WOD

Discarding the superfluous to achieve a balance that is the very measure of elegance. This is the challenge won by WOD, the new screen by Lapalma, designed by Raffaella Mangiarotti.

Presented as a concept at the Salone del Mobile Milano and then further developed for its official launch at Orgatec, the WOD partition consists of a succession of elements in wood or felt, joined by hide hinges, allowing it to fully adapt to a linear or curved position. It is very simple. Yet its simplicity, far from being a starting point, is more the result of the designer and the company engaged in painstakingly reducing its complexity.

The system, which does not involve the use of metal elements or screws, relies on an interlocking mechanism: the panels have a slot where a three-pocket cylindrical hinge can be easily inserted, and then fastened with three wooden dowels.

With its understated yet impressive design– due to the dimensions to which it extends (it can also be customised in size, being presented at Orgatec in a height of 180 cm) and the materials used (wood or felt available in various finishes combined with natural or black hide which ensure sturdiness and flexibility, as a refined detail embellishing the overall effect) – this innovative screen represents a very distinct approach towards aesthetics and design.

“It’s not entirely true that I shy away from decorative elements, as some claim,” remarks Raffaella Mangiarotti. “I would say, instead, that I’m fascinated by the beauty of structural and expressive elements, by the purity of a harmonious style, just as nature in all its guises can be harmonious. And when a functional and technical component becomes decorative, as in this case, I’m happy about it.”

WOD can be easily disassembled, as it consists of interlocking elements without the use of screws: simply slide the hide hinges off the element by hand. Moreover, being made of a single material, it is easy to recycle at the end of its life.

Lastly, it can be transported in a sustainable manner, in a flat pack, which lowers emissions and transport costs.

Versatile by nature, thanks to the variety of finishes the company offers – including several natural wood finishes, lacquered or open-pore lacquered finishes available in various colours, and felt also in various colours – it easily blends into different contexts. It is therefore ideal for creating private areas in open-plan settings in offices, hotels or restaurants, as well as in sophisticated home interiors.