Q&A With Martín Azúa

A Barcelona-based Basque designer, Martín Azúa has worked for many international companies and organizations, including Kvadrat, Camper, Droog, the European Athletics Championships and Expo Zaragoza. For Vibia, he created the customizable Halo collection. Dedicated to product, space and exhibition design, he is known for his experimental approach and use of natural materials. Azúa’s work is included in the permanent collection of MOMA New York as well as the Barcelona Design Museum.

 

 

What is the biggest influence on your product designs?
Nature provides a great font of inspiration for my work, not only in terms of the aesthetics but also as a strategy. It’s always wise.

 

The moment you enjoy the most in the design process?
The initial rush of enthusiasm when a mental image becomes the first sketch.

 

Favorite place for sketching?
In the least likely places on any piece of paper to hand: on a train, an airplane or in a café.

 

Your favorite quote?
“To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing and to contemplate the beautiful thing…”
—T.S. Eliot

 

Famous person you’d love to meet?
Björk

 

Something everyone should try once in their life?
Live alone for a time in contact with nature.

 

Given the chance to travel anywhere you want right now, where would you choose to go?
Some time ago I found my perfect place—Pico, an island in the Portuguese Azores. One day I’ll live there.

 

Favorite dish?
Fish marinated in white wine.

 

Any guilty pleasures you can confess?
Disappearing for a while.