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XP& | EXPAND DESIGN LTD

Design Research Technology

Founded by Ifeanyi Oganwu, Expand Design Ltd is a London-based studio engaging in architecture and furniture design by investigating the correlation between history, base materials and opportunities presented by state-of-the-art fabrication techniques. Through our projects, we unearth unidentified typologies that are inspired by the past, grounded in the present, and on a journey to a new aesthetic domain.

TAFETA Booth Design – Tefaf Maastricht 2022

Exhibition Design Posted on May 10, 2023 14:32:36

For the 2022 edition of Tefaf Art Fair in Maastricht, London-based Tafeta Gallery presented works by established and emerging artists at the Works on Paper Section of the fair.

The works comprised a curated selection including sculpture, installation, and works on paper by artists including Yinka Shonibare CBE, Nkechi Ebubedike, Babajide Olatunji, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ouattara Watts, Victor Ekpuk and others. Expand Design Ltd helped the gallery to propose a booth design that enhanced the visitor experience of the gallery’s presentation.

In addition to a layout that facilitated reflective engagement with artworks around the 40-square-metre footprint, the proposal utilised lighting and display design, including bespoke furniture, a floating wall and materials, to create a welcoming environment.

For additional information about the fair, visit https://www.tefaf.com/fairs/tefaf-maastricht



Goldsmiths’ Stories Profile

Press Posted on Feb 04, 2022 15:26:03

Insightful profile by Mazzi Odu on Goldsmiths’ Stories

Illustration by Julia Breiderhoff, courtesy of Elisabetta Cipriani Gallery and Expand Design Ltd

Mazzi Odu. “Ifeanyi Oganwu: How an architect discovered the space between the precious and the industrial in jewellery design.” Goldsmiths’ Stories, Fall 2021

https://stories.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/oganwu/



Split Cell Concept 4

Split Cell Concept 4, 2020 Posted on Jun 23, 2021 14:55:48

Split Cell Concept 4 (detail)
Limewood, Stainless Steel
640 x 933 x 489 mm / 25.2 x 36.7 x 19.3 in
Edition of 6 + 1 AP + 1P
2020

Split Cell Concept is part of a new series of seats which test the limitations of the form and typology of the construct.

In Iteration No. 4, two materials of equal weight oscillate between formal dualities; consequently producing a representation of the typology at its most reduced state. Dualities at play include figure and ground; substance and shadow; volume and surface.

Mirror-polished stainless steel and laminated limewood are combined to create a work that occupies a space between sculpture and furniture.



TAFETA Booth Design – Tefaf Maastricht 2020

Exhibition Design Posted on May 20, 2020 10:54:11

For the 2020 Spring edition of Tefaf Art Fair in Maastricht, London-based gallery TAFETA presented works by two emerging artists at the Showcase Section of the fair.

The presentation comprised works on paper by Babajide Olatunji, as well as sculptures by Niyi Olagunju. Expand Design Ltd was appointed by TAFETA to propose a booth design that would enhance the visitor experience of the presentation which spanned several mediums.

In addition to a layout that facilitated circulation within a compact 10.5-square-metre footprint, the proposal economically utilised display design, lighting, materials and colours to achieve project goals

For additional information about the fair, visit https://www.tefaf.com/fairs/tefaf-maastricht



Podcast – Third Culture Africans

Talks Posted on May 19, 2020 11:35:43

Third Culture Africans hosted a conversation between its founder Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao and Ifeanyi Oganwu. The discussion covered Ifeanyi’s process as well as Expand Design’s journey over the past 10 years.

The episode is available to listen via link below, in addition to all podcast platforms. http://www.zezeonline.com/third-culture-africans/ifeanyi-oganwu-architect-designer/



Recent Press, Dec. 2019 – Jan. 2020

Press Posted on Jan 16, 2020 13:24:22

‘Crater’ desk and ‘Ren’ table appear in recent coverage of Galerie Armel Soyer Alps chateau inspired space for showcasing contemporary design in Megeve.


