Argo

Argo

protective crib from GSM
and WiFi

winner project of the 2019 Liliane Bettencourt prize pour l’intelligence de la main – Dialogues

project partners: École des mines ParisTech, Saint-Gobain

walnut, copper
registered design

Argo is a crib made of fine walnut and copper, carefully combined to shield an infant from damaging electromagnetic waves. Named after the mythical vessel that protected Jason and the Argonauts, it gently cradles, shields and reassures. Argo is the product of close collaboration between Ludwig & Dominique’s master cabinet makers and Noir Vif’s designers. Through its design and the new techniques it explores, it opens up new horizons for contemporary cabinet making.

Argo was designed under the auspices of the Argo Navis ancient constellation. The three main parts of the the crib are named after the three sub-sections of this ancient constellation: the Hull (Carina), the Stern (Puppis) and the Sail (Vela). As a secret detail, the constellation is displayed with straw marquetry on the inner side of the Stern.
studio photos: Jacques Pépion
photo: S. Zénon
Placing a copper network on the curved walnut surface of the stern posed a strong technological and scientific challenge. It could not have been achieved without the assistance of the “MINES Paristech Materials Research Laboratory”, the “Saint-Gobain Coating Solutions Department” and the support of the “Carnot Network”. The copper pattern on the double-curved surface of the stern was made using flame thermal spraying and a specially developed masking process.