Sustainability
Quiet and loud

“I wanted to make acoustics visible and accessible for the user, something they can experience,” says Marie Aigner. With the “Knock Out” collection for pinta acoustic the architect and designer has created acoustically engineered sound absorbers that have nothing in common with the uniform straightness and inconspicuous design that you often find in technical sound absorption systems. Instead she has creatively shaped sculptures to populate spaces that prove to be eye-catching even in a subtle pale gray.

Aiger took her inspiration from the works of architect and artist Max Bill, the Memphis Group, and Art Deco – not to mention her son’s cactus collection. Despite these references the objects boast a distinctive design all of their own: “In many instances the details of the objects were determined by structural factors rather than design aspects,” she says. Dense plastic sheets made from recycled PET bottles are used for the objects. By choosing different densities and relying on a layered composition Aigner is able to create harmonious color contrasts. “Thanks to its open-pored structure yet great surface weight it makes an excellent sound absorber. Moreover, it is very robust and is rigid enough to retain its shape – otherwise it could be used to make furniture,” she explains. As such, “Knock Out” serves two purposes, not only absorbing sound but also serving as a chair, table, storage space, room divider or lampshade. “It might be a statement, but it is not one without a purpose,” quips Aigner.