Header: Illinois Design Consulting
Few things are as timeless as music and socializing, so a mix of both can be considered, perhaps, as the ultimate timeless piece. SØRENSEN is exactly this, a piece of furniture that connects through music, bridging people of all ages while they nod their head to the sound of the stereo.
SØRENSEN was created by Illinois Design Consulting, an organization with more than 60 students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The team was comprised of Noa Villalobos, Annika Sornson, Anya Chen, and Henry Chu, plus the lead designer Cliff Shin. Their work has already gotten them some awards, including the prestigious SIT Awards.
The philosophy
SØRENSEN is more than just furniture, it is the palpable version of the universal language of music. Created with respect towards vintage aesthetics, the piece’s melody is warm and rich, complete with the sound of vinyl records.
This stereo console celebrates communal listening, which has been somewhat forgotten as modern personal devices, such as phones and headphones, create bubbles where music is no longer shared, but individually appreciated. As the SØRENSEN is a living room piece of furniture with a built-in vinyl player, the community is invited to gather around and share their favourite artists and albums. This is an experience that transcends age and time.
The design
SØRENSEN’s design balances form and function perfectly. Minimalistic lines tell contemporary tales, yet they maintain a perceptible vintage essence. The choice of materials and the design state exactly this: warm wood with deep vertical lines covers the speakers while still allowing the sound to pass through freely.
The cabinets are the perfect storage place for a vinyl collection, ideal to easily grab one and set it on the vinyl player for everyone to enjoy. On the top, the SØRENSEN has three separate storage areas protected by a glass cover, which can house the vinyl player and favourite albums. As aesthetics are as diverse as musical tastes, this stereo-console comes in three colours: black, light brown, and a rich wooden red.
