Philia
Magazine

Johannes Hemann is a German designer whose practice explores the intersection of experimentation, material behavior, and contemporary craftsmanship. After studying Product Design at the School of Art and Design in Offenbach am Main and spending a semester at Kingston University in London, he founded his eponymous studio in 2011. Since then, Hemann has developed a distinctive body of work that challenges conventional design processes through playful investigation and technical innovation.

Known for reinterpreting familiar forms through unexpected methods, Hemann gained international recognition with projects such as the Storm Series, in which furniture is shaped through simulated storm conditions, allowing natural forces to become active participants in the creative process. His work has been exhibited internationally, including in Milan, London, Basel, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and Tel Aviv, and has earned multiple nominations from the German Design Awards, establishing him as one of the notable voices of his generation in collectible design.

Liyang Zhang is a Chinese-Canadian architect and ceramic artist, born in Osaka and based in New York City. Her interest in ceramics emerged from a desire to explore the most elemental aspects of architecture, namely light, material, and form, on a more intimate, tactile scale. Her work often arises from a dialogue between hand and material, allowing form to emerge from the clay’s inherent qualities. As an artist, she sees her role as guiding a material to reveal its true nature and inviting its own character and story to emerge.

Julia Melnychenko Yalanzhi is a Ukrainian designer, artist, material researcher, and founder of Yalanzhi Objects, whose multidisciplinary practice explores the intersection of collectible design, craftsmanship, and material innovation. Rooted in nature, Ukrainian cultural heritage, and intuitive form, she creates sculptural furniture and objects that reinterpret familiar archetypes through organic geometries, tactile surfaces, and contemporary material experimentation.

At the core of her practice is an ongoing exploration of sustainable materials, including Zemletsvit, a proprietary biocomposite developed from minerals, cellulose, natural fibers, and pigments. Balancing engineering, artistic research, and traditional craftsmanship, Yalanzhi creates collectible works distinguished by their expressive forms, material richness, and timeless character. Her work has been exhibited internationally at events including Salon Art + Design, COLLECTIBLE, Révélations, 3 Days of Design, and CONTEMPORAIA, and is held in private collections worldwide.

Ricardo Fasanello (1930–1993) was a Brazilian designer known for his innovative approach to furniture and industrial design. Born in São Paulo and later based in Rio de Janeiro, he developed a distinctive design language characterized by bold organic forms, technical experimentation, and a deep understanding of materials.

Combining artisanal craftsmanship with industrial processes, Fasanello created sculptural yet highly functional pieces, including the iconic fiberglass seating and swivel chairs for which he is best known. Today, his work remains a landmark of Brazilian modern design, celebrated for its originality, innovation, and timeless appeal.

Dovain Studio is a Lisbon-based design studio founded by Sergio Prieto and Tiago De Lima. Working across collectible furniture and lighting, the studio creates sculptural pieces that balance artistic expression with functional design.

Drawing inspiration from architecture, travel, and everyday experiences, Dovain Studio is known for its bold use of color, geometric forms, and refined material palette. Collaborating closely with local artisans and manufacturers, the studio combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary design language, producing works that blur the boundaries between art and design.