Soul power: AL2

‘Soul’ is an essence that is immaterial and often hard to define. We can feel it in the rhythm of music, in the void of a beautiful building or in the grain of a treasured object. Deeply connected to our humanity, we experience soul through culture and design.

Greek design brand al2 has been materialising ‘soul’ in their high-end contemporary furniture products since its founding eight years ago. Present at every stage of the design process, it is a quality characterised by uniqueness, personality, art and storytelling – all concepts integral to being human.

There are certain skills and concepts that technology just can’t grasp. That’s why people are at the heart of everything al2 does and their products are examples of human-centred design – from the artisans who combine their expertise with modern industrial production processes to the unique international designers who bring their individuality to collaborative designs.

For al2, soul is an ingredient present at every stage of the design process. From concept to production and manufacture – it binds the high-quality materials, finishes and mechanisms of each product together.

Take the 60s-inspired bestseller, the ka-bera cabinet designed by Athens based Sotiris Lazou design studio known for its evocative and organic forms. It combines modern materials to bring durability and sustainability, while handmade detailing brings a touch of warmth to the cabinet’s door handles.

This tactility is what drew the interior designers of Fora co-working space in London to the piece. While creating a professional workplace environment, they also wanted to express the dynamism of the start-ups who work there. The vertical solid wood bars of the facade that bring geometric rhythm to the lacquered MDF body also appealed to their playfulness.

Ka-bera’s sister, the e-klipse cabinet, is more architectural in character. Its diagonal pattern and custom colour options often appeal to individuals seeking to express themselves and make a statement. Just like a real family, even when related, each al2 design is confident in its distinct personality.

We often show our personality within interiors through art. Art reflects our innermost desires and feelings, through colour, abstraction, figuration or its aura. al2’s ‘Art for living’ philosophy seeks to instil each product with this aura, so it can bring more meaning to space.

For two luxury apartments in Tel Aviv, e-klipse sideboards in dark grey and burgundy were chosen to bring fresh impact to the minimal spaces – just like a piece of art might. As well as functioning as sleek TV units with ample storage.

Because of their unique identities, al2’s designs can shape any type of interior from historic to contemporary. At the Athens 1890 hotel, interior designers chose the al2 wood-oo chairs to soften the austere 19th-century architecture. Available in lacquered or solid wood, the upholstered seat welcomes guests in a warm embrace.

Collaborating with al2, Italian design studio Ate Rote created the wood-oo chair as a ‘hug’. A lover of curves, he fashioned the shape of the arms to bring the comfort of an armchair, to a versatile dining chair bold enough to be used alone as a statement piece, or around a table.

Hearing stories like this can help us to connect with design pieces, and al2 believes that every product must tell its own story. It is storytelling that allows us to imagine, connect and relate to each other – often causing laughter and happiness.

Through its design, al2’s mos-i-ko dining table encourages people to gather around. The variable base features a central organic grouping of solid wooden legs and its rectangular top has curved corners – meaning chairs can be pulled up at every angle. Its 75-degree edge is soft and light to lean upon.

As well as its function, furniture plays an emotional role in our lives too. When soul is an ingredient, combined with thoughtful moments and careful details, it can make life all the more meaningful.

© Architonic