Interview mit Ross Lovegrove

Ross Lovegrove ranks among the most important and innovative industrial designers of our time. Many of his works, such as the “Mercury” pendulum lamp, are inspired by the aesthetics and elements of nature and his often organically shaped products evoke emotions. The international design experts of the red dot jury were highly enthusiastic about its design and unanimously assessed it as one of the best products in the entire competition, awarding the pendulum lamp with a “red dot: best of the best”.

Mr. Lovegrove, what was the inspiration for “Mercury”?
Ross Lovegrove: The inspiration for Mercury was to create liquid forms which float in space and act as three-dimensional light reflectors. Indeed the assembly also works with natural light in a very interactive way.

How important were ecological aspects for the design of the
pendulum lamp?
Ross Lovegrove: Ecology in this sense relates to my ongoing interest in nature and the modern expression of it. A product such as this is often highly valued so it is hopefully beyond fashion – the concept is not disposable. I sense it could remain relevant despite advances and changes in its artificial light source.

To what extent is your work influenced by related disciplines, such as architecture or the arts?
Ross Lovegrove: My work is embedded in research which explores the digital methods in contemporary architecture in order to advance forms, materials and technologies in highly emotional and contemporary ways. My work will grow in compatibility with advances in architectural thinking and sculpting space... as the confidence to create intelligent form changes the physicality of all objects around us from product to cars to architecture. I approach my work also from the position of a sculptor of modern technology and the in-depth research I make with my limited edition pieces is fed back into the system to make my industrial design products a form of accessible art – my water bottle is a good example of this perhaps.

When coming up with the design for a project, where do you usually work? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Ross Lovegrove: I work in a very organic way... on the move, constantly absorbing and filtering information. I read scientific journals and am consumed by facts relating to the degradation of our Earth by a hunger for resources. It’s the opposite force that keeps me focused and grounded in creating a culture of quality. As a designer related to industry there is a responsibility to create at the highest cultural level as the objects we create become a measure of our intelligence and civilization. I was at NASA recently in Houston, Texas, but then a few days later studying whale evolution at the Natural History Museum. It is all part of the same thing for me but both are enriching and highly stimulating for me... maybe it’s the concept of purpose which unites these polarities in me. When essential economic forms converge with modern technology, the result can be very meaningful and human-centric.

What design project would you most love to realise in the future?
Ross Lovegrove: I would love to design an intelligent car or a train.