photo by · Alana Paterson
not long ago NUVO Magazine produced a splendid article, “Elemental Twist”, that really captures the Forsythe and MacAllen story and their invention of modern paper furniture. Alison Sinkewicz provides a guided journey covering their shared influences and cultural experiences from architecture school, to key moments that inspired the pair away from their conventional practice, to become a multidisciplinary design studio that explores the abstraction of elements.
forsythe and MacAllen started imagining ways in which common materials (paper, fabric, etc) could be conformed, reshaped or reorganized to become an everyday object of function and beauty. Critical idea being that whether it’s paper furniture, wall partition, or tea set, the product had the intrinsic qualities of being playful, visually striking, multi-use, and made from materials that can be sustainably repurposed.
photo by · Alana Paterson
alison Sinkewicz writes: “Forsythe and MacAllen’s personal design ethos is strong and unwavering. The couple (who are partners in design and life) follow certain principles of design—the material of light, the value of instinct—with religious zealotry, but there is no overarching, guiding scripture.
to them, design is as much a process of discovery as it is a matter of intention; it is a way of learning about the world. The duo is dedicated to the white cube model of austerity—removing pieces from their immediate contextual associations—but the more abstract, elemental aspects of environment remain at the centre.
furniture, light, objects—these are the accessories of life. In molo’s work, the fusion of our environment and objects is seamless. This is a truth that Forsythe and MacAllen extend to their own lives.”
photo by · Alana Paterson
the exploration of material, honeycomb geometry, culture, environment has always been at the center for molo, whether it was designing an acoustic room divider or a light fixture. Todd MacAllen explains: “we were looking for a way to provide utility in dividing a space, but at the same time when we make space with these objects, we are really interested in abstraction with light and form, or even a way to create a backdrop that heightens a sense of occasion for everyday life.”
Forsythe and MacAllen’s personal design ethos is strong and unwavering… To them, design is as much a process of discovery as it is a matter of intention; it is a way of learning about the world.
Alison Sinkewicz, NUVO Magazine
read the full NUVO article here.
see exclusive images by photographer, Alana Paterson, here.
find our full line of paper furniture here.
