Premiering at Design Miami on June 10 is a charity project called Verbier Mountain Climbers, where old gondolas from Verbier, a village in Switzerland, are transformed by Swiss artists and designers into intriguing works of art. The gondolas will be on view at Design Miami from June 10 to June 16 and then will make their way back to their roots for a summer exhibition in Verbier. Then, in the fall of 2013, Geneva Airport will host the final exhibition where, at the end, Christie's will auction them off. All proceeds from their sale will go to the Make-A-Wish foundation of Switzerland.
Three young entrepreneurs from Geneva are behind this creative project – Ins Flammarion, Nicolas Bernheim and Albert Schrurs. Each has taken on a specific role, covering everything from fundraising to event planning.
Seven of the 40 gondolas will be on view at Design Miami. They include transforming the gondola into everyday furniture items like a screen, table or even a rocking chair. Our favorite amongst the seven is the Vending Machine by Baker Wardlaw and Yves Decoppet. Visually, the two wanted to establish a parallel between the original gondola and the famous gumball dispensers we've all known about since we were children. As the duo state, “It may be obvious, but the materials and the shape of the gondola really do remind [you of] the classic and popular vending machine.” Brings back memories. Love!
