Lapis originates from an unconventional design project and it represents our answer to the challenge to elaborate the identity of a single, unique object so common in everyday life that there is almost nothing more to say about it. Lapis is how we interpret the object “pencil”.
The starting point of our planning is graphite as opposed to ink, which is permanent. Graphite is creativity, evolving thought, instinct, gesture, experimentation. Lapis should be all these things together, but how do you put this across? Lapis is emptiness, it is nothing and everything; it is an invitation to be. Lapis is told through its use, through the people and the spaces we provide them.
The function of a pencil is to leave a unique, personal mark. It is a mechanical gesture, friction between graphite and sheet. Emptiness is the cornerstone of communication because the pencil cannot talk where there is confusion. When the logo and the artifacts open, they create and define a space, a stimulus to use and express oneself through Lapis.
The brand is dynamic; it draws an open and generative space. It is developed in three different variations – extended, contracted, compact – each one with a different purpose and use.
On 4th March 2017 the students of “Sintesi C1”, Communication Design Course, Politecnico di Milano, presented their work in the exhibition What if — an anti-disciplinary design show, organized at OpenDot Milano. Their task was to create a communicative
machine, an interactive experience able to connect the visitor to the brand.
Made with Arduino and Processing, Live transfers the values of Lapis into the 3-dimensional space. The experience allows everybody to touch the pencil, try its characteristic mark, collaborate, have fun and experiment.
The communicative machine exploits the conductive capacity of graphite and a gyro sensor to generate music: the pencil breaks into four musical instruments and re-assembles in an improvised orchestra. The structure includes four workstations and creates a collaborative experience that connects people through the use of pencil, gesture and communication.
with Francesca Ferrari, Gugliemo Giomi, Luigi Gorlero, Irene Manetti
