Ana Mir and Emili Padrós

Barcelona-based designers Ana Mir and Emili Padrós say, ‘We have found more people interested in our work in France, Italy and Germany than Spain.’ The design duo, which also works on individual projects, is currently working with Authentics and playground equipment manufacturer Richter Spielgeratë in Germany and architect Corrado Levi in Italy.

Trained in London at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, the duo has a penchant for the surreal. A Soft Portable Computer, Non-Stop Shoes charged with transferable energy and the Gelapeutic bath, made of a gelatine that substitutes water, are just some of their wacky creations.

Mir and Padrós mention a whole range of Spanish names as their inspiration. ‘Regarding Spanish masters, we think that at the moment a good piece of art, architecture, cinema or theatre is just as influential as good design. People such as the film director Julio Medem, architect Carmen Pinos and artist Suzy Gómez are good examples. Regarding design, there is a new generation of people in Barcelona that we find are bringing in some fresh air. These are Martin Azua, Curro Claret, Martí Guixè and Victor Juan.

Mir and Padrós’ most recent project is the interior design for an aeroplane, which has just won the first prize of the international Domus Boeing Business Jet Interiors competition.