The intersection of raw, heavy geological matter and precise industrial engineering has long provided a fertile ground for contemporary design. In Argentina, designers Ignacio Martínez Todeschini and Ignacio Noel—operating through the Imto Deschini Studio—have pushed this material dialogue into new territory with the introduction of the CONCAV collection. Produced entirely within Argentina, the series investigates the interplay of strict geometric forms, hidden lighting elements, and contrasting textures, utilizing dense Brazilian quartzite and galvanized steel as its primary media.
At the heart of the CONCAV series lies a meticulously crafted, hollowed, and curved quartzite module. This architectural centerpiece is realized through an advanced combination of computer numerical control (CNC) milling and delicate hand-finishing. By carving into the naturally heavy stone, the designers manage to house an integrated light source directly within the interior cavity of the quartzite. The result is a striking visual paradox: a backlit linear element that defies the inherent density and opaque nature of stone, transforming a traditionally rigid and weighty material into a translucent, glowing arch. This transformation bridges the gap between raw natural textures and refined, contemporary lighting design, resulting in objects that function simultaneously as sculptures and functional home accessories.
Magnetic Light Switching Pairs with Adjustable Book Support
Moving beyond pure aesthetics, the inaugural release from the collection—titled CONCAV Book—introduces an interactive approach to everyday objects by functioning as a hybrid bookend and luminaire. The piece is engineered around two distinct, complementary components that work in tandem to offer both physical utility and dynamic spatial lighting.
The first component is a fixed, precision-folded, L-shaped steel base that provides the primary structural support for holding volumes in place while housing the core lighting mechanism. The second component is a mobile, C-shaped element that can be repositioned dynamically depending on the arrangement and volume of books it is supporting.
What elevates the design beyond a standard bookshelf accessory is the integration of hidden magnets. These invisible magnetic connections do more than simply stabilize the physical composition; they actively regulate the internal circuitry of the luminaire. When the two components are connected by the magnetic force, the internal circuit is completed, automatically activating the embedded light source. Conversely, separating the components breaks the circuit and turns the light off. This seamless integration of magnetism, mechanics, and electronics turns a routine act of organizing books into an engaging, interactive luminaire gesture.
Throughout the design process, the creators leaned heavily into the tactile qualities of their chosen materials. The juxtaposition of the raw, organic texture of the hand-finished Brazilian quartzite against the sharp, clean lines of the galvanized steel creates a compelling tension. While the structural steel provides industrial precision and durability, the stone introduces a warm, organic character, softened further by the diffused glow emanating from its hollowed interior.
The launch of the CONCAV collection highlights the vibrant output of contemporary design and manufacturing in Argentina, demonstrating how local production capabilities can merge with sophisticated material exploration. By reinterpreting everyday objects like bookends through the lens of interactive lighting and advanced stone-milling techniques, Imto Deschini Studio has created a versatile collection that challenges conventional perceptions of material weight, transparency, and utility in modern interior spaces.
