The Dwell 24: Studio Biskt

Since establishing Studio Biskt in 2018, Charlotte Gigan and Martin Duchêne have combined their skill sets—Gigan is a ceramicist and Duchêne an industrial designer—to push the possibilities of their material of choice. "We want to take clay out of its usual form as cups and vases to show it’s not fragile," Gigan says. 

Case in point: their ongoing Balik project, a series of objects incorporating modular clay brick extrusions. In the Balik bench, the clay units span two parallel tubes of metal to create the seat, proving the material’s ability to create a strong, reliable support for every sitter. 

But their products are more than just engineering innovations; they’re also playful experiments that show how industrial systems can be used to create things surprising and beautiful. Where the duo’s explorations will take them is anyone’s guess. As Gigan puts it, "Our products are constantly in movement and never finished."

Read the Q&A with Gigan and Duchêne below to learn more about Studio Biskt. 

Hometown: 

Arlon, Belgium —Duchêne

Paris, France —Gigan

Describe what you make in 140 characters. We work at the crossroads of art, design, and handcraft.

What's the last thing you designed? We are currently busy with flower pots.

Do you have a daily creative ritual? Hm not really, we discuss every day what we will be doing. It's not really organized.

How do you procrastinate? We talk with our workshop's neighbors.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? We'd like to bring contemporary ceramic design deeper in our living environment by designing handles or heaters, for example.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, in both)? We don't especially have heroes or mentors, but let's say that we are motivated daily by our environnement and our friends who also work in the art and design sector.

What skill would you most like to learn? 

Glass blowing. —Gigan

Handwheel sewing. —Duchêne 

What is your most treasured possession? Our love, ha! 

What's your earliest memory of an encounter with design? IKEA

What contemporary design trend do you despise? This is not a design trend yet, but we really despise the new space travel companies. 

Finish this statement: All design should... be open source.

What's in your dream house? Simple things and a big garden.

How do you want design to be different after we emerge from the pandemic? We would love to see it become more local.

How can the design world be more inclusive? More simplicity.

What do you wish non-designers understood about the design industry? We wish non-designers had a better understanding of the difference between crafts and industry.

You can learn more about Studio Biskt by visiting their website and on Instagram.