Appropriating the Honeycomb Structure: Molo’s Softwall

There are many lessons to be learned from nature; existing forms have unlimited potential for new applications. The honeycomb configuration, a mass of hexagonal cells (credited to honeybees), is appropriated by modern-day designers.  A 3Rings favorite is Molo Design’s Soft Collection which uses  “flexible honeycomb structures that can expand, contract, and flex to form a sculptural space or seating topography…an evolutionary, materials research driven exploration of possibilities.”

Free plans and large open spaces are defining modern-day design. Softwall strives to provide intimacy and ephemerality within these spaces; a freestanding partition “designed to freely shape intimate space within larger open space.”  The sculptural wall is a trend in itself: Armourcoat, B and N Iconic Panels, Modular Arts Sculptural Panels and Wave have all introduced tactile and sculptural qualities to surfacing.  Softwall has taken this trend a step further, creating a free-standing sculptural wall with a soft and tactile sensibility and inherent flexibility that can dynamically reshape large open spaces. Available in either translucent white, luminous when backlit, or opaque inky black, blocking out all light, the Soft Collection can either provide complete privacy or a subtle partition of space.

Flexibility reigns with this modern invention; its length and shape can be changed nearly instantaneously. It is available up to 10’ in height and can expand to a length of about 16.5’, yet can be compressed to about the thickness of a book (less than 2”) and folded in half “like a blanket.”  “Despite being made from simple lightweight sheets of humble materials such as paper and non-woven textiles, the honeycomb geometry, lends these structures high strength and flexible resilience, with an economy of material resource.” The cellular honeycomb structure dampens sound.

Molo’s Soft Collection includes a variety of other notable products: Softblocks are modular honeycomb building blocks that can be stacked, or placed side by side and joined with magnetic connectors to create sculptural partitions, bars, serving tables, display areas; Softseating can be configured as a stool, bench or lounger; Softlight is an expandable honeycomb light fixture.  Molo’s Softwall and Softseating have been acquired into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Additionally, Molo won the International INDEX Award 2005, hosted by Denmark, “for softwall and the evolving concepts of soft.”