Overview
Studio 5.5 developed a system named 'Volt Face', which re-envisions the function and placement of electrical sockets and switches within interior design. This approach positions the switch not as a final installation detail, but as an initial building block. The system integrates these electrical components into a modular framework, enabling their use in constructing lighting fixtures and furniture elements.
Research Context
The core concept behind Volt Face involves a shift in perspective regarding electrical components. Traditionally, switches are considered finishing elements. Studio 5.5's project, however, treats the switch as a starting point. This conceptual reframing aims to transform how these ubiquitous electrical interfaces are incorporated into living spaces, moving beyond their conventional role as mere functional endpoints.
Approach
Studio 5.5's methodology for Volt Face involved recombining existing electrical components—specifically sockets and switches—into new configurations. This recombination strategy allows these elements to serve as modular units. The design focuses on integrating these re-envisioned components into structures, facilitating their direct use in the assembly of lighting solutions and furniture pieces. The project's explicit aim is to treat the switch as a foundational element, influencing the subsequent design and construction process.