Curves of Contemplation: The Intricate Form and Function of andblack’s LOOP Collection

FDT Bureau

In the world of contemporary furniture, few collections evoke such a striking blend of form, emotion, and functionality as the LOOP series by andblack. Founded by Jwalant Mahadevwala and Kanika Agarwal in 2012, the Ahmedabad-based studio has spent over a decade refining a design philosophy that treats furniture as more than mere utility. andblack's work is about capturing the intricate poetry of structure and reshaping the boundaries of what furniture can mean within a space. With the LOOP series, they present a collection that is both deeply rooted in their ethos of parametric design and brimming with imaginative interpretations of "the loop."

At the heart of the series is the idea of a single surface made from a single material, elegantly bent and twisted into seamless loops that create both strength and visual intrigue. Each piece offers more than meets the eye, redefining norms of ergonomics and structure while establishing a language that resonates on both an aesthetic and emotional level. The LOOP bookshelf, for instance, combines the rigid functionality of a storage unit with the sensuous flow of a sculpture. Its organic curvature invites the eye to wander along its surface, turning the act of storing books into a celebration of form. The subtle twists and turns echo the larger ethos of the series, allowing each book it holds to become a protagonist within a curated, visual story.

In the LOOP bench, this design language translates into a structure inspired by Michelangelo’s masterpiece, "The Creation of Adam." With graceful curves and a minimalistic silhouette, the bench achieves an almost ethereal presence, embodying tension and release through its design. It captures the delicate balance between presence and restraint, inviting the user to sit and engage with the piece, subtly blurring the line between art and utility. The LOOP bar unit offers an innovative take on the idea of solidity by introducing a sense of lightness and flow into a traditionally robust structure. Designed with scooped-out sections, this bar unit creates a visual play that challenges expectations, allowing the piece to appear as though it is floating. The curves within the structure open up the piece, evoking curiosity and encouraging interaction.

With the LOOP spiral jhoola, andblack has created a true retreat, a place where form and function meet in a perfect harmony of ergonomic design and visual allure. Sculpted from the heart of wood, this jhoola offers an inviting, cocoon-like experience that goes beyond mere seating. Its closed, double-loop structure provides a serene space for relaxation, allowing one to sink into a state of repose while feeling enveloped by the strength and warmth of the wood. In contrast, the LOOP quad bench is a celebration of simplicity in form, using a singular upward arch to create a visual effect that enhances the space around it. Its understated elegance invites contemplation, acting as a gentle focal point within its environment. The minimalistic, unembellished design of the quad bench underscores its quiet strength, demonstrating how simplicity can be as compelling as complexity.

Finally, the LOOP twisted table brings a playful twist to the collection, inviting users into a world of intrigue and discovery. Its sculptural surface hides engraved sentences, turning the act of sitting at a table into an adventure reminiscent of a treasure hunt. Each curve and slope offers something new to uncover, sparking curiosity and creating a sense of connection with the piece.

Each piece in this series speaks to the studio’s dedication to exploring the boundaries of material and form, as well as their commitment to creating spaces where design elevates daily living. The LOOP series captures the strength of curves, the allure of simplicity, and the power of form, inviting users to rethink their connection to furniture. In doing so, andblack has given us a collection that is as timeless as it is modern, pushing forward the conversation of what furniture can be in the most elegant and innovative way.