Mercury Bureau

Beauty is subjective. One’s individual appraisal of an object’s beauty may focus on its physical appearance. It may note its colour, or its shape. It may pay particular attention to the object’s details, highlighting textures or imperfections, categorizing peculiarities as charming or characterful. Or, it may abandon all corporal criteria focusing instead on its function, relocating value to purpose. Beauty in how an object performs. In how an object interacts with its environment, and with its user.

Beauty in its need to exist.

Shane Krepakevich, the principal designer and founder of Toronto-based, research-driven studio Mercury Bureau, seeks to make items which drive impact. Items which make a difference in one’s day to day, and imprint on the way we understand the world around us. Existing within the space between science, curiosity, and contemporary art, Mercury Bureau designs limited edition objects which emerge from an experimental studio practice.

Kolab Project recently engaged Mercury Bureau to collaborate on the Minimum Tray, a multi-purpose, machine-brushed aluminum surface intended for use alongside your personal ritual, transforming from rolling tray to ashtray as your own ritual progresses.