La Moderna—an analogue radio masked as an ornament
The ‘La Moderna’ radio is an ultra-modern take on a classic design that hides its function inside a minimalist shell.
Kieron is a freelance writer and Digital Consultant who doesn't consider himself a design lover but a user of design - which to him is more than enough.
LinkedinEnter hidden technology, a trend we’ve seen in product and interior design for a while now that opts for gadgets with a subtle design that conceals their purpose, just like the La Moderna radio.
Housed inside unassuming hardware, the purpose of La Moderna is not immediately obvious.
Ceramic and copper accents signal a decorative object but on closer inspection, its radio function is revealed.
It features four narrow rods that protrude upward from an unusual interface, which users can twist and manipulate to catch a frequency — a charming feature totally at odds with the gadget’s contemporary aesthetic.
A speaker is located beneath a perforated surface, meanwhile, all other features typical of a radio have been stripped away. We assume the volume can be changed using one of the other four rods.
The concept radio was created by Milan-based designers Fabio Verdelli, Manuel Frasson and Alice dal Verme.
Their intention with the design was to create a product with a “gentle” aesthetic to demonstrate how contemporary tech can integrate with interiors seamlessly.
The radio has been imagined in two variations, one of which can be turned on its side making the interface visible and more accessible when placed on a desk.
La Moderna radio: Hidden technology and a paired back design
Home technology has become ever more pertinent since we have been spending more time at home. But that doesn’t mean we need to compromise on our contemporary interiors.
That’s the idea behind La Moderna, which conceals its technological purpose in favour of stylish minimalism.
It’s comforting, during these times of unstoppable technological advances, to pare things down and go back to the roots. The fact its analogue supports this notion.
“We do believe that in the future there’ll be no need to describe something as technological because more or less everything will have some kind of interactive attitude or smart skill,” explains the designers.
“For this reason, it’s time to start and reconsider the design language of common items. The next generation of products will not require an evident declaration of technology.
Our goal will be to try and render them as discreet as possible.”
Simple, everyday things are beautified by designers: Klemens Schillinger designs simple yet well thought-out products.
