softwall + softblock - LED lighting von molo

softwall + softblock is a modular space shaping system that is at the core of molo’s soft collection. soft is an innovative family of expandable /compressible honeycomb structures, conceived from the desire for flexible, spontaneous space making. To temporally shape more intimate ephemeral areas within larger open spaces and then give the space back to the larger room when needed. Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen of molo are trained as architects. Their studies of flexible space making in architecture have generated this collection of flexible walls, building blocks, seating and lighting called soft — a name chosen because the structures for all of these products are soft and elastic rather than hard and rigid.

Utilizing flexible honeycomb structures that expand, contract and flex to form sculptural spaces and seating topographies, soft is a research driven exploration of materials, structure and space making. The elements of the soft collection have been designed to be used and reused in variable and dynamic ways; replacing the need for more costly, inflexible alternatives of partitioning and arranging space. Despite being made from the light weight materials of paper and non-woven textiles, the honeycomb geometry lends these structures high strength and flexible resilience with an economy of material resource.

softwall + softblock modular system consists of building blocks and free standing partition walls in a variety of sizes, two materials and three colours. All elements in the softwall + softblock modular system connect together with concealed magnets in an almost seamless way with the vertical joints blending with the rhythm of the vertically pleated structures.

Opening softwall is a magical tactile experience as the honeycomb expands to create a completely free standing structure, hundreds of times larger than its compressed form. Its versatility becomes immediately apparent, as softwall can be readily resized and rearranged into almost any shape.

softwall + softblock further provides a medium for shaping acoustics and light within a space. The cellular structure and vertical pleats that run the course of an expanded wall serve to dampen sound while translucent or opaque versions of softwall can sculpt the light of a space.

Recognized for its poetic and pragmatic beauty and innovation, softwall + softseating have been acquired by several museums, including the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.