Interview with the Lagranja design team

Lagranja seis itself as a multidisciplinary studio workshop that collaborates with friends, including photographers, graphic designers, digital artists and programmers. At the heart of each Lagranja project are human beings and their desire to improve their quality of life. The “Key” bicycle rack impressed the jury through its unusual and innovative design. Instead of metal, Lagranja used polyurethane foam, conceiving of the design as if it were a comfortable and practical element meant for interior furnishing.

What factors played a particularly important role in the design of the Key bicycle rack?
Lagranja: It was an object almost forgotten from the design world. We didn’t like any of the existing ones. That’s why we focused our efforts on it.

Its soft lines lend the rack an almost toy-like appearance – what is the intention behind this?
Lagranja: We wanted it to be gentle. We wanted the rack not to scratch the coating of bikes. We wanted it to be a bit more domestic, not like yet another unfamiliar piece of cold metal. We wanted it to be coloured and to stand out.

For your design team, how important is the exchange of ideas with designers from related disciplines such as photography, graphic design, architecture and the arts?
Lagranja: When presenting our office, we always say: “Founded in 2002, Lagranja is a multi-disciplinary studio-workshop which designs objects and spaces while always placing the emphasis on people... It works with friends who are photographers, graphic designers, digital artists and programmers, who bring to each project creative lifeblood and specific knowledge.” You know...

What design philosophy does Lagranja follow?
Lagranja: At Lagranja, theory goes hand in hand with practice. We learn by doing. We follow our instincts as much as we follow reason. Our only style is our attitude. Always focused on emphasising the energy of our new and unique creations, we constantly search for lively and optimistic solutions, keeping the human being at the centre of our design. Our vision has no conceptual boundaries; it is eclectic and versatile, crossing genres and different operating fields. We avoid self-referential or self-regarding design; our intent is to keep our feet on the ground while looking boldly up into the sky.

Lagranja is also active in teaching design as a profession. When looking at today’s design education, what do you think is particularly important? What piece of advice would you give to young talented designers?
Lagranja: Work hard, play better! Don’t trust fashion: simplicity is beautifully complex. And above all, have fun!