Tense is a furniture research project that explores the evolution of living in a time of global mobility and fluid identities. Celebrating the multi-locality of today and tomorrow, Tense consists of five neo-nomadic essentials characterised by sculptural forms and innovative materials. Easily transportable, tool-free, and entirely connected by the force of tension, the collection allows a home to be recreated and rebuilt anywhere in a few simple steps.

The collection is shaped by the need of a generation that relocates frequently, while also offering a response to the inaccessibility of valuable furniture. Looking back at the original definition of transportable goods, each element in the collection is designed to be lightweight, flat-pack, and assembled or disassembled with no additional tools, using tension as its sole construction system.

The project looks back to some of humanity’s earliest construction principles, from animal skins stretched over wooden or bone frames to create temporary shelters.

By analysing the evolution of values that drive a less sedentary way of living, tension becomes the linking factor of the project. It allows for the creation of furniture made to last yet easy to transport, reconnecting the collection to the nomadic essence of the technique.

Tense is easy to transport, but also easy to source and produce. Its sustainable approach avoids heavy machinery and moulding, favouring flexible fabrication techniques that can be sourced locally and scaled globally by connecting digital artisans and small-scale manufacturers.

Tense was first presented at Alcova during Milan Design Week 2019.