Heim+Viladrich

Profile:

Key points:

• Created in 2022 by Lauriane Heim and Johan Viladrich

• Based in Montpellier, France

• Focus on object-centered installations, scenography, and interiors

• Interdisciplinary practice including publications and design objects

• Balance between commercial and self-initiated projects

Nationality: French designers

Style:

• “Uncompromising transparency”

• “Often mono-material, openly display joints and structures”

Overview:

Studio Background: Founded in 2022

Heim+Viladrich is a design studio founded in 2022 by Lauriane Heim and Johan Viladrich.

Their approach is deeply rooted in context analysis, relying on meticulous research both in the use of local materials and in the mastery and sublimation of employed techniques. Through their various projects, the designers have developed a coherent visual language. Their rigorous attention is focused on both the overall cohesion of a project and the details that compose it. Their practice is interdisciplinary and materializes in the design of spaces, publications, and design objects.

Founders: Lauriane Heim and Johan Viladrich

Approach, design philosophy: Reusable, easy to assemble installation

“Our approach to sustainability is through the rationalisation of construction and the optimising of labour: as it is, the scenography is a fully reusable, easy to assemble, modular and a mono-material installation.”. “Conceiving a scenography is to find a compromise between proposing a clear, bold, but almost invisible vision.” (Source: Collectible.design)

Style: A sensuous and straightforward form of design

The studio develops a design that is sensuous yet straightforward, characterized by a desire to blend rational aspects of design within sculptural works of art. Their work often uses mono-materials and emphasizes structural transparency.

Main inspirations: The industrial details that shape our environments

“The work of the creative duo Heim+Viladrich takes its inspiration in the industrial details that shape our environments.”. “They focus on the physical aspect of objects and their relationships with the contexts they are extracted from.” (Source: Side-gallery.com)

Identity and aesthetics: A blend of sculptural and industrial sensibilities

The identity and aesthetics of Heim+Viladrich are characterized by a commitment to clarity and material honesty. Their works manifest a blend of sculptural and industrial sensibilities, often featuring visible joints and a minimalist approach. “Their works, often mono-material, openly display joints and structures and manifest their desire to blend the rational aspect of design within a sculptural work of art.” (Source: https://side-gallery.com)

Values: An economy of gesture

The studio values an “economy of gesture,” harmonizing material and process, which results in projects that are both understated and sophisticated. Sustainability is also a core concern, approached through reusability and rational construction rather than bio-sourced materials alone.

Creative process: A close relationship with the production process

“The duo maintains a close relationship with the production process.” They strive to leave materials “as untouched as possible” and reuse them in future projects. (Source: Collectible.design)

Production and materials

Commonly used materials include aluminum and galvanized steel. For example, in a scenography project, they used “raw aluminium sheets” to ensure reuse and minimize waste. “They decided to use raw aluminium sheets as we are certain of reusing them in later projects.” (Source: Collectible.design)

Production methods

They develop methods to minimize waste and maximize efficiency, such as “very simple and efficient ways to temporarily assemble and create volumes with leftovers from past productions.” (Source: Collectible.design)

Main categories

• Object-centered installations

• Scenographies

• Interiors

• Design objects

Notable collections

• Aire A75 (2022)

Major projects

• Aire A75: 2022, presented at COLLECTIBLE, inspired by highway stops in Southern France

• Fashion store interior design in Montpellier (Ongoing)

• Magazine project “Trabalh” highlighting industrial techniques of Occitanie region (Ongoing)

Recognition

The designers’ talent was recognized during COLLECTIBLE 2022 with their installation Aire A75. They were also selected to design the scenography of the Curated Section at COLLECTIBLE 2023.

Press/media quotes

• https://heimviladrich.com/bio

• https://collectible.design/interview-heimviladrich/

• https://side-gallery.com

• https://erria.xyz/profile/heim-viladrich/

• https://www.privatechoice.fr/artiste/heim-viladrich/

• https://www.monde-singulier.com/designers/heimviladrich

Exhibitions

• COLLECTIBLE 2022

• COLLECTIBLE 2023

• Private Choice 2024 (Mirror “Steam”)

Headquarters and website

Montpellier, France

https://heimviladrich.com