Winner of Freeplay Vol. 1
30th Jan 2019, Singapore – The launch of freeplay – vol.1 on 24th Jan 2019 culminated in WYNK Collaborative’s design, TOTEM, winning the inaugural competition/initiative organized by Montana and P5 Studio among 7 other modular systems designed by local-based design and architectural practices.
Conceived as a household object to help create meaning and ritual in one’s daily life. TOTEM takes the form of a monolithic volume, consisting of a series of protruding trays sitting within the shell of the cabinet, topped off with a pull-out mirror created from a modified tray component. The form and colours are a nod to the nostalgia of retro sci-fi, and the monolith and HAL’s mainframe in 2001 A Space Odyssey.
“From the outset, we felt strongly that we should create something that keeps within the spirit and values that Montana represents, modularity, functionality, and personal expression. It would have to be an object that would fit into every home, bringing joy and delight into the user’s life.” said WYNK Collaborative.
TOTEM is an occasional cabinet that one can use to organize things around one’s habits and movements. It may be used at the main entrance or living room of a home as an organizer for putting everyday-carry items like keys, wallets, phones etc, bills and letters and other documents that requires some follow-up action, with the tray in a contrasting pink acting as a reminder or to-do tray.
It may also be used as a stand-up vanity cabinet, with the pull-out mirror and the lit shelf at the top, with the series of trays below for cosmetics, skincare products and accessories. It can work as a reading shelf to organize magazines, daily reads and stationery. Furthermore, TOTEM can be used to organize one’s clothes for the week, and as a night-light. The possibilities are endless. Users will be allowed to have their own interpretation of what and how the furniture/object can fit into their lives.
The compact footprint allows it to fit easily into small living spaces either as a standalone piece or to complement other existing furniture in the home. Usage of tray components allow great flexibility to add, remove, or reconfigure the cabinet as ones needs changes. The tray can also be used independently from the cabinet without affecting the integrity of the piece. WYNK Collaborative’s decision to select trays that were protruding from the front adds sublime character to the design. The cabinet also to has a sculptural quality by having a different colour composition based on the orientation and placement. TOTEM may be placed with its side or back against the wall, side by side with another piece of furniture or as a standalone object within a space.
A design jury consisting of Montana’s CEO, Joakim Larsen, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hans Lindeberg, and Architect and Head of Spatial Design, Helena Lauren selected TOTEM by WYNK Collaborative as the winning design.
—
Statement from Mr. Hans Lindeberg, Director of Sales & Marketing at Montana.
“WYNK Collaborative’s TOTEM well-balanced colour combination appeals to both genders. Its monolith and sleek design transverses very well between femininity and masculinity. The adaptable design can also be used as an organizer both in the office and home. In terms of application, TOTEM is functional on the ground, with a plinth, or wall mounted to suit different needs. As a standalone piece on ground, usability applies to both sides of the product. The design also allows TOTEM to not only be wall mounted on the back but also on both the left and right sides. These application possibilities make TOTEM an extremely well-thought out concept leading to its adaptability in most interior/architectural environments. With clever use of colours, TOTEM clearly stands out in Freeplay Vol. 1. WYNK Collaborative’s bold decision to use slightly over-sized trays for the mirror and storage units adds a fresh dimension to the design intent. The multi-dimensional aspects of the timeless design integrate well with Montana’s desire for versatility and practicality.”