'Berlin Perceptions' Sculptural Toys by VAUST Studio

Berlin-based experimental interior design studio VAUST makes furniture inspired conceptual objects, including a series of ‘toys’ titled Berlin Perception. The collection follows their previous series of ‘objects’, V33 and Slabs, whereby vintage marble tables were re-contextualised as wall sculptures. ‘Toy’ represents the designer’s emotional and visual perceptions of the city of Berlin.

The objects are almost like the super architectural version of one of those vertical stacking toys. Explains Vaust, “we were searching for a silhouette that we understand as highly contemporary and that translates our understanding for form and shape. The object is meant to reflect our studio’s personality, our desire for aesthetics and our need for joy.”

Comprised of various different architectural materials, the toys have a modular structure that encourages the collector to alter the appearance and play around with the form. The fact that the objects can be changed and stacked represents the transient and changeable nature of Berlin.

Berlin Untitled 1 brings together solid hand polished brass, shiny lacquered ivory MDF, repurposed oak from the remains of the old Berlin Palace, Navona travertine, grey acrylic glass, and leather covered MDF. The piece tells the story of Berlin’s rich history in 18th-century architecture and the significant cultural impact of buildings such as the rebuilt Berliner Stadtchloss, or Berlin Palace. Berlin Untitled 1 is a homage to the cultural, educated city that belies its grungy reputation, rejoicing in theatres, classical music and old-fashioned eateries.

Berlin Untitled 2 reflects the celebrated hedonistic culture of the city, with long nights spent partying in world-renowned nightclubs. The piece comprises rich materials of solid hand-polished stainless steel, different foams, Kara black marble, leather covered MDF, latex covered MDF, and grey acrylic glass.

The diverse materials of Berlin Untitled 3 reflect the strong urge to define a Zeitgeist amongst a culture of strong creative expression across fashion and art. The piece is made up of solid hand polished transparent acrylic glass, white lacquered MDF, insulation foam, transparent acrylic glass, solid hand-polished stainless steel and leather covered MDF.