Visi – July 2019

NO

5

is love of “basic geometry”
informed the novel design,
says Michael Anastassiades
about the convention-
bending Beosound Edge speaker he
designed for Bang & Olufsen. The coin-
like speaker can be rolled on its base
a few degrees to either side to control
the volume.

Why did you to take on the B&O
project? It made perfect sense. They’re
about quality, material craftsmanship
and excellence in sound. Those are
qualities that speak to my own views
on design.

How did the coin shape inform the
speaker’s design? I just loved its simple
form and the fact that you can roll the
coin back and forth. I wanted it to look
abstract and non-technological – you
can’t see a power cord or buttons. I like
that ambiguity.

Tell us about your design philosophy?

I see objects not as props but as pieces

that you interact with, focusing on

material quality and how materials age

with time.

What are you currently working

on? I am wrapping up an intense

few months of international shows

and openings. I recently designed

two collections for Flos, a table for

B&B Italia and a chair for Gebrüder

Thonet. I am also busy completing

my first book, which will be

released soon.

Which of your designs do people

most often recognise? My Tube

chandelier from 2006. Lighting has

become so much a part of what I do,

and people recognise that before

they notice my other products.

Was this your first trip to South

Africa? No, I grew up in Burundi and

I have many friends in South Africa,

so I was keen to come back.

bang-olufsen.com

michaelanastassiades.com INTERVIEW

MILA CREWE-BROWN

FIND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE COMPETITION ON PAGE 188.

HIGH

FIDELITY

Following his appearance at Design

Joburg featuring Rooms on View,

we asked London-based product

designer Michael Anastassiades

about the Beosound Edge speaker

that he designed for Bang & Olufsen.

H

visi.co.za JUNE/JULY 2019 134

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