N90N: Candy-Colored, Surrealist Furniture by Ezra Ardolino x Timbur

N90N, a three-piece collection of surrealist furniture, was introduced to the public at Tuleste Factory during NYCxDesign 2023 as part of the Harmonious Proportions show. The limited edition series was created by Ezra Ardolino, founder and designer of digital fabrication studio Timbur, that produces large, custom commissions for artists and brands. N90N is inspired by Ardolino’s overall fascination with geometric shapes and his interest in the limits of sculptural wood formations. Living somewhere between the digital and physical worlds, the series plays with the concept of infinitely-sided polygons through the use of laminated plywood.

5P1R4L

“There is a dialogue that unfolds when working in a material practice. The material – in this case plywood – communicates its unique textural qualities, and as a designer, I work to immerse myself in this conversation by pushing the dimensional envelope while operating in the digital space,” remarks Ezra Ardolino, designer and founder of Timbur.

The three sculptural furniture pieces – 5P1R4L (“SPIRAL”), D0U8L3 (“DOUBLE”), and 7R1PL3 (“TRIPLE”) – use Timbur’s signature process of stacking lamination as a medium. When the designs are viewed virtually, the polygons are clearly visible, but as pieces are hand-sanded and smoothed the count expands, eventually approaching infinity, or “N.”

5P1R4L

The 5P1R4L bench explores the shape of a spiral with subtle, ergonomic divots for sitting. Featuring continuous, smooth organic shapes, the D0U8L3 side table and 7R1PL3 coffee table are formed by the connection of two and three plywood spheres, respectively. Each draws inspiration from the concept of a metaball, a 3D geometric object defined by the merging of two or more individual spheres. N90N’s three pieces are colorized using custom transparent automotive “kandy” urethane, highlighting the surface definition and creating a futuristic depiction of wood texture.

5P1R4L

5P1R4L

5P1R4L

7R1PL3

7R1PL3

7R1PL3

7R1PL3

D0U8L3

D0U8L3

D0U8L3

D0U8L3

Ezra Ardolino \\\ Photo: Matthew Gordon

To learn more about N90N, visit timburllc.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

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