A bookcase—what could be more functional, yet more distinctive? Renowned for his mastery of aluminum furniture, Xavier Lust has crafted an unconventional take on the classic bookcase. His creation consists of two asymmetrical tall cabinets facing each other, framing a central piece. The fluidity of this triptych is a blend of technical brilliance and practical functionality.
A prominent figure on the global design stage, Lust has been setting himself apart since the 2000s with his sculpted, bent, and deformed metal creations. His iconic pieces like ‘Le Banc,’ ‘T-chair,’ ‘S-table,’ ‘PicNik,’ and ‘Crédence’ have been celebrated by leading Italian design houses and earned prestigious awards. In 2006, at the request of renowned galleries such as Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Lust ventured into the realm of collectible design, allowing him to create exclusive, innovative pieces free from industrial constraints.
“I designed this bookcase as if it had been retrieved from the depths of the sea, like a relic from the Titanic,” explains Lust.
Nautilus: A New Chapter
Lust now returns to the spotlight with his Nautilus series, specifically a three-piece bookcase. This design continues the research he began with his HardWhale cabinet, created during the COVID era, featuring the same distinct ‘Cloud Patina’ finish that gives the surface a dynamic, ethereal quality.
“When an idea comes clearly and intuitively in the first sketches, it’s usually a good sign,” says Lust. Yet the process that follows can be challenging, especially as he pushes the limits of material possibilities. He bends and shapes aluminum to his will, testing its functionality until it meets his own high standards and values. Each creation is original and innovative, crafted with purpose and the ability to evoke deep emotions.
A unique characteristic of Lust’s work is its relationship with time. His designs often suggest movement, shifting depending on your perspective. His creations are designed to last—pieces that grow more cherished with time, fostering positive energy and harmonious living. Crafted to be passed down through generations, Lust’s furniture blends rigid materials softened by his hands, creating timeless forms that endure.
Aluminum: A Sustainable Material
Lust’s use of aluminum is no accident. This highly recyclable, sustainable material is a reflection of his ethical approach, benefitting both people and the planet. His furniture is made in Belgium, a hub for sustainable aluminum, ensuring that his creations meet future demands for environmental responsibility.
“I designed this bookcase as if it had been retrieved from the depths of the sea, like a relic from the Titanic,” explains Lust. Deformed, softened, and bent by sea currents, the piece bears the marks of time. The name Nautilus is fitting—not only for the patina but also for the urgency it symbolizes, calling attention to issues like ocean warming and climate change. It serves as a reminder of our duty to embrace sustainability, use materials responsibly, and create lasting objects.
A bookcase, Lust believes, is not just furniture—it’s a vessel for time, holding centuries of thought at your fingertips. As Cicero once said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”
With his latest creations, Xavier Lust continues to redefine boundaries, offering us unique pieces that inspire dreams of a future filled with energy, innovation, and sustainability.
Nautilus is the name of Captain Nemo’s submarine, the hero of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”, the famous science-fiction novel by Jules Vernes, and that of a marine cephalopod, known as a living fossil. This extraordinary animal fills and empties its shell chambers with water and gas to rise and fall in tropical waters, just like the most sophisticated submarines.