Where Athena Lives By Olivia Lee
- Name
- Olivia Lee
- Project
- Where Athena Lives
- Images
- Olivia Lee
- Words
- Alice Harrison
‘Where Athena Lives’ is a design collection that explores our intimate relationship with technology by drawing inspiration from the intelligence and empowerment of the Greek goddess Athena. Realized by Singaporean designer Olivia Lee, the collection explores materiality, color and texture; with the aim of injecting warmth into a smart home.
‘Where Athena Lives’ is a design solution navigating the tension between tradition and the future. Olivia’s studio has produced a series of furniture and accessory designs which do not incorporate technology but rather double as digital tools. Channelling a playful sense of sophistication, a pastel-hued palette complements the soft shapes and myriad textures which heighten the sensory element. The consideration of texture plays a key role in the function of the large-scale rug, which has been designed to complement virtual reality entertainment in the home. The patterned edges guide the user from straying too far from the center. For those who like to multitask, the Altar Vanity is a table that has been optimized for social media use. It features interchangeable tops including a mirror, smartphone holder and display for personal possessions, meaning when using the mirror, the user can simultaneously take a photo, watch or record a tutorial or make a video call. Olivia has also considered the modern housing status and the decreasing scale of urban apartments. As such, the Emblem seating pads double up as acoustic buffers, to be stowed away on the wall and the Dais trays can be altered to suit shifting between placement and position.
All images © Olivia Lee