is to create pieces distinguished by, "an absolute unprejudiced view of the world of objects." The designers reject speed and standardization, choosing instead to focus on unique construction techniques and material usage. This edition of the collection, which features 15 new pieces, spotlights work particularly tied to each designer's vision and lifestyle.

Pl(a)ywood was also featured along with and Drückeberger in the Lapse in Time exhibition at Experimentadesign 09 in Lisbon last year under a banner that described all included as, "uncompromising designers whose work is grounded on highly individual in-depth thinking and boundary defying creative elasticity." This description seems appropriate for Knüppel, who appears set on breaking down our preconceived notions about human's response to, and interaction with everyday objects.

Photos Via www.designboom.com
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