New Beep Beep Furniture Inspired by Memphis Movement with Pop Art Color & Laminate Design

The Beep Beep furniture design was recently showcased at The Spirit of Memphis (Reloaded) Exhibition. Along with other designs, this modular table converted to stool, celebrates the history of the Memphis movement, specifically the legacy of Ettore Sottsass. Designed by Federico Angi, it is a multi-functional plastic furniture design inspired by laminate techniques used as a flexible coating for curved surfaces.

Ettore Sottsass was an Italian architect and designer in the 20th century. He was a part of the wave called the Memphis Movement. This was an art, design and architectural change that went against the status quo at the time. Inspirations for their works included art deco, pop art, Kitsch themes from the 1950s, colorful laminate and terrazzo style.

The form of the Beep Beep design appears different from every angle because of its unique shape. Its flat top and its solid pedestal base is in a wide teardrop shape. However, the full realization of its entire shape is only realized when viewing it from above. This is partially due to the subtle, yet distinct black outlines distinctly placed throughout the design. Essentially, the black lines accentuates the contrasting flat and curved surfaces. They also mark the pointed edges and sinuous lines. The thickness of the laminate and the choices in color pay homage to the design elements of the Memphis Movement.

Its height, width, shape and form make it possible to be used as both a table or a stool. It is a new contemporary furniture design using 20th century techniques. Its use of color and form teeters on optical illusionary and progressive minimalism.