Studio Yellowdot introduces Archive I/O, a design collection and conceptual installation developed for Salt, a leading cultural institution in Turkey dedicated to exploring intersections between art, architecture, design, urban studies, and social and economic history. Known for its extensive physical and digital archival collections, Salt provides a critical platform for research, public engagement, and contemporary cultural dialogue.
Drawing inspiration from the hidden world of computational language, Archive I/O transforms the abstract logic of binary code into a tangible and poetic visual experience. The concept centers on an imagined archive—folders arranged in binary formation as either ‘I’ (filled) or ‘O’ (empty)—evoking the 1s and 0s that form the foundation of digital communication. These folders are organized into a matrix of four lines that spell out the word “Salt,” offering a visual entry point into a language that shapes much of our contemporary world yet often remains invisible.
As digital systems become increasingly intertwined with daily life, Archive I/O reflects on the evolving role of cultural institutions like Salt, highlighting their responsibility in preserving memory while adapting to a rapidly shifting technological landscape. The project speaks to the power of archives not only as repositories of the past but as active agents in shaping future understanding.
The accompanying Archive I/O product collection reinterprets institutional materials through the lens of design, featuring:
Enamel Pins – Stylized binary archive folders in polished metal and white enamel.
Tote Bag – Made from dense white gabardine cotton with heat-pressed silver graphics, shoulder strap, and logo tag—echoing the visual codes of archival environments.
Notebook – Soft-touch PU cover with silver foil detailing, silver-edged pages, and dotted interior.
Mini Archive Folder – Reflective silver with white printed graphics
The full collection is housed in a custom-designed book cart made of bent stainless steel, blending industrial simplicity with precision and functionality. Its form references the timeless architectural language of Salt’s spaces—quiet, deliberate, and built to hold knowledge.