In-jean-ious Design

An in-jean-ious (forgive me) architectural design project for you today, made entirely out of denim.

In homage to Milan Design Week, a New York design studio (Diller Scofidio + Renfro) has created a courtyard-covering canopy made entirely out of pairs of jeans. Entitled Offf the Of Cuff, the dazzling display of denim hangs stylishly in Milan’s Palazzo Litta: a baroque palace that dates back to the Spanish occupation of the city.

However, the burning question remains: why on earth has the studio built the canopy out of jeans? Well, the intertwinement of the jeans are supposed to evoke a strong sense of human community and commonality whilst the choice of a relaxed style of trouser such as a jean (not a suit trouser or chino) highlights the accessibility of the project. Therefore, the overriding theme is one of togetherness and fellowship, looking to create a feeling of unison in the courtyard.

Additionally, it looks bloody cool. Looking up at three hundred pairs of intertwined jeans makes for a pretty awesome sight and the way in which the canopy dynamically flows across the sky heightens this surreal feeling of movement and is slightly reminiscent of the Ikea ad in which T-shirts fly across the sky like birds.

If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in Milan this weekend, it’s well worth a visit, if not, check out some images below.