Atelier Fomenta, a visionary design studio from Montréal, is spearheading a movement to integrate rubber into contemporary interior design. By treating this often-overlooked material with the finesse typically reserved for fabrics, founders Julia Arvelo, Florence Barnabé, and Muriel Bentolila are crafting a distinctive collection of furniture and lighting that redefines its aesthetic and functional possibilities. Their innovative 'Rubber Collection' will soon captivate audiences at Milan Design Week 2026, showcasing their unique approach to material exploration and challenging preconceived notions about household objects.
Atelier Fomenta's Groundbreaking Rubber Furniture Debuts in Milan
In a bold move that is set to redefine contemporary interior aesthetics, the Montréal-based design firm Atelier Fomenta, established in 2022 by the talented trio Julia Arvelo, Florence Barnabé, and Muriel Bentolila, is poised to make its highly anticipated European debut at Milan Design Week 2026. This groundbreaking presentation will unfold across two distinct venues from April 20-26, 2026, highlighting the studio's innovative use of rubber in furniture and lighting design.
The journey into rubber began serendipitously for Atelier Fomenta, stemming from an accidental observation of a model's resemblance to plastic due to black tape. This sparked a profound inquiry into the material's potential. Drawing inspiration from a nearby leather store, where they experimented with rubber scraps, the designers recognized the material's unique blend of boldness and softness. They ingeniously adapted techniques from leatherwork and pattern-making, utilizing simple hand tools to cut, fold, and rivet rubber sheets into robust yet elegant forms for shelving, tables, and lighting. This hands-on, meticulous approach allows the intrinsic elasticity and strength of the rubber to dictate the structural integrity and fluid shapes of each piece.
The studio's dedication to industrial and readily available materials like rubber, steel, and aluminum is central to their practice. The name 'Fomenta,' derived from Latin, aptly signifies their mission to 'stir change' and 'keep the fire alive' within the design world. Their distinctive creations first garnered attention at the 'Pot-au-feu' exhibition earlier this year at the DesignTO Festival, presented by the Quebec collective Ensemble. Here, their 'rubber tablecloth' tables, intricately folded shelving units, and striking cylindrical lamps stood out for their inventive construction and a subtle, playful humor.
At Milan Design Week, Atelier Fomenta will showcase the 'Rubber Collection' in two contrasting environments. In collaboration with the New York-based artist-led platform Playinghouse, their 'Rubber Tables' and 'Rubber Lamps' will be featured at Alcova, nestled within the historic Franco Albini’s Villa Pestarini. Concurrently, a 'mini Rubber Library' alongside another 'Rubber Table' will be presented at 'Convey by Simple Flair,' a group exhibition housed in a six-story building designed by Ottavio Cabiati and Luigi Brambilla. This dual presentation strategy allows the studio to explore how different contexts can influence the perception of their objects, fostering a fresh dialogue between their creations and varied environmental backdrops.
The designers emphasize that rubber offers an unparalleled ability to conform to movement and gesture, providing a perfect balance of elasticity and rigidity. By employing simple constraints such as folding and pinching, they transform rubber into surprisingly solid structures capable of bearing significant weight. They aim to challenge conventional design norms, presenting their objects as propositions that defy expectations of traditional materials like metal or wood, yet flawlessly fulfill their everyday functions. This deliberate ambiguity, they note, enriches their work with additional layers of meaning, pushing against rigid 'correctness' in design.
Montréal's vibrant and supportive design scene provides an ideal backdrop for Atelier Fomenta's innovative endeavors. The availability of affordable studio spaces facilitates the hands-on production process, allowing the trio to oversee every aspect of creation locally. The city's strong DIY ethos and collaborative spirit, exemplified by collectives like Ensemble, foster a dynamic community where designers can collectively push boundaries and support one another, cultivating a rich cultural landscape for creative exploration.
Atelier Fomenta's pioneering work with rubber invites a compelling re-evaluation of everyday materials. Their ability to transform an industrial product into sophisticated and tactile domestic objects challenges conventional design thinking, pushing us to question what materials are truly suitable for our living spaces. This innovative approach encourages designers to look beyond the obvious, fostering a spirit of curiosity and experimentation. Furthermore, their success underscores the importance of a supportive local design community, where collaboration and shared passion can ignite significant creative breakthroughs and ultimately redefine aesthetic possibilities. Their Milan debut is not just a showcase of furniture, but a testament to material reinvention and the power of collective artistic vision.