In 2014, Cape Town-based industrial designer Martin Doller was selected to be part of SaloneSatellite, an exhibition hosted as part of the Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan. Intended to bring together promising young designers from all over the world, the initiative is a three-year programme that gives emerging creatives an opportunity to exhibit alongside the world’s biggest brands and leading designers.

This year was Martin’s second time on show. We caught up with him just before he jetted off to Milan.

Tell us about the concept you presented?

I developed a woven web-like structure using faceted crystal beads. Delicate spider webs covered in dew sparkling in the morning sun inspired the idea. I experimented with different weaves to create an intricate crystal web comprising different geometric patterns, which reference traditional African beading patterns. The web was then externally illuminated.

How does that work?

I didn’t want to complicate the see-through structure with piping, cabling or light bulbs, so a spotlight in the ceiling-mounted base illuminates it. The downward beam of light is refracted by the crystals, creating the illusion of a suspended structure that magically glows.

It must be expensive to exhibit in Milan…

The cost of getting my exhibition to the fair is astronomical. The Department of Trade and Industry through its export funding programmes has been incredibly supportive. Without it, the exposure on the international design stage would not be possible. I have a lot to thank them for.

For more information about Martin, visit martindoller.com.

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These are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 73, features a cubic hostel proposal, a summer canvas beach umbrella and a Cambodian genocide memorial. 

1. Sleuk Rith Institute by Zaha Hadid

“Zaha Hadid’s new design for the Sleuk Rith Institute, a genocide memorial in Cambodia, is not only magnificent to look at, it’s completely inspiring too,” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring.

Image credit: zaha-hadid.com

2. Kipple Rainbow Installation by Dan Tobin Smith

Freelance junior content producer Michaela Stehr thinks that organising found waste and junk by colour is both creative and resourceful.

Image credit: wired.com

3. Mountain hostel by Atelier 8000

“This giant cube looks like it landed straight from space and into the Slovakian mountains,” says features editor Tracy Greenwood.

Image credit: dezeen.com

4. Playmobilia Stools by Tania da Cruz

Deputy Editor Annemarie Meintjies thinks these cute and nostalgic stools are just one of the innovative designs you can see at The SaloneSatellite and La Rinascente: Spotlight On Creativity exhibition.

Image credit: designwreck.com

5. Talma Chair by Benjamin Hubert for Moroso

“Is this what they mean by dressing up your house?” asks art director Anton Pietersen.

Image credit: dezeen.com

6. Hartebessiebos Umbrella

“All I want this summer is one of these cotton canvas umbrellas with sand screw, towel hook and a matching bag,” says editor-in-chief Sumien Brink.

Image credit: hartebessiebos.co.za

Check out more VISI Picks of the week series here.

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