In nature, the scaled mammals of the Manidae family feature a curious combination of hard and
soft, firm but flexible. The applications to luggage are at once obvious and relatively untapped.
Recycled rubber inner tubes form the material basis for this series of backpacks, brief cases, hand bags and purses from Cylus (and inspired by the work of the Biomimicry Institute). “By joining together layers or surfaces with a membrane, the structure, form, movement and a container space is generated.”
A central axis provides a pivot point around which each rounded piece of the exterior shell can wrap and rotate, containing precious items in an impact-proof case while offering easy access to the contents.
The whole series of Pangolin products is nearly architectural in nature, not just for its substantial physicality and expressive shape, but also in the way it builds a bridge between the environment and design.