Inspired by the signature style of the late Zaha Hadid, RE/Form continues to solidify the future of its brand by adopting a design-driven direction for the Royal Thai collection. The new carpet collection was presented by Zaha Hadid Architects at The Zaha Hadid Gallery in London, as part of the London Design Festival in September 2018. The fluidity of the patterns showcased in each of the 22 pieces, comprising the collection, was heavily reminiscent of the late architect’s work. Representing her work, the designs fell under four themes including; striated lines, ribbon-like projections, pixelated landscapes, and organic cellular shapes. The designs highlight Zaha Hadid’s signature style use of layering, interweaving, and playing with light and shadow in her patterns. At the same time, they introduce colors, such as red, green, and shades of turquoise, that are custom to commercial carpets. The hand-tufted designs, woven on Axminster looms, give each carpet a theme of metaphorical renewal, reconfiguration, and transformation. Those themes are a reflection of the Royal Thai’s recent reformation.
Here are samples from the collection which show a great resemblance to some of Zaha Hadid’s buildings.
Courtesy Of Zaha Hadid Architects
The Signature Style of Zaha Hadid:
1. The Striation Carpet
The neo-futuristic design for the MAXXI: National Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome and the firm’s recently completed curvy metallic ribbon-like façade are represented in the fluidity of this carpet’s pattern.
2. The Pixel Carpets
This pattern represents the perforated façade of the Nanjing International Youth Cultural Centre.
3. The Ribbon Carpets
There is no obvious resemblance between this carpet’s pattern and Hadid’s buildings; however, it’s wavy and intertwining design gives a similar sense to that of the interior of the Zaha Hadid Design Gallery in London. The pattern also shows resemblance to more complex designs, such as the tangled 3D-printed Thallus sculpture by the studio’s computation and design research group (ZHCODE).
4. The Cellular Carpets
Similar to the Ribbon Carpets, the lattice forms represented in this project are reminiscent of some of Hadid’s accessory designs, such as her white gold Skein Cuff.
Looking at these carpets gives us a feeling of nostalgia for the late architect’s work. However, the way Zaha Hadid’s style is represented in these carpets makes us look forward to what is yet to come from the legacy she left behind.
Courtesy Of Zaha Hadid Architects
All Images Courtesy Of Zaha Hadid Architects