Anne-France Mayne. “Sur La Pente Artistique Du Design Creatif.” Domodeco, France, December 2019 – January 2020

PDF copy available to download via link:


Delphine Després. “Un Monde À Part.” Artravel Hors Serié – Les Alps 2020, France, December 2019

PDF copy available to download via link:

Sylvie Thébaud. “L’Art Au Sommet.” Marie Claire Maison, France, December 2019 – January 2020

PDF copy available to download via link:


Delphine Després. “Le Design Prend de la Hauteur.” Artravel Hors Serié – Les Alps 2020, Focus, France, December 2019

PDF copy available to download via link:



Harper’s Bazaar Feature, 2019

Press Posted on Oct 31, 2019 11:47:28

Harper’s Bazaar Interiors featured Ifeanyi’s work and profile in their fall issue.


Rebecca Anne Proctor. “A Futuristic Craft.” Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, Dubai, Fall 2019

PDF copy available to download via link below:



‘African Generation: The Power of Design’

Books Posted on Sep 26, 2019 11:31:48


Lahlou, Hicham and Mugendi K. M’Rithaa. African Generation: The Power of Design. Langages du Sud. Casablanca, Morocco. 2019.

The new publication co-written by Lahlou and M’Rithaa explores and highlights the creative force emerging from the continent and diaspora, presenting the work of forty-nine designers, architects and artists.

English Language Edition
ISBN-10: 995469532X
ISBN-13: 978-9954695326



‘African Design’

Talks Posted on Sep 26, 2019 11:27:49


Marking the UK launch of publication, ‘African Generation: The Power of Design’, the panel discussion touched on design creativity from the continent and diaspora.

Moderated by Clarisse Kapferer, Langages du Sud; panel included Hicham Lahlou, author, designer, design ambassador; Cher Potter, V&A Museum London; and Ifeanyi Oganwu, Expand Design Ltd.

Date: Wednesday, 18 September 2019.

Where: 100% Design Auditorium, Olympia London.

https://www.100percentdesign.co.uk/



The Bauhaus #itsalldesign, Designmuseum Denmark

Exhibitions Posted on Mar 15, 2019 12:52:14

Autonomus Rex. Drawing, 2006

Designmuseum Denmark, Copenhagen will celebrate the centenary of the Bauhaus by presenting the major survey – The Bauhaus #itsalldesign. The travelling exhibition is organized by Vitra Design Museum and Bundeskunsthalle Bonn; and curated by Jolanthe Kugler.

Works by Bauhaus artists and designers are presented alongside that of contemporary practitioners to highlight the importance and continued impact of historical institution.

Dates:
March 14 – Dec. 01, 2019

Additional details:
https://designmuseum.dk/en/



Pin-Up Features, 2017/18

Press Posted on Mar 15, 2019 12:47:31

Milky Splice is featured in profile of Berlin-based Functional Art Gallery.

Felix Burrichter. Pin-Up Presents Functional Art. Pin-Up, Special Publication and Online Feature, November, 2018
https://pinupmagazine.org/articles/interview-with-functional-art-co-founders-javier-peres-and-benoit-wolfrom

Rotunda is featured in Superbenches project profile by Pin-Up Magazaine.

“Outdoor Comfort.” Pin-Up, Issue 23, Fall Winter 2017/18



Décoration Chalet. Le style Savoie Mont-Blanc.

Books Posted on Feb 05, 2019 14:29:25


Hugonot, Marie-Christine. Décoration Chalet. Le style Savoie Mont-Blanc. Glénat Livres. Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. 2018

https://www.librairiedialogues.fr/livre/14526541-decoration-chalet-2e-ed-le-style-savoie-mont–marie-christine-hugonot-glenat-livres

Crater and Ren as seen in Armel Soyer Alps, is featured in new book by Marie-Christine Hugonot, published by Glénat Livres, France.

‘Décoration Chalet. Le style Savoie Mont-Blanc’ allows the author “to update the codes of an art of living the mountain in all seasons that has not finished to surprise us. She presents projects that make us dream and invites us to meet artists, artists and talented designers who feed on this landscape to create. The mountain muse or mountain resource, sometimes both, infuse their art with extra soul.”

“Abundantly illustrated, this book, conceived as a box of ideas, offers a varied repertoire of shapes, materials and colors that harmonize in the mountains, giving tips from professionals and individuals. It also contains a rich address book in the form of an illustrated alphabet to continue the adventure beyond these pages.”



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