Dichroic Glass Side Table, Rona Koblenz

“A spectrum (plural spectra or spectrums) is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary infinitely within a continuum”.

– Rona Meyuchas-Koblenz is inspired by reflection and refraction, absorbent and repellent. The studio’s continuous interest to create a timeless dialogue from past to future through presently active living, has been expressed in its current work, ‘Spectra’, using Dichroic finished glass as a dominant material.

The environment we live in is affected by a spectrum of different conditions. Kukka chose to use Dichroic glass to help express the significant conditions affected by light and time, reflection and refraction. Similar to the social behavior expressed through social media channels and the internet: absorbing and repelling, yet the glass, a modern material used since the Roman empire, has its own structural, solid properties.

The quartz is an abundant mineral in earth. The slabs are solid, reflecting physical, stable and timeless design.

“I am particularly interested to create timeless design by using simple geometry and basic materials . The dialogue between the two is expressed in Spectra”

– Rona Meyuchas-Koblenz

Rona Meyuchas-Koblenz
Born in Tel-Aviv, Rona is an internationally acclaimed product designer, art director and researcher. She graduated in 1999 with a Master degree from the Scuola politecnica di design in Milan and started her career by working in different design consultancies in Milan and London.
Rona’s experience in design and manufacturing then motivated her to create products under her own label, and her first collection was released in Milan during Salone del Mobile 2007 at Spazio Romeo Gigli. The following year she was approached by the British embassy in Milan to exhibit selected products at The Galleria d’Arte moderna in Milan, an exhibition curated by Sir Paul Smith and Moroso.

The minimalist democratic approach and an honest design are most recognized with Rona’s style and work. In 2010, she created the brand kukka, which works for architects, interior designers, private clients and retailers such as Conran, Paul Smith, La Rinascente, Selfridges, or De Padova.
The studio, underpinned by creative stimulation, specializes in experimenting with materials, manufacturing methods and technology.

Rona is also a visiting lecturer (V&A, LFA, Design Museum talks, ICFF, Shenkar College, Plymouth university) a writer (BVD Magazine) , tutor (Domain Boisbuchet, Shenkar College) and the founder of Designers in the Middle.

Exhibitions
2018 Contemporary Tapestry for i-mesh – Salone Del Mobile, Milan ALCOVA
2017 Fresh Paint art fair – Blinds, Spectra – Steinhardt Museum of Natural History
2017 Fresh Paint art fair – amphitheatre, Mega Block installation – Steinhardt Museum of Natural History Tel-aviv
2016 Design Museum talks program, London Design Festival – presenting Designers in the Middle
2016 Spectra with Frame Magazine – Salone Del Mobile – Milan
2015 Caesarstone UK installation – Super brands , Tent – London
2015 19 Greek street – The art of progress – London
2015 Salone del mobile – designjunction – Milan
2015 Salone del mobile – URBO – Milan
2015 Maison et Objet
2014 Gallery Joseph – Paris design week
2014 DesignSpace & Caesarston – Zeva Tari TLV
2014 The Green Room at Design Junction – Salone Del Mobile, Palazzo
Morando, Milano
2013 Design Junction – London Design Festival, The sorting office WC1
2012 Design Junction – London Design Festival, The sorting office WC1
2012 DesignSpace – TLV, Israel
2011 HiddenArt – London Design Festival – Earls Court
2011 Design Junction – London Design Festival – London WC1
2011 Shoplifters/Habitat – Habitat headquarters, Israel
2010 La Rinascente Design Supermarket – Salone Del Mobile Milan
2009 D:sign – Museum quarter Vienna
2009 100% design Tokyo – DesignBoom
2009 Palazzo Reale -Galleria Di Arte Moderna – Milano Salone del mobile
British Design Embassy – curated by Paul Smith & Moroso
2009 MACEF – Milan
2008 Our Eco Gallery– Notting Hill, London
2008 Lighten-Up – Newcastle design week
2008 Lighten-Up – London design week – Earls Court
2007 Right_here satellite exhibition – Vienna design weeks
2007 Napkin project – The gallery soho.
2007 designersblock at the Milan Salone del mobile – Studio Romeo Gigli

Lectures & Workshops
2019 London Festival Architecture – “Collaborations” curated by Melodie Leung from Zaha Hadid Architects and the Museum of Architecture
2019 Jerusalem Design week – Designers in the Middle with Galit Gaon
2018 Reflection refraction – The 5th Lamp Festival, Tel – Aviv
2018 “De Fence” workshop – Tutor Domain De Boisbuchet
2018 “Soft Architecture” – Panelist – A Discussion Panel during Salone Del Mobile moderated by Joseph Grima and Cristina Colli.
2018 “Merkaha” workshop – Tutor – in collaboration with Croceira Amorim,
Design Terminal Bat-Yam and Shenkar Collegeof Engineering & Design
2017 Shenkar College of Engineering & Design – Curatorial Design post Graduate course
2017 V&A, Global Design Forum, LDF, Designers in the Middle
Presenter and panelist
2017 ICFF, at the Javits Centre. Designers in the Middle discussion panel – Presenter and panelist
2016 Rihutim – Tel aviv – Spectrum
2016 Design Museum London – LDF – Designers in the Middle
Presenter and panelist
2016 Domaine du Boisbuchet – FR – Tutor – Illuminating the woods
2016 ILGBC (Israeli Green Building Council) – IL
2015 OT Haitzuv Design Award – IL
2014 Holon institute of design and technology – IL
2009 Plymouth University – UK

Awards & Achievements
2017 Winner – LG collaboration program
2015 Shortlisted – WIN award – Cubo Light
2015 Finalist – Ot Haitzuv – 22Rothschild
2014 Finalist – Ot Haitzuv – 3E
2008 Recognition of excellence in design from the Israeli government
2006 Granted Patent – Yplate (A feeding device).