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Amass by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design

London designer Benjamin Hubert created a screen of branching modular structures to surround the auditorium at trade show 100% Design during the London Design Festival (+ movie).

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

Called Amass, the modular system comprises three different components that can be configured in several orientations.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

"The branched form of Amass was inspired by the controlled randomness found in nature and the building blocks of life," said Benjamin Hubert.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

For 100% Design, 46,000 pieces were hung in curtains around the stage and seating area to create a permeable visual barrier defining the space.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

"The brief called for a visually iconic space that would create a reference point within 100% Design," Hubert explained.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

"Based on observations from previous years, the auditorium needed to accommodate an audience for the seminar programme without excluding passers-by."

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

Although other modular plastic partitions already exist on the market - Algue by the Bouroullec Brothers perhaps being the best-known example - Hubert points out that his system can be used to create structural compositions like walls and corners as well as simple curtains.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

"Amass was created to build architectural structure as apposed to other modular plastic products, which only act as simple curtains or dividers," he said.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

"The Amass geometry allows for walls of varying thickness and corners to be created, forming three-dimensional structures."

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

The parts are made of injection-moulded polypropylene, which can be recycled, but they are also reusable.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

"Each year, trade shows reportedly generate more than 600,000 tonnes of waste, much of which comes from the exhibition design and structure," Hubert noted.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

After an event using his system, the whole installation can be taken apart and reassembled elsewhere.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

Following its debut hosting the talks programme at 100% Design, the product will be made available for space division in commercial and contract interiors. It has applications ranging in scale from one square metre to over 100 square metres.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

100% deign took place from 18 to 21 September as part of the London Design Festival, and also featured a pavilion made from 1500 metres of undulating paper strips.

Amass modular space divider by Benjamin Hubert for 100% Design's auditorium

Elsewhere at the festival, Hubert showed his expanded Pelt collection of furniture for De La Espada and what he claims is the world's lightest timber table as part of a solo show at Aram Gallery.

See more design by Benjamin Hubert »
See more coverage of London Design Festival 2013 »