To Bjarke Ingels, every project is a puzzle. The Danish architect, whose cutting-edge work has drawn him and his firm, BIG, accolades within the design community and beyond, describes his process as “fusing all of the necessary elements into a single shape.” Most often, these “necessary elements” have to do with climate, irrigation, heating systems, and other environmental and architectural concerns. His latest project, however, is on a decidedly different scale. This week Kallista launched its newest collection of bath fixtures designed by Ingels: the Taper.
While the line is a far cry sizewise from Ingels’s usual work, the design process remains the same. Inspired by the likes of Arne Jacobsen, another great Danish minimalist, Ingels strove to design a faucet whose function was distilled into a beautiful object. “The fact that it ends up looking effortless is really just because it is following all of the rules in a very simple way.”
For Kallista, the benefits of partnering with BIG were multifaceted. “We wanted to find an emerging talent, and someone as passionate about design as we are,” said David Kohler, president of Kallista's parent company, Kohler. As the first-ever international designer for Kallista, Ingels brought an important perspective to the project, and the company hopes his prominence on the scene will springboard it into new markets. Of course, the cachet that’s beginning to accompany Ingels’s name is itself a draw. “Few people will be able to live in a Bjarke Ingels building,” said Kohler, “but anyone could own one of his faucets.”
The Taper by BIG collection comprises 14 fittings, including faucets, showerheads, and towel bars, and will come in Kallista’s chrome, nickel silver, and brushed-nickel finishes, as well as nine specialty finishes that can be special ordered.
kallista.com
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