Introduction
Vertigo design, created by French designer Constance Guisset, is a multidisciplinary field that blurs the boundaries between product design, visual arts, and scenography. With her signature style of illusion and dynamism, Guisset has been widely recognized as a rising star of contemporary design.
In this article, we will delve into the world of vertigo design, its history, and its unique features that make it stand out from traditional design practices.
Vertigo Design: A Brief History
Vertigo design emerged in the late 2000s, driven by the growing need for more experiential and immersive design. Constance Guisset, who graduated from ENSCI Les Ateliers in 2007, was one of the pioneers of this movement.
Guisset drew inspiration from various sources, such as optical illusions, shadow play, and dance movements. Her creative approach was to design products that could evoke emotions and spark curiosity, rather than solely fulfilling their functional purposes.
One of Guisset’s most famous vertigo design is the Vertigo pendant light. Launched in 2010, the Vertigo light quickly became an icon of contemporary design, with its lightweight yet imposing appearance and its hypnotic movements when stirred by the wind.
Features of Vertigo Design
What defines vertigo design is its playfulness, dynamism, and illusionary effects. The following are some features that are common in vertigo design:
Fluidity and Lightness
Vertigo designs often rely on fluid and organic forms that mimic natural movements, such as flowing water, floating clouds, or swaying grass. This gives the designs a sense of lightness and flexibility, inviting the viewer to imagine being carried away by the design’s movement.
Optical Illusions
Vertigo designs also employ optical illusions to create a sense of depth or movement that is not actually there. For example, the Vertigo light’s thin ribbons of fiberglass create a vertical pattern that appears to be constantly in motion, even when the light is still.
Interaction and Engagement
Vertigo designs often require viewer participation, whether it is through adjusting the position of the design, creating shadows with light, or playing with the design’s structure. This invites the viewer to actively engage with the design and create their own unique experience.
Scenography Inspiration
Vertigo design often takes inspiration from scenography, the art of creating immersive environments for theatre, films, or events. The use of light, sound, and spatial arrangement is essential in scenography, and this has influenced vertigo designers to consider how their designs interact with their surroundings.