Visitors to molo's installation at ICFF in New York were treated to a first look of molo's new benchwall + thinwall modular system. benchwall + thinwall function together, or independently, to add further versatility to molo's existing soft collection of modular textile and paper partitions, paper furniture and chairs, and energy-efficient LED lighting designs by molo founders/designers Stephanie Forsythe + Todd MacAllen.
benchwall begins with a flexible and expandable 18" tall seat that extends into a 6' tall back. Made from continuous sheets of paper honeycombed together, benchwall presents a unique combination of durability, flexibility, and privacy. The backrest of the bench, the strength of which is belied by the chair's humble paper material, is surprisingly comfortable. Springy paper pleats, which extend naturally from the interior honeycomb structure, run vertically along the backrest of benchwall and gently contour to the shape and size of those leaning against it. The height of the backrest also provides acoustic absorption, forming an aural partition that keeps conversation private. With a subtle nod to Charles Rennie Mackintosh's chair and other high backed seating from the early 20th century, benchwall creates comfort and focus through privacy and intimacy within surrounding space. Like molo's other softseating designs, there is also a beautiful pattern of wear that develops on benchwall as it is used.
thinwall is the other half of molo's new modular system. A flexible, lightweight partition 6' in height, thinwall is similar in form to softwall (based on an expandable honeycomb form), but with a thinner profile (measuring only 3.5" (8.75cm) in width) that can create nuanced ribbon-like shapes. From an initial compressed form only a few inches long, thinwall expands by means of flexible honeycomb to a length of 15' (4.5m). thinwall differentiates itself from other partitions through its versatility. Versus typical partitions that are relatively static – and those that are mobile to some degree cannot be compressed or easily stored – thinwall is incredibly mobile and can be fluidly shaped to fit into any space. The combination of this mobility with a narrow profile gives thinwall additional functionality as custom wrapping for millwork, doors for closet shelving, window coverings, or an acoustic treatment for fixed walls and ceilings. The new thinwall design is a beautiful addition to the subtle visual language of molo's soft collection.
thinwall has been designed to connect together perfectly with the back of benchwall via magnetic panels integrated into each end of the designs. The seat of benchwall has been further designed to connect to corresponding sizes of softseating fanning benches. Together, the three designs can be combined and recombined with one another to create continuous environments that offer flexibility, privacy, and acoustic solutions for not only those within the partitioned seating areas, but also those around the exterior of these spaces.
Paper thinwall, made from 50% post-consumer pulp, is now available in natural brown and black. thinwall will also be available in a white textile made from 100% recyclable polyethylene. benchwall will be first released in August, 2014 in natural brown and bamboo charcoal black paper versions.
