Geo reed diffuser designed by Carlos Jimenez for Grado Design, featuring a geometric shape inspired by ancient Chinese mathematics.

GEO

"Ancient geometric heritage captured in mouth blown glass"

We developed the Geo reed diffuser for the Chinese firm Grado Design, seeking to create a glass vessel that harmonizes historical heritage with contemporary utility. Our research led us to the Gougu Theorem, an ancient graphical demonstration of the Pythagorean theorem found in Chinese mathematical texts dating back nearly two thousand years. By translating the grid lines of this historic sketch into a three dimensional volume, we achieved a silhouette that is both mathematically precise and visually balanced.

Geometric inspiration and the Gougu Theorem

PROJECT DETAILS

Design: Carlos Jiménez

Client: Grado Design

Year: 2023

The Geo reed diffuser collection in opal and dark grey mouth blown glass finishes.
Detailed view of the clear mouth blown glass Geo diffuser, showing the precision of its geometric form.

Materiality and artisanal glass finishes

A single Geo clear glass reed diffuser resting on a stack of books in a warm, sunlit interior setting.

The collection is crafted in mouth blown glass, celebrating the subtle beauty and quality of artisanal production. To ensure the piece integrates seamlessly into diverse interior environments, the Geo diffuser is presented in three distinct finishes: opal, clear, and dark grey. Each finish interacts uniquely with light, enhancing the geometric volumes while providing a sophisticated vessel for home fragrances.

Geo glass reed diffuser styled in a minimalist interior setting, highlighting its decorative and functional value.

Development and prototyping process

The transition from a two thousand year old geometric sketch to a functional glass object required a meticulous development phase. Following the initial conceptual ideas, we built several models and mockups to test the proportions and ensure the vessel provided the correct stability. This process allowed us to refine the transition from two dimensional lines to a handcrafted glass volume, ensuring the final product maintains the mathematical integrity of its original inspiration.

The Geo clear glass reed diffuser placed in a clean, minimalist interior environment, highlighting its geometric form.