With the world moving further into isolationism and seemingly conceding to a new artificial way of being, it’s important we hold onto our nature.
The change taking place applies to all facets of life. It pervades things we cannot yet comprehend and the shift taking place is seismic. And yet our aspirations continue to find root in the natural world. These organic spaces are crucial to the reveries wherein ideas are born. London based design studio wears this notion on its sleeve, in the form of a portmanteau. Forestalgia propagates rooted imagination and future-facing reflection. As the studio puts it, it draws from yesterday to create today while imagining tomorrow.
They have unveiled their first standalone product: Modular 001 (M.001), a bold, multi-sensory furniture concept that blends sculptural form with immersive experience. At its core, Modular 001 is a rethinking of communal space. Hand-built in Hackney Wick using materials sourced from British makers, the set consists of an integrated table surrounded by three asymmetric chairs and a bench. A minimalist puzzle, the pieces seamlessly fit together around a central speaker. The piece emits soft, adjustable lighting, creating an ambient environment that activates touch, sight, and sound.
“those words had a profound effect on me. They made me briefly relive the feeling of adolescence.”
Emmanuel Lawal
Don’t expect a seat if you don’t bring anything to the table. Growing up in Greenwich, southeast London, Lawal says he often felt cut off from creative networks. “With little to no entry points to connect with the arts scene, it was easy to feel alienated.” In that spirit, M.001 is Forestalgia’s invitation to the table, extended to all. “To mark our first independent product offering, we’ve designed Modular 001 to highlight the importance of multifunctional, comfortable, and inviting environments within social spaces. With Forestalgia, you have a seat at the table—we all have to start somewhere.”
The design of the piece itself recalls multiple natural shapes. There is something very cellular about the way the components slot in around a central nucleus. Fully assembled, M.001 takes the form of a tree stump – or is it a starfish? Imagination and perspective is key here. It is both and neither; a small part of a universal whole.
With its vegan suede upholstery, polished glass tabletop, and foam-and-wood construction, the design is as much about feel as it is about function. Emmanuel Lawal, Forestalgia’s founder and creative director, sees the piece not simply as furniture, but as a catalyst for community; a place to “connect, converse, and create.” It is a response to modern isolationism and any space M.001 inhabits is transformed to one of connectivity.
Many different speakers can slot into the mood lighting space of M.001 but Lawal recommends the B&O Beosound A1. The sound quality is exquisite and its soft, rounded shape is befitting of the naturalistic aesthetic of the piece.
Low to the ground, the piece draws aesthetic and philosophical inspiration from traditional Japanese chabudai and horigotatsu tables – short-legged designs that foster a grounded, communal experience. There are also echoes of African and mid-century modern design sensibilities in the suede finish and bold geometric form, nodding to Lawal’s personal heritage and global outlook.
The launch marks a milestone moment for Forestalgia, a studio already known for its conceptual approach and boundary-pushing collaborations. Past projects include work with Bentley Motors, the British Fashion Council, and Polite Worldwide. Lawal himself has been recognised by the Design Council as a “25 for 2025” Trailblazer nominee and serves on the Frieze 91 committee as an advocate for inclusive curation and community-building.
Whether installed in a gallery, hotel, co-working space, or private home, Modular 001 is designed to blur the line between utility and experience. Lawal has built it to exist as a concept beyond a dining table. It’s a space to share ideas and meaning – or the lack of it. There need not be a television or even conversation to anchor a social space. Soak up the lull, the space, and the ideas will present themselves – and with them, the meaning.
