By definition, a pedestal is “the base or support on which a statue, obelisk, or column is mounted.” Yet, by context, a pedestal is “a position in which someone is greatly or uncritically admired.” Back in the day, Romans placed isolated columns on top of pedestals to highlight its importance and as decorations; the Chinese associated it with emperors; and the architects during Italian Revival simply viewed it as the component to complete the order.
Anyways, the concept that a pedestal is able to make whatever that stands on top look more imposing persists until today, with BLOCK by de Dolomieu being a modern version of such idea. Each milled from a 14-kilogram and 6-centimeter-thick slab of marble; the hand-selected, Carrera, Italy sourced slabs are each created into a unique computer accessory. Inspired by Michelangelo’s use of such old stone, co-founder and head designer Ryan Hursh explains that they “chose to work with marble because it is elegant, robust, and transcends time.”
Their custom designed Apple MacBook computer pedestals may appear extravagant, but it also stands an object of function. At the end of the day, this luxury product, which is a gratifying object to look at, for us, is also an interesting take on the idea of how a pedestal still holds the power to highlight different things in our daily life.
