A Dog Bowl Inspired by Meander – A Fusion of Craftsmanship and Design

A concrete dog water bowl, designed by architect Steven Holl for Meander’s courtyard, has evolved into a consumer product featured in the collection of award-winning Finnish design house Made by Choice. In addition to the dog bowl, Made by Choice created walnut light fixtures for Meander’s lobbies, inspired by the building’s unique architectural language. 

From Watercolor to Consumer Product 

The collaboration between Steven Holl and Newil & Bau aimed to engage local artisans in bringing the architect’s designs to life. Early on, the idea of partnering with the renowned Halikko-based furniture design company Made by Choice emerged. Known for creations like the serpentine-framed Kolho chair, the company soon proposed crafting a wooden consumer version of the concrete pet water bowl originally envisioned by Steven Holl.

The design and production process began with Steven Holl’s watercolor sketch, which depicted a concrete water bowl inspired by Meander’s architecture. The concrete version now serves Meander’s four-legged residents in the building’s courtyard. Holl’s architectural firm developed a 3D model based on the watercolor, which guided Made by Choice in their work. For the consumer version, Made by Choice suggested birch plywood—a material deeply rooted in Finnish tradition and culture.

 

 

From “Block” to Design Object 

After creating the first prototype, the Made by Choice team traveled to New York to present it to Steven Holl. The initial prototype was a substantial “block”. 

As the product development progressed in Made by Choice’s workshop in Halikko, the birch plywood began to take on its final, lighter, and more practical form. CNC milling revealed the graphic layers of the plywood, which impressed Steven Holl. The subtle layering of the turned birch plywood echoes the craftsmanship seen in Tapio Wirkkala’s plywood sculptures.

 

 

Process and Materials – A Reflection of Steven Holl’s Design Language 

The dog bowl created through the collaboration between Made by Choice and Steven Holl is more than a pet accessory—it is a testament to meticulous and thoughtful design and craftsmanship. The bowl is an ideal choice for pet owners who value architecture and exceptional design. It demonstrates how an architectural element can seamlessly transition into everyday design, becoming a consumer product available to all via Made by Choice’s website. 

In the Meander project, Steven Holl’s vision extended into many details, such as the dog bowl and walnut lobby light fixtures. The light fixtures by Made by Choice were conceived later during construction, inspired by Holl’s visit to Meander for the topping-out ceremony in the summer of 2023. During his visit, the architect was inspired to design additional details, one of which was the walnut light fixtures now installed in all three of the building’s lobbies. 

 

MADE BY CHOICE 

Made by Choice designs timeless, modern, and durable objects intended to be passed down through generations. Collaborating with some of the world’s leading designers and using the finest materials, the company creates a new Nordic design language. By combining centuries-old techniques with contemporary tools and technologies, Made by Choice crafts objects that stand the test of time. Their production philosophy emphasizes sustainability, creating made-to-order items that fulfill specific needs and encourage a mindful way of living.
https://madebychoice.com/