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Friday Five with molo

Vancouver-based molo is a design and production studio run by Stephanie Forsythe (B.EDS, M.ARCH) and Todd MacAllen (B.FA, B.EDS, M.ARCH). The duo’s name has become synonymous with their furniture and modular walls made from accordion-like pleated paper. Exploring their architectural backgrounds, their unique designs are gorgeous studies in creating something sculptural out of simple materials like paper. Shifting the scale they worked with from large (buildings) to small (objects and modular walls), the studio seems to have hit a successful stride. Here are this pair’s Friday Five inspirations.

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1. Having a view of the mountains and setting sun
We have a very simple bath on the roof of our studio in Vancouver. Our view of the mountains is a constant reminder that we are close to wilderness – there’s a freedom knowing we can go out to it whenever we please. Our view of the setting sun is a reminder of the many colours and emotions that come from natural light.

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2. Being outdoors in wilderness
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” John Burroughs

Spending time outdoors in pure nature has become very important to us. Being on the west coast of Canada affords us the opportunity and luxury of visiting remote places, untouched by humans.

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3. Being physical
For better sleep, for better appetite, to breath, to feel one’s body move, to explore and push one’s limits… We are currently stand up paddling, doing a bit of yoga (with a ballerina), surfing, snowshoeing, hiking… We are particularly enjoying the experience of nature through physical activity. We are really looking forward to a special personal project that would have us chopping firewood on a regular basis!

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4. Current books – shared knowledge, discovery…
With internet, it’s possible to know a little about a lot – one can accumulate many facts. It also feels that more people are thinking alike – being exposed to things that were perhaps once seen as being “alternative” or even inaccessible. For us, books are still the best way to information, as they provide a deeper story with more layers. We love our books for their simplicity, lack of distraction, for secrets they hold, and the worlds they take us to.

Jessica Lang Dance performing 'Within the Space I Hold'. Dancer Laura Mead. Photo by Karli Cadel courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance.

Jessica Lang Dance performing ‘Within the Space I Hold’. Dancer Laura Mead. Photo by Karli Cadel courtesy of Jacob’s Pillow Dance.

5. The delight of design
Seeing others find delight in our work is incredibly satisfying. Additionally, seeing others going on to create their own designs with our products, is one the most gratifying things about what we do.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.