At the 8th edition of COLLECTIBLE Brussels, one sculptural piece stood out for its bold simplicity and conceptual depth: the ‘Tronco Bench’ by New Delhi-based design studio Nitush-Aroosh. Founded by brothers Aroosh and Nitush Mahipal, the studio has become synonymous with works that push the boundaries between art, form and functionality — and their latest creation is no exception.
Nature reimagined in polished steel
Presented from 13th to 16th March 2025 at the historic Vanderborght Building, the Tronco Bench made an arresting debut. At first glance, its mirror-polished stainless steel surface dazzles, catching and distorting light like a sculpture unearthed from another dimension. But a closer look reveals its deeper narrative — a design inspired by the organic form of fallen wooden logs, reimagined through the lens of material innovation and contemporary craftsmanship.
The crumpled surface of the bench, echoing the rugged texture of bark and aged wood, offers a poetic tension between the natural and the industrial. Yet it’s more than a visual statement. Constructed with a hollow interior, the bench cleverly reduces material use and weight, striking a rare balance between sustainability and strength — a feat increasingly vital in today’s design landscape.
