E15 x ECAL

Marking the twentieth anniversary of modern design classic BACKENZAHN™, e15 invites Master Product Design students of ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne to develop own interpretations for furniture and accessories utilising the same materials available to the company’s co-founder Philipp Mainzer when he conceived the iconic stool. With a focus on sustainability, the BACKENZAHN™ stool was created using wood offcuts from the production of celebrated table BIGFOOT™. For its signature form and detail, seasoned heartwood is used, resulting in characteristic cracks, which make every stool unique.

During Milan Design Week, a special installation in collaboration with ECAL at the e15 Milan showroom showcases the student’s designs made from the characteristic solid oak heart wood. Under the guidance of designer Camille Blin, the students produce a series of 14 objects ranging from kitchen accessories to side tables and shelves.