EXO 01 by Flora Lechner transforms flower arranging into sculptural design
Flora Lechner introduces EXO 01 (2026), a sculptural aluminium vase that uses a mechanical support system to arrange and position flowers. Inspired by orthopedic braces, the object reconsiders the traditional function of a vase, replacing the familiar open vessel with an articulated framework. Each flower becomes an individual component of a larger composition, held in place by a structure that gives the arrangement its distinctive architectural character. The design establishes a relationship between mechanical precision and organic growth, allowing the flowers and their supporting elements to function as a unified sculptural object.
EXO 01 is constructed from anodised and waxed aluminium, stainless steel bolts, and glass. Its interconnected metal elements form a series of individual supports that hold flower stems at carefully defined angles. The exposed bolts emphasise the object’s mechanical construction, while the aluminium components create a geometric framework around the organic forms of the flowers. A water-filled base provides the necessary hydration, allowing the arrangement to function as a vase despite its unconventional appearance.
The inspiration comes from braces designed to stabilise and align parts of the human body. Flora Lechner translates this principle into an object where each stem is supported independently, determining its position in relation to the others. The resulting floral arrangement develops through the interaction of fixed structural elements and naturally irregular botanical forms. Flowers extend in different directions, creating a composition that appears simultaneously controlled and spontaneous. Their individual shapes remain visible, giving each stem a distinct presence within the overall design.
This relationship between organic forms and industrial components is characteristic of Flora Lechner’s broader practice. Trained in industrial design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and contextual design at Design Academy Eindhoven, she works across product design, sculpture, and moving image. Her projects frequently investigate how familiar objects can acquire new meanings through unexpected construction methods and unconventional combinations of materials. Previous works, including her aluminium lighting designs, demonstrate a similar interest in mechanical systems, botanical references, and the expressive possibilities of industrial fabrication.
In EXO 01, the distinction between functional construction and decorative expression becomes particularly ambiguous. The aluminium framework is visually prominent, yet its purpose depends on the flowers it supports. Without them, the object resembles an exposed mechanical apparatus; once arranged, the stems introduce movement, colour, and organic variation. The contrast between the metal’s precise geometry and the flowers’ irregular silhouettes creates a continuously changing composition. As individual flowers grow, open, and eventually fade, the arrangement develops while the supporting framework remains unchanged.
Through this interaction, Flora Lechner positions EXO 01 between collectible design, floral art, and functional sculpture. The vase invites a more deliberate approach to flower arranging, where the placement of each stem contributes to the object’s overall form. Its construction also makes the usually concealed mechanisms of support and positioning visible, transforming a practical requirement into a defining aesthetic feature. The result is an object whose identity emerges from the relationship between the permanence of its industrial components and the temporary nature of the flowers they hold.
All images courtesy of Flora Lechner, shared with permission
