This clothing hook is intended specifically for the Portuguese pavilion from the 1998 World’s Fair in Lisbon, designed by Álvaro Siza and known for its long concrete roof. The concrete is cast in a natural arch, adjusted to the weight of the material, which prevents the concrete from breaking. This characteristic shape makes concrete, which otherwise looks heavy and hard, appear light, soft and elegant.
The hook is inspired by this creative use of materials. The concept was to find a design that could transform steel, another hard and industrial material, into a seemingly soft product, without hiding the material itself.
The result: a strip of steel (1mm thick) is brushed at the edges, bent, and a screw hole is drilled into each end (a single and a double variant). This shape transforms a hard, cold and sharp piece of metal into a soft, light and playful sculpture. The reflections in the steel and the dynamic shade creates an energetic character. The production is easily done by hand, and the process is visible in the finished object. Any imperfections will make the product appear less industrial, and emphasize that the transformation of the steel is a piece of craftsmanship, not machinery.
