Forging Anew – und Messing by Volker Haug Studio

Connection and human interaction are two principles central to Melbourne-based Volker Haug Studio’s work. As such, the two-year hiatus from the norm due to the pandemic stirred much contemplation for the tight-knit team but, mostly, it also inspired a pronounced eagerness to re-connect with the world through design. und Messing is the studio’s first collection of lighting to be released since the pandemic began and, in many ways, it is a paradigm for the mental and emotional cycles felt by many over the past two years – from its rigorous and experimental conception in the Brunswick East studio and workshop to its widely-celebrated launch in Milan during Salone del Mobile.

und Messing – ‘and brass’ in Volker’s native German – is an ode to the studio’s cornerstone material. The collection of lighting explores the diverse expressions of brass; each piece is hand-finished across a spectrum of tones ranging from polished to dark bronzed. The studio refers to the concept and design phase for this collection as a “two-year incubation period” during which the design team forewent sketching and dove directly into prototyping. As Volker says, “this was, in part, a response to the pandemic conditions, as the physicality of making things and the energy you get from being active were hugely appealing during a time of dormancy.” Adding, “it made our ‘tinkering’ phase much longer and more adventurous, which we feel resulted in the strength and the refinement of the finished series.” In the very early stages, the team worked closely with their long-time metalworker to produce rough prototypes that were “deliberately made quickly and haphazardly” to encourage multiple iterations of form and finish. He adds, “they ended up becoming a source of inspiration in themselves and the more we made, the closer we got to the final iteration with the prototyping quirks in tow.”

The studio refers to the concept and design phase for this collection as a “two-year incubation period” during which the design team forewent sketching and dove directly into prototyping.

Primarily, this collection illustrates the vast capacities of brass with some pieces crafted entirely from the one material, such as the Plane sconce. Yet, und Messing also highlights the potential endlessness of brass’s material pairings with the use of fibreglass in the Index pieces. “The fibreglass has been a real conversation starter, as some people can’t identify it right away. It’s exciting to be able to spur curiosity like that,” Volker says. This intriguing material pairing has served as a foundation for further exploration into the use of other materials alongside brass, encouraging dynamic conversations with clients and paving the way for future pieces.

As Volker explains, launching the und Messing collection after two years “feels momentous since it represents so much more than just time, but also all the context within that time.” The disconnection experienced during the pandemic was at odds with Volker Haug Studio’s philosophy, which sees interaction and collaboration as integral to its culture and design work. However, the und Messing launch in Milan represented a true return to form and a celebration of the studio’s work. “Going back to Milan to introduce our latest collection allowed us to reconnect with old friends and make new ones too, as the fair was back in full swing for the first time since 2019,” Volker says. “Overall, there was a real urge to exchange ideas and experiences with each other in person again. Our exhibit opening night was a magical evening with lots of laughter, bonding, and cherries and wine to tide everyone over ‘till pasta,” he fondly reflects.

The disconnection experienced during the pandemic was at odds with Volker Haug Studio’s philosophy, which sees interaction and collaboration as integral to its culture and design work.

The studio has plans to launch the collection locally as well, allowing “Australian friends who didn’t get a chance to go to Milan” to see it in person. Also on the cards is the aim to build on the studio’s presence in the United States. “We want to carry on with the momentum of the und Messing launch in Milan,” Volker explains, “and continue meeting people, designers, clients, friends and community as much as we can.”

The power of design to connect people is infinite – be it through a professional collaboration, a shared interest or a creative conversation. This is evidently an inherent element of Volker Haug Studio’s approach, and its drive to unearth connection and collaboration through its work seems to be stronger than ever, no doubt fuelled by the evolution of und Messing.