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Daring Pile

May 2021

Ithaca, NY

Daring Pile

Concrete and glass—two contrasting materials—were explored without the use of joints or adhesives, creating a dynamic interplay between robustness and fragility. This tension became the foundation of the bookcase design, where the materials appear at odds yet function harmoniously. Unlike typical bookcases designed to protect their contents, this one gives the illusion of instability and imminent toppling while remaining structurally sound.
Concrete serves as the stackable element connecting each level, while glass integrates seamlessly into the system, appearing to carry the load. Further amplifying the tension, the stacking is intentionally misaligned, forming a slanted structure rather than a centrally balanced one. However, through careful weight distribution and stacking techniques, the bookcase remains stable, transforming material contrast into a controlled structural expression.

Process

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