MAIII Collective Explores Identity Through Design

The MAIII Collective Explores Identity by combining art, history, and culture into functional, beautiful design. This collective, consisting of eight talented Hungarian designers, recently debuted their first collection at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Their work reflects a layered and cohesive exploration of Central and Eastern European identity, offering a fresh perspective on design rooted in heritage. Each object in their collection serves as a window into a rich history, telling stories that transcend time.

MAIII Collective’s Vision: A Cultural Exploration

At the core of the MAIII Collective Explores Identity is their belief that design has the power to convey deeper meanings. “Context is crucial. When you share the story behind an object, it adds another layer of meaning,” the collective shares. Through their furniture and functional objects, they strive to engage with histories that are different from our own, providing a chance to learn from unique stories, traditions, and heritage.

Their collection, Fragments, exemplifies the collective’s approach and presents their vision for future work. Each piece tells a part of the larger narrative of Hungarian culture, with attention to detail and respect for local histories. The collective emphasizes that design is more than just aesthetics—it is about storytelling, connection, and memory.

The Makers: Designers Behind the Collective

The MAIII Collective Explores Identity through the creative minds of eight Hungarian designers. Their journey began when they met at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest. Over late-night conversations, they formed a bond based on their shared desire to communicate heritage through design. The collective consists of Rebeka Csiby-Gindele, Viktória Dawson V., Eszter Hanko, Balázs Kisgyörgy, Flóra Lukovics, Blanka Tímári, Roberta Wende, and Zsófia Zala.

Each designer brings their own unique perspective to the collective, drawing from Hungary’s rich cultural landscape. Their diverse backgrounds help highlight areas of Hungarian culture that are often overlooked, bringing attention to the stories and objects that make up their shared heritage.

MAIII Collective’s Pieces: A Tribute to Heritage

Relikvia: A Modern Take on a Family Tradition

Roberta Wende’s Relikvia cabinet is a modern interpretation of a family tradition. Inspired by her family’s mantle, the cabinet features angular modules with spaces to display cherished objects. The design is thoughtful, leaving just enough room for meaningful items, reminding us that objects carry weight beyond their size.

Odo: A Tribute to the Past

Balázs Kisgyörgy’s Odo was inspired by a birdhouse his grandfather created from a gas mask can. The piece features a solid wood top and a small opening for birds, with a perch for them to rest. This piece encapsulates the intersection of nostalgia, memory, and functional design, preserving the past while serving modern needs.

Estebéd Serving Tray: Elevating the Dinner Table

Zsófia Zala’s Estebéd Serving Tray pays homage to the importance of family meals. The tray’s design emphasizes the thoughtfulness behind food presentation, reminding us that the act of sharing a meal can be a meaningful experience. The matching cups add an additional layer of care, making the dining experience special.

Úzska: A Sustainable, Timeless Float

Rebeka Csiby-Gindele’s Úzska float is a sustainable response to the common inflatable donut float. The design features a fully wooden float that evokes nostalgia for summers spent on the water. The piece offers durability and craftsmanship while challenging the norms of disposable, plastic objects in modern design.

Suszter: Reimagining the Cobbler’s Chair

Blanka Tímári’s Suszter stool reimagines a cobbler’s chair inspired by her grandfather’s shoemaking workshop. The stool’s patchwork seat uses leather remnants from her family’s shoemaking business. This piece not only preserves the leather but also the stories and craftsmanship of previous generations.

Trio: A Christmas Tradition in Design

Viktória Dawson V.’s Trio is a set of functional kitchen tools inspired by a Hungarian Christmas tradition. The set includes a honey dipper, walnut smasher, and garlic slicer—objects that are as useful as they are aesthetically pleasing. These tools carry with them the spirit of Hungarian culture, serving as a reminder of the importance of family traditions.

Útravaló: A Love Letter to Grandmother’s Care

Flóra Lukovics’ Útravaló ceramic vessels celebrate the care and love a grandmother puts into packing up dinner to send home. These vessels feature separate compartments for different foods, elevating the simple act of taking leftovers with thoughtfulness and grace.

Rejlik Chair: Preserving Memories

Eszter Hanko’s Rejlik Chair is a piece inspired by her grandparents’ struggles under communism. The chair contains a secret drawer within its seat, symbolizing the hidden stories of past generations. This piece is a beautiful blend of functionality and remembrance, preserving personal history in furniture.

Conclusion: MAIII Collective’s Design Legacy

The MAIII Collective Explores Identity through each piece in their collection, combining cultural narratives with modern design. Their work demonstrates the power of design to tell stories, evoke memories, and connect us with the past. By blending history, craftsmanship, and functionality, MAIII Collective creates more than just objects—they create lasting connections to the cultural heritage that shaped them.

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