The Christian Borger's project, the ‘Ultra-light’™ series, echoes this spirit of resistance, presenting a collection of furniture and lighting designs that are as svelte as they are sturdy.
At the heart of this series is a resounding commitment to minimalism, not only in terms of aesthetic but also concerning material use and waste.
Forged out of a journey of exploration and joyous curiosity, the ‘Ultra-light’™ series draws inspiration from diverse applications such as boatbuilding, lightweight aircraft design, kites, camping equipment, architectural structures, and even bridges. The resulting pieces do not seem manufactured but rather born out of a playful marriage between geometry and technique.
These objects serve as a testament to Borger's prowess in challenging design conventions. Their visible construction process emphasizes the narrative of creation over the end product, inviting observers into an unfolding story of discovery. Each piece urges the curious mind to step beyond the veil of consumption, instead, encouraging engagement with the art of creation.
Christian's approach to this series goes beyond mere exploration of materials; it is a genuine quest. Collaborating with fellow designers, some of the artworks are treated boldly, resulting in delicate finishes that bring a poetic touch to the pieces. As part of these collaborations, Borger worked alongside Stephen Hopkins to co-create UL-CH-03-HB-OX, and with Gregory MacGlashing on UL-CH-03-STL, both of which deviate from the shared materials in unique ways.
In this unique interplay, the pieces become a study in efficiency, optimising each component's performance with a simple and repeatable assembly and joinery technique. This philosophy manifests as strong, lightweight, and functional compositions that elegantly articulate a structural language while being mindful of reducing waste.
The ‘Ultra-light’™ series is not just a collection of objects, through this project, Borger invites us to rethink our relationship with the material world, encouraging us to cherish the process as much as the product. It's a sobering and enlightening perspective, offering a refreshing counterpoint in an era defined by fast consumption and a throwaway culture.
