Luminaire is pleased to host the North American debut of Alternative by prolific Spanish designer and architect Joan Lao. Rejecting artifice in favor of simplicity, Alternative comes from a design outlook where furniture goes beyond decorative elements to arrive at a life concept concerned with balance and harmony. The objects that comprise the line are meant to be enjoyed with all five senses and are intended to convey a sense of well-being. Incorporating the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, a theory that embraces the beauty found in the natural variations of materials and surface textures, the pieces that comprise Alternative integrate various finishes including veneers applied with a special scratching technique, organic pigments, stone, steel, oak and leather. Additionally, Lao makes use of a specialized, resistant lacquer that maintains natural surfaces, but provides exceptional durability. via
