When hardware becomes soft #4
14.11.2018
Translation: machine translated
Consumer electronics are increasingly joining forces with manufacturers who normally design textiles for sofa upholstery or curtains. You can find out why here.
I love technology. And I love it even more when it's hidden behind a pretty shell. To ensure that the sound quality doesn't suffer as a result of my aesthetic requirements, I looked at different speakers that harmonise both. I'm noticing this more and more often: Hardware is getting softer. And not just in terms of shape, but also in the choice of material.
The Danish company "Kvadrat" is a major article in this regard when it comes to loudspeakers. It produces contemporary, high-quality textiles for entire restaurant or hotel concepts as well as textile-related products. For example, Kvadrat works together with industrial and fashion designer Raf Simons or develops special editions of well-known shoe models for Adidas. The latest collaborations for loudspeakers now also include the electronics manufacturer Bang & Olufsen.
Design to match the interior
After the initial success in 2016 of the WiFi and multiroom speaker "A9", which was created in collaboration between B&O and Kvadrat, "Beoplay M3 and M5" now come with a cover made of multicoloured wool yarn. They blend seamlessly into the cool aluminium housing and can be replaced according to taste. This turns the sound wonders into sculptures that you can stage in your home and don't have to hide because they look too technical.
Like a fashion accessory
Mobile speakers are increasingly adapting to your outfit. Thanks to textile details and protective leather covers, they look like a fashion accessory - and are shown as such in B&O campaigns: The "E6 and H9i" headphones are worn by models like a piece of jewellery and the "P6" Bluetooth speaker like a handbag. Clothing and location are colour-coordinated with the sand tones. The shoot takes place in Marrakech, which is known for its natural colours such as terracotta.
Who's next?
After Kvadrat, B&O has brought other creative minds on board to further develop its design. Most recently, this involved the artist David Lynch for a special edition of the "Beoplay M2 and M5" speakers. Or the designer Michael Anastassiades, who is known for his mobile pendant lights. The spherical multi-room loudspeaker "Beo Soundedge" designed by him can be operated using a hand movement and looks like a room object for minimalists. We don't have these two models in the shop yet, but we do have the "Softies" mentioned above.
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Header image: Loudspeakers that discreetly hide everything technology suggests are right up my alley as an ambitious interior designer. Image: Bang & Olufsen
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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