Relief is a series of three sculptures, each inspired by basic geometric shapes — circle, rectangle, and triangle — crafted in transparent glass.

Straddling the boundary between object and sculpture, these forms establish a playful dialogue between structure and functionality, subtly suggesting a potential utility, albeit not immediately obvious.

The relief surface evokes foam acoustic panels. The simplicity of the cut forms,
made from standardized industrial materials, contrasts with the demanding artisanal
process of glassmaking. For each piece, silica is heated to 1600 ̊C until it reaches
the ideal viscosity, allowing Nouvel’s artisans to care- fully ladle it into steel molds.

Once cooled and polished, the transparent glass allows light to pass through, refracting between smooth and textured surfaces, creating a play of reflections, shadows, and optical effects. Depending on the angle and intensity of the light, the illusion of mountainous relief emerges, amplifying the ambiguity between depth and surface, material and light.

What makes Nouvel truly special is the way they honor the craftsmanship of glassmaking

Their focus on design and collaboration with artists sets them apart, allowing them to strike a balance between art and commercial strategy while preserving the culture of glassmaking.

Given the freedom to propose a concept, I began by creating handmade models in foam. Working with my hands is an essential part of my design process—it’s how I think and create. I took a standard, inexpensive industrial material—soft and pliable—and transformed it into glass.

The process was both challenging and led to an unexpected result. The precision of the pieces’ structure pattern allows for various combinations, making it exciting to experiment with different arrangements. For me, design is about craftsmanship, using durable materials, and creating pieces that people can truly connect with.

- Laurin Schaub