The LOOP Furniture Series, by andblack design studio, marks a significant step forward in contemporary furniture design. Based in Ahmedabad, India, andblack design studio was founded by Jwalant Mahadevwala and Kanika Agarwal in 2012. Known for their interdisciplinary approach, their work spans architecture, interiors, bespoke furniture, and art installations. With a distinctive emphasis on material honesty and design precision, the LOOP series embodies the studio’s commitment to innovative design and traditional craftsmanship.
A Concept Rooted in Unity and Continuity
The LOOP series is inspired by the idea of creating a single surface from one material, leading to seamless, sculptural designs that push the boundaries of traditional furniture-making. This concept focuses on the integration of doubly curved surfaces to achieve both structural stability and ergonomic functionality. The resulting pieces are dynamic, yet balanced, offering forms that are visually engaging and practically supportive. The use of continuous lines and organic curves makes each item feel cohesive, blurring the boundaries between form and function.
Rather than relying on multiple materials and components, the LOOP series opts for seamless surfaces that loop into self-supporting forms. This design philosophy replaces conventional multi-element compositions, embracing a holistic approach to furniture-making that unites structural stability with aesthetic harmony. The series challenges traditional perceptions, where practicality and artistic expression often seem at odds, and brings them together in one unified piece.
An International Recognition
Before making its international debut at Milan Design Week 2025, the LOOP series was already acknowledged in the design community, earning the Idea Tops Award 2023 for Global Best Design. It was first exhibited at prominent design events in India, where it gained attention for its fusion of digital design tools and traditional carpentry techniques. The blend of computational design with artisanal craftsmanship in the LOOP series is central to its appeal—combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on craftsmanship, ensuring each piece meets rigorous performance criteria without compromising its aesthetic appeal.
By incorporating local craft traditions into modern design thinking, the LOOP series also speaks to the potential of design to empower communities. This is evident in the collaboration with Indian craftsmen, who bring traditional know-how into the creation of innovative pieces. The series stands as an example of how design can contribute to both cultural preservation and societal progress by blending the old with the new.
LOOP Furniture Variants: A Comprehensive Look
The LOOP series includes a wide range of furniture that explores both sculptural form and functional innovation. Each piece is meticulously crafted to create a balance between minimalism, comfort, and visual appeal. From seamless seating to dynamic lighting, the pieces offer versatile options for various spaces, all while maintaining the cohesive design language of the series.
The LOOP bench and seater combine fluid curves with geometric precision, while the LOOP lounger and rocker bring unified forms to the seating experience. The LOOP jhoolas, inspired by the traditional swings in India, offer an innovative take on circular geometry, exploring the concepts of motion and comfort.
Design Philosophy: Crafting a New Narrative
The LOOP series does not merely serve as functional furniture; it serves as a statement of how design can transcend its typical boundaries. By combining natural materials like birch plywood with advanced design tools, andblack design studio creates pieces that are not only sculpturally dynamic but also practical and sustainable. This synthesis of materiality and design philosophy offers a new narrative for modern living spaces, where aesthetics and function coexist without compromise.
LOOP Furniture Variants
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| LOOP Bench | Features fluid curves and near-touching undulations for versatile seating, with a focus on geometric elegance and structural stability. |
| LOOP Seater | A cantilevered design that balances minimalism with ergonomic comfort through varying thicknesses and a seamless surface. |
| LOOP Lounger | A unified, continuous surface that offers a seamless lounging experience, focusing on ergonomic and visual harmony. |
| LOOP Rocker | Extends a radial curve from its base to create a dynamic cantilevered seat, emphasizing movement and structural balance. |
| LOOP Jhoolas | Swing-inspired pieces using car and truck tires, with Mobius-inspired twists and spiral geometry for continuous motion and comfort. |
| LOOP Study Series | Includes a study table and chair with continuous wooden surfaces, supported by sleek metal structures, and a bookshelf incorporating looping forms. |
| LOOP Bar Unit | A cantilevered loop void that balances mass with elegance, creating a sculptural yet functional piece. |
| LOOP Scoop Console | A sculptural console that “scoops” material to create an ethereal presence, lifting the structure off the ground with careful material manipulation. |
| LOOP Chandeliers | Sinuous, fluid geometries that emit light through edge gaps (Masque chandelier) or mimic water disturbances (Ripple chandelier). |
