Objects of Affection
A cabinet for hosting a personal collection of items
This collaborative design project explores the innately human act of collecting and attributing meaning to objects. We investigate how people form connections with items that hold sentimental, scientific or aesthetic fascination.
Rooted in a broader research into both private and public collections—including museums, personal archives, and historical cabinets of curiosities (Wunderkammern)—this project examines the ways in which objects are not only preserved, but also emotionally and culturally charged through their curation.
Objects of Affection celebrates the enduring significance of original objects in an age dominated by digital reproduction, underscoring the irreplaceable emotional value these tangible items hold in our lives.
The specially designed dual-purpose cabinet is intended for both the storage and display of cherished objects. This cabinet allows individuals to arrange their items in a way that resembles a personal home altar, creating a sacred space for their collections. Having this distinct space gives value to the collection and protects objects from getting lost or breaking. When opened, the cabinet transforms into a display case, giving users the choice of sharing the significance of their objects with others or keeping them privately treasured.
