20 Apr 2011
Second Sight’s Milan Design week report – Post 8
In Fuorisalone I discover a bit about Thailand design.A really interesting exhibition “Slow hand design”, with many interesting products.
“When discussing the export industry in Southeast Asia, Thailand is considered one of the most experienced countries due to its advanced infrastructure for producing consumer products. What is not as commonly known is that Thailand was once called “Siam” and was the epicentre for Southeast Asia trade, where products like ceramics and terracotta potteries, spices, etc. were exported throughout the important port towns of the Asian continent. (…)
The “Slow hand design” exhibition intends to reflect the value of Thai product exports that still retain their ancestral DNA inherited through many generations. The modern furniture products that are displayed in this exhibition, trace their roots to the design DNA which was transformed via Thailand’s cultural infusion. It is the curator’s intention to reflect how a warm Thai design spirit is infused into various forms, textures, technologies and expressions.”
Here are some products from this exhibition:
Reborn is a collection of rugs weaved by villagers from regional Thailand. Local wisdom allied with design and technology. These colourful carpets with ethnic patterns are a great example of the crafts trend, ancient techniques are valued not as a past, old fashion working skill but as a benefit for the future of design.
“Design that stimulated people’s thoughts was what concerned 20 company’s name reflects its design direction that goes beyond all factors of living, and that is to add soul and spirit when making the products. Various exotic materials with vivid colours and rustic textures are weaved by the hands of villagers from regional Thailand. The magic touch of hand and heart from each village’s weavings are telepathed into the products. Nonetheless, new materials and modern techniques of manufacturing are also infused with traditions to stimulate emotions for global users.”
WAFFLE DESIGN
Ayodhaya creates home products made with natural fibers from plants found in abandoned in urban and suburban areas. Not only this company has a environmental concern, but also acts in social aspect, by using craftsmanship from villages in Thailand, supporting this communities with supplementary income. And letting the world know Thai culture trough design.
“Turning waste into taste Ayodhaya was founded in 1994 as a “retailer” in home decorative merchandise. In 1998, Ayodhaya first joined with the D&O group at the Bangkok International Gift fair with a debut of contemporary home accessory products made from natural fibers found in abandoned local eco-systems. The basic design philosophy of Ayodhaya aims to utilize the by-products of ecology such as, water hyacinth, hemp and cotton fibers which are abandoned in both the urban and suburban ecology. Especially in the case of the water hyacinth product, which is made from the aquatic water hyacinth weed plant, and considered worthless due to its fast growth that has choked Bangkok’s waterways. By utilizing the water hyacinth weed through modern design manufacturing, not only has Ayodhaya created a new value on Thai products but Thailand’s aquatic ecology has been improved. One of Ayodhaya’s ethics is to work closely with artisans in suburban villages. With such a manufacturing approach, not only is traditional craft spirit portrayed in Ayodhaya’s products, but the survival of the country’s refined craftsmanship will also be sustained along with the growing future of materialistic consumption.”
HUSK STOOL
This Thai company has a collection of furniture made from rice husk. This innovative material, is completely eco-friendly.
“Although founded as a furniture manufacturing-based company. Today, Meepiyaboon has their own design team creating a new furniture product lines of “Oggi Living”. For many years of experience with production, Meepiyaboon has now shifted against original design research and development. In 2009, the company received DEmark and G-mark Awards for the development of paddy husk furniture collection that is recognised for its eco—friendly quality and innovative material utilisation.”
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