Product design is such an intriguing art form because it can challenge time-honored ideas about what a thing is and how it should be used. It’s a way to re-engage with something you might not otherwise have paid much attention to. This may not always work functionally, but maybe that’s the point, to force you to move to a place where you’re intentionally interacting with the item.
Perhaps it’s the same with the recent one Aluminum coffee cup. It’s a stunning version of a standard espresso cup, but also, how the hell do I operate it?
As reported Yanko projectThe aluminum coffee mug is the work of a French-Spanish design studio Appears. Originally aerospace engineer Javier De Andrés García and Anaïs Wallet, the duo now creates thought-provoking takes on everyday objects. One of them is their latest creation, an espresso cup, which they describe as a “functional object.” Made from a single block of 6061 aluminum, the 50 ml cup cube has a spherical handle and a saucer in a square frame.
As for the drinking experience, Unavela says they conducted side-by-side tests with time-honored porcelain cups and found that the aluminum coffee cup was no warmer to hold. They also designed the rim of the cup to be the same thickness as a standard espresso cup.
It all sounds great, but the question still remains: how? How am I supposed to drink from this? Or rather, how can I drink from it without spilling the scorching liquid all over my face? Rounded cups naturally concentrate the flow of espresso at approximately one lowest point. A flat edge that I have less confidence in. What if the drinking edge isn’t perfectly straight? Will I be knocked out by espresso? And on which side of the mouth? Generally, I like to know where the scorching liquid lands on the palate. Or should I stretch my lower lip all the way around like I’m putting on a bathing cap?
Who knows. I don’t know. But if you want to know, the aluminum coffee mug can be purchased on the Unavela website. They retail for €60 ($70) and include a cup and saucer. The first batch is currently sold out, so you must register to be notified about the next batch. Who knows, maybe these things actually work?
Anyway, it’s a stunning piece, I really like it. Uhhhh, I’ll let you have the first sip.
