MODO Barcelona’s Search for Beauty and Pureness In Design

Name:
MODO Barcelona
Photography:
Courtesy of MODO Barcelona
Words:
Caroline Meeusen

Exploring different shapes and materials in search of beauty and pureness, the Spanish brand MODO Barcelona designs furniture pieces, decoration, and lighting for the modern space. The sculptural creations have an elegant and playful look while also radiating a certain rawness. MODO saw the light of day in 2017 when industrial design engineer and founder Javier del Toro started working on this new concept of local design along with Jaime Estela. Last year, the brand was finally ready to be launched to the market.

Function and emotion are at the heart of the brand and go hand-in-hand in the MODO collections. “We combine a technical, functional study of the products with the emotions we want to evoke through the shapes,” Javier says. The use of aluminum adds to the functionality as it allows the products to be used both indoors and outdoors.

The locality also plays an important role in the concept of MODO Barcelona. All the pieces are handmade in their workshop in Spain. Metalworkers and craftsmen also employ the latest mechanical techniques to ensure superior products at a reasonable price point. By combining the duality of handcrafted and industrial processes, MODO creates their “universe of Mediterranean Constructivism pieces” as they call it. “Our designs rely on our cultural roots: we inspire ourselves in our sea, seafront promenades, and seaside villages and their architecture,” notes Javier.

Using simple but at the same time complex lines and a Mediterranean palette, Javier strives for the products to convey emotions to the owners. The colors used are soft and often pastel, and the shapes are a mix of geometrical forms and spheres. Designs lean heavily on orange, beige, pink, and blue colorways, and the material and pattern of terrazzo is prominent. The straightforward shapes of the furniture and lighting pieces make for clean and simple designs while still conveying a certain complexity, depth, and elegance through the details, materials, and color.