U N : F O L D
next125 x Ankon Mitra
A fusion of origami, art and architecture
The organic origami structure made of precisely folded aluminium by architect and new next125 Creative Maker Ankon Mitra elegantly curves in a sweeping arc around a unique next125 kitchen. Together they are the result of a special collaboration brimming with contrasts, commonalities, emotion and elegance.
The installation
Inspired by traditional Indian Handi cookware, UN:FOLD creates an artistic space for an extraordinary kitchen. In doing so, the installation follows the principles of oritecture, a blend of architecture and origami stylishly coined by Ankon Mitra.
His spectacular aluminium structure ‘embraces’ the next125 kitchen, while light and shade create the impression that the reflective material is constantly in motion. The result is a dynamic dialogue between the organically folded architecture and the minimalist clarity of the kitchen modules.
‘I wanted to create a shape reminiscent of traditional Indian cookware: the Handi reminds me of the nourishing warmth, positive atmosphere and beauty of a kitchen, of cooking and eating.’
– Ankon Mitra –
The kitchen
Inside the aluminium ring is a stylish, innovative kitchen concept consisting of three freestanding cubes. In matt ceramic and wood, they form the essential functional areas of the kitchen: oven, sink and units.
Both basic and original, the three kitchen modules combine outstanding design and precisely crafted, premium, natural materials with perfect functionality to create a holistic experience. Their low-key, balanced look forms an elegant contrast with the seemingly moving sculpture.
Creative Maker
Creative Makers are people who design, inspire and use next125. Makers who deal in their own way with attitude, form and material, colour and space, with the meaning of things. Together with them, we develop topics that are relevant and interesting, inspiring and involving for a design-savvy and design-sensitive target group. Authentic stories, individual positions and unconventional perspectives that correspond with the defining and differentiating aspects of the next125 product.
Creative Maker profile:
Ankon Mitra
As a graduate of The Bartlett Faculty at University College London, the architect, sculptor and landscape designer has gained international acclaim as a pioneer of folding techniques. With his idea of ‘oritecture’ (origami + architecture), he shares his vision of a universe forming and dissolving through acts of folding. Recently, Mitra has exhibited at Cheongju Craft Biennale in South Korea (2025) and was one of the main artists at the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial in Perth, Australia (2024), two of the most renowned craft exhibitions worldwide.
‘UN:FOLD’ will be on display in the heart of Milan from 20–26 April 2026.
The installation is a feature of Milan Design Week at Superstudio on Via Tortona 24.