Based in Castellón, Aa is the design studio of Alberto Arza, Eva Garcia, and Roberto Cortés. Their recent project “País de pandereta,” country of the tambourine, draws inspiration from a poem by Antonio Machado. In the first line of the poem, “The ephemeral morning,” Machado links Spain with tambourine music, and, over time, this connection has led people to call Spain the País de Pandereta. The nickname, in addition to celebrating an instrument and an associated style of music, suggests that the nation is playful in a unique way. Aa’s Spain-shaped tambourine is both literal and whimsical in its interpretation. The design makes use of simple materials, beech wood and steel, and focuses attention on the intricate curves of its map-drawn cut. Emblematic of Aa’s work as a self-described “Spain brand,” the tambourine represents national pride and gives it a shake.
Photography by Celeste Barria
