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LARS BELLER FJETLAND
Q.
What inspired the Io Collection and the soft organic fea-
tures of its design language?
LF.
From my first discussion with L. ERCOLANI, it was clear
that they needed a family of tables to showcase the full extent
of their capabilities. A premium product that exuded an aura
of understated luxury forged from the same DNA as the Ercol
originals.
The Io Collection was designed with naturalistic features
that users can’t help but interact with; soft curves and soothing
matte finishes.
The solid construction of the piece has a bare, animalistic
feel to it that is reminiscent of the expression: “the elephant in
the room.” There is nothing apologetic about the table’s pres-
ence in the room yet it manages to blend in seamlessly with the
rest of the L. ERCOLANI pieces.
The collection is called Io, which happens to be one of
Jupiter’s moons. Space and space travel have been a recent
fascination of mine. Seeing the table from above helped all of
the pieces fall into place.
Q.
From a designer’s perspective, how does L. ERCOLANI
stand out as a wooden furniture manufacturer?
LF.
Ercol holds a very special place in my heart and has for
many years. As a young design student, I spent my weekends
hunting for treasures in flea markets, waiting for the rare won-
drous occasion when I would stumble across a vintage Ercol
piece.
Even then, I recognised that there is something special
about the Ercol originals. A certain quality that I suspect can be
linked to Lucian Ercolani’s Italian heritage; something uniquely
driven and passionate.
Q.
How do you resonate with L. ERCOLANI as a brand? What
design principles do you share?
LF.
Much like L. ERCOLANI, my mission as a designer is to
create works that are timeless, sustainable and honest.
In particular, I recognise a fundamental element of hon-
esty in both of our works. Materials are selected for their inher-
ent qualities and form often arises from function, all the while
managing to avoid boring or overly rational design. There is a
certain beauty that lies in the understated.
Moved by his time spent in nature, the IO TABLE is inspired by Beller’s forest wanderings in the autumn. Remembering the soft, organic
shapes of wild mushrooms and skipping stones, the designer envisioned the table’s subtle curves and smooth finish, creating a piece that
translates the unrefined grace of nature.
