The famous Mies van der Rohe’s principle “Form Follows Function” shaped modernist design, which dominated much of the last century. In response, Italian avant-garde groups such as Superstudio, Alchimia, or Memphis emerged between the 1960s and 1980s, prioritizing the emotional value of objects. This movement culminated in Philippe Starck’s citrus press, whose (mal)function he described as being to “spark a conversation.”

Marta Armengol, who embraces the concept of emotional design, challenges the user by overturning the original meaning of the object, repurposing materials, or even redefining its function. In her words: “exploring these objects and their symbolism by focusing on lies beyond our comprezhension or on their pure essence — their forms, uses, and materials — to create new interpretations.”

Additionally, by reflecting on the origin, creation, and function of an object, we develop a heightened awareness of the interconnections between people and things. A simple object like a glass, for instance from Marta Armengol’s collection, can prompt thoughts about the many hands that contributed to its creation — from the artist to the glassblower — linking us to a larger network of life and human activity. A concept also explored in Sylvia Sánchez Montoya’s work where both the importance of the place of origin and the people involved in sourcing the fiber, play a crucial role in the design of each Moira. Equally significant is the end user, whose interaction with the piece “completes” it.

In art, this connection between the object and the viewer can be seen as participatory art, where the audience is invited to contribute to the creation of the piece, thus blurring the lines between the artist and the public. This approach transforms the artwork into a collective experience, with each person interacting with the creative object participates in its meaning and evolution. These works bring people together around a shared experience and facilitate exchanges. Marta Armengol seeks to explore themes of ritual and sharing through a series of glasses “with slightly exuberant shapes,” focusing on the ritual of drinking and pointing out that “we often use them without considering or being aware of what we are doing.”

These objects also act as instruments of cultural transmission. An art object or artifact, for example, passed from one generation to the next or shared in a particular context, helps preserve and disseminate knowledge, traditions, and values.