It think it is very important that objects and products have a smart concept behind them, and that the entire system of production and making be considered ‘a part of good design’. But it always comes off as a bit juvenile and regressive to say that the visual and sensual matters of objects and products are things that they ‘do not engage with’ as a matter of their identity as a studio.

Whether or not they admit it, they certainly have some kind of particular touch and look. Sometimes I think they would benefit by addressing the final look and feel of their furniture more, and developing their skill in that department, but more importantly, it seems silly to deny that this is one of the things they are responsible for in each project.

Eitherway, I think that Form, Formalism, Colour, Identity are ALWAYs part of design, and it is just arrogant to say that those are petty matters. I feel it is particularly important to say that now because with the current economic recession, I think there is a lot of hate towards beauty which is just dumb-ass. Its already hard enough having lost my job recently, but the idea that everything has to be ugly-in-style inorder to be considered non-excessive is even more depressing..

But much force to you, young design studio 5.5! Takes alot of guts to go out on your own and for that I have much respect.

Why compare everyone to Starck, find some more appropriate parallels.

Although fun and laid back, I often find their projects represent the 5.5 not actually knowing how to really resolve a ‘real’ problem with a ‘real ‘ design proposition.