Acoustics meets art: these speakers are also sculptures

Pia Seidel

15.2.2023

Translation: machine translated

Pictures: Pia Seidel

The audio brand Transparent produces modular electronics that can be expanded and are transparent. In the truest sense of the word - and also figuratively. My three highlights from their collection.

The speakers from Transparent have actually been around since 2018, but I still missed them. Even though, as a design enthusiast, I'm the first to be happy when someone competes with the standard black boxes and the Sonos one-size-fits-all on the market. Recently, however, the audio devices managed to blow the tomatoes away from my eyes when I walked past them at the Maison et Objet trade fair. Luckily, because their design really hits the mark for me.

The speakers are decorative and designed so that the components can be replaced or added to when there are new technical developments on the market. According to the Swedish brand, this should go so far that their devices will practically last forever.

With transparency, the young label aims to create a timeless look that goes well with vintage furniture, but also with classic furniture. Photo galleries on the website show what this could look like. On the other hand, you should be able to understand and change the concept behind it. "Modular design is the key to future-proofing our products because it allows you to make repairs and upgrades at any time," the label writes in its mission statement.

For open ears

The "Acoustic Sculpture" product range is less transparent, but no less special. It is inspired by shapes that have fascinated people since ancient times: Seashells. The shapes are intended to amplify the sound of the speaker elements in a natural way.

For the gleam in the eye

Like the other audio devices, the portable "Light Speaker" is designed to impress for years to come with its simple appearance. It is reminiscent of a lantern and enables a 360-degree sound experience.

"The bell design distributes the sound all around and creates a rich musical experience with the passive subwoofer," claims the manufacturer. Like the "Transparent Speaker" range, it has a modular design and a removable handle so that individual components can be replaced instead of the whole device.

Not only are some of the designs transparent - the label also discloses information on materials and production. On the website, you can find out about the origin and ecological footprint and find out which components are recyclable or have already been recycled. In this way, Transparent aims to ensure that modular, circular design extends the service life of its devices. However, this is ultimately in the hands of the consumer.

Pia Seidel

Senior Editor

Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.ch

Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.