Discover how the art of creation transforms products into objects of beauty, inspiration, style and functionality. Gain insight into the world of a designer and learn more about their inspiration and creative process.
To mark the launch of the new Zehnder Tetris designer radiator, we conducted an exclusive interview with the designer in Milan.
We spoke to Santiago Miranda from the renowned King & Miranda Design studio about his influences, the design process behind this stunning radiator and the important role that nature played in its creation.
Good morning, Santiago, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. We are here to celebrate the launch of the beautiful Zehnder Tetris designer radiator, but also to mark a long and successful collaboration between Zehnder and King & Miranda Design.
How have you found working with our team over the years?
Thank you very much for visiting our design studios! I think our collaboration is so successful because Zehnder values form and function equally. The company understands that a beautiful and iconic product can evoke emotions and be practical at the same time. As a designer, that makes me very happy!
It was great working with you on the various products. Among other things, you designed our Zehnder Metropolitan, Zehnder Folio and Zehnder Ribbon designer radiators, which are very popular with our customers worldwide.
I'm delighted to hear that! It's a wonderful experience to walk into a building – be it a hotel or a client's office – and see products and think, ‘Oh, I designed that!’
When working with Zehnder, I have the confidence to start with abstract concepts and know that they will become concrete and successful products. I really enjoy working with Giovanni Suma (Director of Product Management Radiators at the Zehnder Group) and his team. They turn my ideas into brilliant products that can then be presented to the public.
Zehnder: What inspires you when you design a new product?
Santiago: There are a lot of variables. It depends on the job and who you're designing for. I also feel that my inspiration has changed over time. However, I firmly believe that products should have a certain reverence for nature. Nature is the unifying force that connects us all – a small change in the ecosystem can have a big impact on our lives. Most of the products I design therefore reflect the natural world, and Zehnder Tetris is no exception to this rule.
Zehnder: What process do you go through when designing a product? Is there a routine you follow?
Santiago: There is no magic wand you can wave when designing. There is a lot of hard work behind the scenes. My rule is to combine 20% inspiration with 80% hard work. There are many revisions and changes before you look at a design and say, ‘Yes, this is what I want.’
A fundamental rule when designing a product is to consider how it will coexist with other products in the same living space. Objects should have strong and iconic features to stand out. However, they should not dominate the space, but rather blend respectfully into the interior.
Zehnder: Let's talk about Zehnder Tetris. You said that nature greatly inspired you during the design process. In what way?
Santiago: When you go out into nature and listen carefully, you can hear so many different rhythms. The majestic movement of a bird's wings. The hissing sound of a fish as it moves downstream. The relaxing sound of water. Rhythm is synonymous with life, and I wanted to use that as inspiration for Zehnder Tetris.
Zehnder Tetris is also a tribute to the fluctuating movement of liquids. The ebb and flow of water in a river, the movement of blood in the body.
If you compare the radiator and the meanders of a river, you will notice that they have a similar shape.
Santiago Miranda (Studio „King & Miranda Design”)
Zehnder: How did you find the journey from concept to realisation?
Santiago: During my collaboration with Zehnder, the transition from concept to implementation went extremely smoothly. My team and I worked closely with Zehnder's research and product development team, marketing and production departments.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude to Piotr Koscicz (Managing Director at the production site), Adam Sidor (Head of Technical Development) and Henryk Sitek (Product Manager) and their respective teams. It is always a pleasure to work with people who think similarly and share the same values.
Zehnder: One last question before we conclude. Are you proud to design products that evoke emotions? What emotion do you want to evoke with Zehnder Tetris?
Santiago: Being in nature triggers so many emotions in people – peace and tranquillity, happiness and joy, awe and wonder. There is nothing more beautiful than a sunset, a babbling brook or the summit of a mountain.
I want people to feel the homage to nature behind Zehnder Tetris. The design was inspired by the gentle flow of a river and the percussive rhythm of flying. Nature and architecture form a wonderful synergy that this product perfectly represents.
Zehnder: That's a wonderful closing remark! Thank you very much for your passion and commitment to the development of Zehnder Tetris and for talking to us today. It has been a great pleasure!
Santiago: You're welcome. I can't wait to work with you and the team again in the future!