The act of high-speed design based on fundamental theoretical research to maximize the generation of ideas,” reads the introduction of Axel Schindbeck’s final-year thesis. For his degree the Stuttgart Art Academy graduate designed one new product every day for 11 weeks in a move to demonstrate their extremely short life-span. Some of the products make sense, others don’t, which is something the designer consciously intended. On the other hand, there is a touch of ingenuity about these everyday items. Take, for example, the inflatable garbage can that is disposed after use, the doorknob that doubles up as a door wedge, the smoker’s umbrella destined to protect cigarettes from the rain, and the democratic tennis racket that comes with two grips. Schindlbeck, who runs his firm MNTNT together with his partner and technology buff Fred Mauclere, is interested less in the aesthetic appeal of design products and more in everyday objects that forge a liaison between man and technology.
Axel Schindlbeck
Whowhatwherewhenhow?
Where would you like to live?
In a metropole, in the mountains, at the sea. At the moment I commute between Paris and Marseille, so I am quite satisfied with it.
Your favorite character in the history of design?
There are many references. But there are just a few that are interested in the relations. Design Consultant Tobias Glaser from Munich for instance has collected like an insane thousands of puzzles of the design history, so that he had a quite big summary in many banana boxes that reaches the ceiling. The boxes are meanwhile at the ZKM in Karlsruhe.
Which qualities do you admire in a designer?
It needs greenness, curiosity and dilettantism to break traditional mindsets. Design is the queen of the sciences - we are the court jesters.
What do you enjoy doing most?
That depends on the moment.
Your main personality trait?
I believe in a multilayer principle.
Your biggest mistake?
I am not very resentful.
Your idea of happiness?
Love, humour, peace and powder snow.
What do you find really annoying?
Inconclusiveness.
Your favorite material?
The human kind.
Your favorite flower?
Should be colorful.
What kind of music do you listen to when you work?
At the moment I prefer Ibeyi, King Krule, Moodoid and Acid Child.
Which design achievement do you most detest?
I can’t understand that designers today do still focus on one thing: the chair. Beside I am really invidious on certain things like some has invented the escalator before me. Is time not unfair? Or the “Dyson Airblade” – we had the idea before. But he has done it, James. Congrats!
Which talent would you like to have?
To make wine from water and to hang around with my guys, to promote health and peace (laughs). If I could achieve the last one with my work, I would appreciate it.
Can you describe your present state of mind?
Patience.
Your motto?
Never say no.
