Promotion: artist and designer Daniel Arsham and global brand Kohler launched the world premiere of Divided Layers, a large-scale immersive art experience at this year's Milan design week, which drew thousands of visitors, according to the brand.
Installed at Milan's Palazzo del Senato as part of Fuorisalone, Divided Layers featured a series of stacked panels that created a walkable tunnel, which was informed by the design of Kohler and Arsham's 3D printed sink, Rock.01.
After developing Rock.01, Arsham created Divided Layers to give guests the experience of what it would be like to "move through the 3D printed sink". Each panel in the installation references a single plane of the 3D-printed clay that layers together to form Rock.01.
The panels were mounted in a black reflective pool, creating an "infinity mirror" at the opening of the tunnel and surrounding the walkway, which leads visitors through the experience.
"Arsham intends for visitors to contemplate the acceptance of space and its malleability, understanding the relationship between volumes," said the brand.
"3D printing is a process of additive construction; in contrast, the tunnel is revealing the subtractive in taking away portions to give way to the volume the visitor can walk through."
In a nod to its Palazzo surroundings, the cadence of the panels echoes the rhythm of the columns within the Palazzo's courtyard, creating the impression of movement or flow.
"The flow of water is experienced in both negative and positive space, regardless of a form's function," explained Arsham who used the design week to announce a multi-year partnership with the brand. "In Divided Layers, visitors experience being within the sink, rather than a user of a functional piece."
The site-specific installation was announced the winner of The Fuorisalone Award 2022.
During the week, Kohler also hosted a stand at the Salone del Mobile itself, where it showcased its latest designs and innovations.
Kohler also debuted its Statement shower collection and Anthem valves and controls during Milan design week.
"Statement's innovative sprays elevate the showering experience, and universal compatibility means the system works wherever in the world it is installed," said the brand. "Anthem offers two valve platforms to choose from – digital and mechanical– and both are meticulously engineered to fit global plumbing standards."
Other highlights include the Numi 2.0 intelligent toilet, featuring personal cleansing functionality, lighting and audio that creates a spa-like environment. It has an auto open/close and flush, as well as an embedded voice assistant.
A minimalist bathroom suite called Brazn, available in honed black as well as white, was debuted on the stand, as were Kohler's Veil, Eir and Innate intelligent toilets. These models combine optimum personal hygiene with sleek designs.
Using a combination of water, aromatherapy, lights, and fog, the brand's new Stillness bath is designed to create a bathing experience designed to emulate walking through a forest.
The Occasion bathroom faucet collection is a comprehensive collection of lavatory and bathing faucets, along with matching accessories, while the Anthem Valves and Controls can be tailored to exact specifications and altered according to needs.
To view more about Kohler visit its website.
Partnership content
This article was written by Dezeen for Kohler as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.