Marc Newson

Extracted from a single slab of Carrara marble, the “Voronoi” shelf by Marc Newson is a tour de force of contemporary furniture. Newson embraces design as a daring exploration of cutting-edge technologies, pushing fabrication limits to the extreme. His experimental approach and meticulous examination of materials, processes and craftsmanship is evidenced here in the execution of the present shelving unit.

To create the structural layout of the shelves, Newson drew inspiration from the organic patterns found in the natural world by enlisting the mathematical concept of Voronoi tessellation. Voronoi patterns are formed when a given set of points are plotted on a plane and divided into cells, each cell covering the region closest to one particular point. The result is a pattern of interlocking polygonal shapes that create a whole. The pattern can be seen throughout nature, such as in giraffe’s fur, the veins of plant leaves and the surface of cracked mud. In the present lot, Newson used the Voronoi concept to create the layout of the shelving unit. The intricate geometries of each cell are first carved out of a solid block of marble using a computer operated CNC stone router. The marble edges and surfaces are then rounded and smoothed by hand.

Newson's choice of Carrara marble adds layers of meaning and historical significance to the piece. Carrara marble, renowned for its timeless beauty and association with grandeur, has been revered since ancient times. Newson establishes a visual and tactile connection to a rich artistic heritage and a sense of timelessness emerges, firmly rooting the shelf within a grand historical context. This homage to history, however, gracefully intertwines with the contemporary as the marble is skillfully fashioned into a modern form through a meticulous fabrication process. It is a bridge between antiquity and the twenty-first century, seamlessly merging the legacy of the past with the innovative spirit of the present.

The interplay between the carved voids and the solid stone of the shelf gives rise to a dual-purpose marvel—the voids become the shelf openings, while the remaining stone effortlessly assumes the roles of both shelves and the unit's supporting structure. The ingenious mixture of technology and handcraft methods, infused with a scientific principle that govern the beauty of nature, is a celebration of the serendipitous elegance that emerges from the interplay of chaos and order.

The "Voronoi" shelf serves as a testament to Newson's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. By blending state-of-the-art technologies with time-honored craftsmanship, he transcends conventional limitations and blazes a trail of innovation. This extraordinary piece exemplifies his vision, skill and dedication, embodying the transformative potential when technology and tradition intertwine.