We sat down with Mentsen on install day at Unit.d. Asking some quick-fire questions, and encouraging instinctive answers only. Here's what they had to say.
What does an idea need in order to grow?
Space. Space dictates what people can make or produce.
What does an ideal working day look like?
We tend to follow a schedule. And to work efficiently, it helps to work on one project at a time. Often, we start the day cycling, and end it with a cycle too. If you start and end the day well, it doesn't matter so much what happens in between.
What is going right with design?
There's no dominant trend anymore. No single source that's dominating what's in fashion, what's on trend. In the past, the media or the journalists were dictating what's current and what's fashionable. That probably changed quite a lot, and it’s actually a positive for the industry.
What would you like to see change?
More self-awareness. There’s lots of talk, lots of focus on innovation when there's not necessarily any responsibility taken, or positive change. It would be really good to be able to say to your client, this typeface you ask for, you don’t actually need.
Do we need new things?
It's a fine balance. In the end, we are making a living out of designing objects. So you have to be super self-critical each time. It would be great to be like Barber Osgerby and stop before making anything you are not happy with.
Which everyday object is most undervalued?
When things are working well, you don't think about it.
What's an everyday object that you would prefer not to live without?
R: Glasses.
Y: A bike.
If you weren't designers, what would you be?
R: Keep a dried noodle shop. It only sells dried noodles - and maybe some beautiful pulses, some beans too.
Y: Building bicycle frames. Or a baker, as long as it was small quantities.
Who are your creative heroes?
R: Hans Arp, and his wife Sophie Taueber-Arp. He was so in love with her, but she died very young.
Y: Charlotte Perriand, and maybe Noguchi.
