The India-based practice andblack design studio has launched the LOOP series, a collection of sculptural furniture pieces developed through a combination of computational design and traditional craftsmanship. Fabricated from birch plywood, the series explores continuous, looping forms and showcases how digital fabrication tools can be integrated with manual woodworking techniques. Following presentations at Indian design events, the collection is now being introduced internationally at Milan Design Week 2025. In 2023, the series received the Idea Tops Award for Global Best Design.

Unified Surfaces and Structural Logic
The concept behind the LOOP series centres on the creation of objects from a single continuous surface in a single material. Each piece is shaped from doubly curved surfaces that loop into themselves to form self-supporting structures. This approach replaces conventional multi-part construction methods with seamless geometries that offer both structural integrity and ergonomic usability.

Birch plywood was selected as the primary material due to its strength, layered structure, and suitability for CNC milling. The furniture pieces are produced by stacking and bonding milled plywood sheets into layered forms, which are then sanded and treated with a water-based PU finish. The result is a continuous surface with visible grain patterns and a consistent structural profile.

Applications and Typologies
The collection includes a wide range of furniture types. The LOOP bench and seater use curved surfaces to create tension and variation in seating. The lounger and rocker are formed from a single sweeping plane, integrating seat and backrest into a unified volume.

The LOOP jhoolas — inspired by swings traditionally made from repurposed car or truck tyres — apply geometric principles such as the Möbius twist and spiral loops. These hanging seats are designed to reflect continuous movement and structural efficiency. The study series, including a table, chair, and bookshelf, introduces a contrast between flowing wooden surfaces and linear metal supports, combining functional elements with geometric exploration.

Other notable pieces include the LOOP bar unit and scoop console, which are shaped to appear as though mass has been selectively removed, creating hollowed voids that reduce weight while maintaining stability. The LOOP chandelier series explores lighting through sculptural forms, including ripple- and wave-like geometries that diffuse light and cast patterned shadows.

Design Method and Fabrication Process
The LOOP series was developed using a hybrid process involving parametric modelling, CNC machining, and traditional finishing techniques. The use of iterative prototyping enabled refinement of both structural performance and visual outcomes. While the initial forms are digitally generated, the sanding and finishing are carried out manually, preserving a tactile material quality.

This approach allowed andblack to work closely with Indian craftsmen, integrating digital workflows into existing skillsets. In doing so, the studio aims to bridge contemporary design methodologies with local production knowledge, supporting skills development and expanding opportunities for traditional artisans.

Source: v2com
Photos: Ravi Mistry