The Sum of Small Parts: A Playful Fusion of Artisanal Craftsmanship and Contemporary Design

FDT Bureau

Guatemalan design studio Cinco x Cinco has achieved a harmonious blend of contemporary ingenuity and artisanal craftsmanship in its acclaimed furniture collection, The Sum of Small Parts. Conceived during the challenges of Covid-19 lockdowns, The Sum of Small Parts encompasses an exquisite chandelier, a versatile bar cart and an elegantly designed chair. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

This thoughtfully crafted collection, fully demountable in nature, boasts chrome structural elements seamlessly intertwined with an assortment of locally sourced artisanal materials. These elements come together to evoke a sense of playful nostalgia, reminiscent of the metal structures often found in Latin American parks.

The centerpiece of The Sum of Small Parts is the chandelier, meticulously crafted from gracefully curved chrome bars that culminate in delicate light bulbs. Hanging from these chrome bars are pendant charms, exquisitely fashioned from Chinautla clay — a unique Guatemalan material created by artisans living in isolated environments, removed from industrial production.

The bar cart seamlessly marries curved chrome elements with three trays fashioned from conacaste wood, a precious indigenous resource found in northern Guatemala. The chair, a minimalist marvel, features a sleek framework composed of semi-circular bars enveloped in cotton fibers.

Image credit: Achach Fotografia