Just when you think the humble pen has received almost every design treatment available in terms of its form and function, renowned product designer Robert Brunner, partner of the leading international consultancy Pentagram, has teamed with Acme Studios to develop a new pen, the P2. The P2 embodies Brunner's personal design philosophy and is the latest in a series of Acme's writing instruments by internationally renowned designers, including Ettore Sottsas, Michael Graves and Andre Putman.
More than just a pen, the P2 is an object of beauty. The pen is a combination of simple elementary forms, attention to the use of material and impeccable finish. Its turned aluminum base holds the pen upright akin to an "inkwell". A magnet buried inside the pen cap unexpectedly attaches it to both ends of the pen body, adding an element of surprise. Finally, the elegant dual cone shape and the product's weight make it a joy to hold in your hand.
The P2 is manufactured in machined aluminum and steel and is available in aluminum and dark brown metallic colors. The P2 pen is presented in a sleek black cylindrical cardboard package, also designed by Pentagram. P2's retail price is $99, available through http://www.acmestudio.com
About Robert Brunner
Robert Brunner's career as an industrial designer is iconic in the high technology arena. The San Jose native's lifelong pursuit as a designer began after graduating in industrial design from San Jose University in 1981. His work has spawned numerous brand-defining designs during the past two decades. He founded Lunar Design in 1984. He subsequently went on to become director of industrial design at Apple Computer in 1989, where he provided design and direction for notable product lines such as the Apple II, Macintosh, the original Macintosh PowerBook and Newton.
Robert Brunner is currently a partner in the San Francisco office of Pentagram, one of the world's most influential design firms. Robert's work has been widely published in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. His product designs have won 12 IDSA Awards from the Industrial Designers Society of America and Business Week, as well as numerous other prestigious industry awards throughout his career. Robert Brunner's work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Museum of Modern Art San Francisco Permanent Design Collection.
About Pentagram
Formed in 1972, Pentagram is a privately owned international multi-disciplinary design consultancy. Its services span identity, publications, packaging, product, interactive communications, exhibition and environmental design. The firm has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Berlin and Austin, Texas. Serving Fortune 500 companies, Pentagram's seminal projects include Citigroup identity; United Airlines identity, interior, interactive and signage design; Nike Watch design and Design Within Reach identity.