By Nigel F. Maynard
Indian interdisciplinary design practice andblack design studio is set to make its debut on the international stage with its LOOP series of lighting, furniture and accessories made from bent birch plywood.
After showing the collection at prominent design events in India, the firm will debut the LOOP series on the international stage at Milan Design Week 2025 in April.
“Inspired by the idea of ‘a single surface made in a single material,’ the LOOP series uses doubly curved surfaces to achieve structural stability, organic aesthetics and ergonomic functionality,” the firm says. “The design approach emphasizes creating dynamic yet balanced forms, where the visual flow and functional performance stem from a unified idea. The series challenges traditional perceptions of furniture-making by replacing multi-element compositions with seamless surfaces that loop into self-supporting forms.”
The LOOP collection includes a variety of furniture pieces and several lighting options.
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Masque Chandelier
The masque chandelier introduces a refined approach to ambient lighting. It’s formed by two curved surfaces, and emits light through edge gaps. Emitting a soft, diffused glow, that transforms spatial dynamics with quiet sophistication. The subtle interplay of light within the layered design adds depth, the firm says, while the undulating contours give the piece a sense of movement. Andblack says the chandelier serves as both a functional light source and an artful installation.
Ripple Chandelier
The ripple chandelier features a light caught between two planes—one smooth, the other restless–and mimics the surface disturbances on water, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow. “Ripples carve through the surface, bending reflections, scattering glow, shifting shadows,” the firm says. At the periphery, the main light anchors the piece, while the rippling surface holds a softer, more elusive radiance—as the firm explains it, “like moonlight dissolving over water.”
Seater
The firm calls the seater “a marvel in structural exploration.” A cantilevered bench that embraces simplicity, the seater has a unique form that is crafted from a single flowing surface with thickness variations for strength. It has no joints, resulting in an uninterrupted curve with structural stability and ergonomic comfort.
Bench
Crafted to translate the tension from Michelangelo’s painting, “The Creation of Adam,” the bench emphasizes expression through structural strength. The form features captivating curves and a minimal design that allows the bench to blend with any space it inhabits.
Other products in the LOOP collection include a lounger and rocker, swing, jhoolas and a bar unit and scoop console (shown above). The LOOP series achieves its complexity through computer-aided tools combined with traditional carpentry techniques, andblack says. “This dual approach marries digital precision with artisanal aesthetics resulting in designs that are global in their appeal yet rooted in their origins,” the Ahmedabad, India-based firm continues.” Iterative prototyping ensures each piece meets rigorous performance criteria, while the use of natural materials aligns with the studio’s commitment to slow design principles.
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“The LOOP series strengthens the link between traditional know-how and contemporary design thinking by contextualizing modern design practices for Indian craftsmen,” andblack says. “This collaboration enables craftsmen to adopt new forms and techniques, contributing to better livelihoods. The series demonstrates how systematic thinking can transform complex ideas into tangible products, benefiting society through sustainable practices and local empowerment.”
All products are made from birch plywood and are available in natural or with a water-based stain.
Founded in 2012 by Jwalant Mahadevwala and Kanika Agarwal, andblack design studio’s portfolio spans architecture, interiors, art installations and bespoke furniture, with more than 70 completed projects.