Freaky furniture: Gravity Stools are 'grown' using magnets

Looking like something out of the Mario brothers' craziest fever dreams, the Gravity Stool is the creation of Dutch designer Jólan van der Wiel and is essentially "grown" as opposed to being molded as with traditional plastic furniture. Created as a graduation project for the Gerrit Rietveld Academy, they came into being through the use of a specialized "Gravity Tool" he built.

By using this device, which is akin to a reverse press and incorporates several strong magnets, the designer is able to stretch a concoction of soft plastic and iron filings without it dripping or breaking apart. The resulting stool features a largely uniform, curved top but wildly unique legs.

On his site, van der Wiel says that he believes the combination of natural forces with technology, such as he's done with gravity and magnetism, will enable designers to create some totally original new designs. Based on his work with the Gravity Stool — which isn't for sale, sadly — we're inclined to agree. For his next creation, van der Wiel plans to use the Gravity Tool on a smaller scale to form an equally bizarre Gravity Candelabra — no doubt to sit on top of his inevitable Gravity Piano.

[Image credit: Jólan van der Wiel]

[via Inhabitat]

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