Modular Imagination, a creative legacy of Virgil Abloh

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Italian design brand Cassina has revealed a collection of «building blocks» designed by Virgil Abloh called Modular Imagination. The assemblage presents two block structures of different sizes that can be combined to suit the space around them.

Aesthetically, Abloh wanted the pieces to fit comfortably into public or domestic settings and accordingly came up with a distinctly industrial look. On the side of each piece, and about Abloh’s signature graphic style, is a distinctive round «Cassina-Abloh» logo in bas-relief.

Its use is intentionally ambiguous, and the pieces can be located side by side or alone, forming from a small side table or a large bench. Abloh designed a specific connector module that allows its contrasting orange cylindrical legs to fit into the top of the lower unit to attach the pieces.

Working alongside the brand’s research arm, Cassina LAB, Abloh wanted to ensure his collection remained sustainable. Together, they developed a system that shows a dotted line under the unit’s feet. That indicates where the soft upholstery can be cut from its recycled wood core so that both are recycled separately.

Instead of creating a limited edition, Cassina has adopted the pieces in its catalog. The brand stated:

«With total respect for the work of Virgil Abloh, Modular Imagination enters the Cassina catalog to acknowledge the value of this project. This addition is not a limited drop. It is a testimony to the quality of his work within the world of design. Virgil Abloh was particularly proud of this project which began development in 2020 and finished before his untimely passing».

Honoring the collection, Cassina will present the pieces in an installation at its flagship store in Milan in numerous formations. It will be open to the public during Milan Design Week. And the collection will be available in Cassina stores, online marketplaces, and various fashion and design concept stores around the world later this year.

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Cassina.

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