Contain: lighting and furniture for a lifetime
Creativity and simplicity create a unique synergy and generate a narrative between the materials used and the pieces created.
CONTAIN was born from the desire of Juan and Mauricio to create something together. Something that, as well as being beautiful, can cross generations and endure over time. All the objects are the result of collaboration between their studio, local craftsmen and the industrial sector.
Tell us about yourselves and your work. Where did your vocation begin? Any first memories?
Mauricio: He studied Industrial Design at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before creating CONTAINMauricio had his own design and lighting studio in Buenos Aires, where he designed lighting for brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Campari and lighting and furniture for hotel and restaurant projects.
Juan: studied Advertising Communication at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before creating CONTAIN: he worked as an advertising creative in agencies such as Ogilvy or GREY, for accounts such as Coca-Cola, Audi or Volkswagen.
We always dreamed of doing something together and so, once we moved and settled in Mallorca, CONTAIN was born, a brand of lighting and furniture which represents our lifestyle, linked to the concept of slow designwhich seeks to democratise design, to stimulate the consumption of durable and unique products. Products that last a lifetime and transcend generations, that slow down the level of consumption and use.
What do you find most satisfying about your work, and is there anything you are particularly proud of?
Seeing the result and happy customers is always the most satisfying thing. This year we have placed luminaires in a Cartier store inside Casa Batlló which has made us very proud.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration?
The creative process for the creation of the first pieces began with the outline of our first collection, in which we sought a union between design and tradition, creating a dialogue with the island's artisans, materialists and ceramists, so that the creative process arose out of necessity.
As we wanted to work with local materials and workmanship, we had no choice but to create a synergy between these two worlds, between the tradition that the island, its materials and resources brought us, with the design, technology and vision that we had. It came about naturally and we managed to bring both worlds together in the new collection in a harmony that we love.
Many times it was technology that helped us to reconvert these materials into what we were looking for, and other times it was the materials and their morphological characteristics that led us to create certain pieces with certain characteristics.
Any special music while you work?
Super varied! We are 16 people in the workshop, so we vary the DJ every day.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Colours at home: wood, white, grey and black.
Books: Buenos Aires: Art Deco and Rationalism by Mimi B'Ohm and Fabio Grementier, Vincent Van Duysen: Works and Warhol Live, music and Dance in Andy Warhol's Work by Stephane Aquin.
Favourite album that plays a lot: A Bigger Splash, Future Splash.
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
Yes, it is our reflection to 100%, a few things that we like a lot.
Smell the Fig aroma of Aquinesia, the favourite spot is the terrace.
Our favourite decorative object is a bench made of olive tree from the island, and then burnt with fire, a process which turned it black. We found it in an antique shop in Pollença and it is undoubtedly our favourite object.
We have two dogs, Otto and Aldo, shown in the photos.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
Mmm nothing. We already have everything we need at home, less is more!
A great plan at home always includes...
Cooking, friends, good music and wine!
Do you have a signature dish?
Chicken in salt
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
We have a little cove 15 minutes from home that transports us. We escape after the office whenever we can. A place abroad: Patagonia.
