Surface Design Awards – Complete

• INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE YEAR - NEW
  This is a new category that recognises wall, floor, ceiling and surface design products, including decorative, creative and inventive surfaces for the interior of buildings including both commercial and residential properties.

The Karigars, venerable artisans of India, oversee an impressive tapestry of 530 craft clusters, each steeped in centuries of tradition. Yet, these skilled artisans are faced with numerous formidable challenges that hinder their artistic pursuits. The challenges include the deplorable condition of infrastructure, the complex nature of market relations, the constant influx of machine-made replicas, and the disheartening stagnation of design. To address these urgent issues, my team initiated the "karigarwalamovement," an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and meaningful connections among diverse groups of artisans, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to the birth of groundbreaking cluster fusion designs.
In the realm of waning artisanal practices, one craft shines - Koftgiri an age-old surface technique used with a modern- contemporary and sustainable twist. This artistic technique involves the precise embedding of silver or gold wire onto the robust iron surface, creating a captivating synthesis of materials that enthralls the senses. The artisans from Udaipur and have long been celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship in creating beautiful swords and daggers. Regrettably, amidst the ever-changing landscape of warfare, these artisans are currently confronted with the formidable challenge of safeguarding their trade and ensuring their livelihood. My furniture design project aims to revitalize India's esteemed craft clusters by promoting ethical design principles and conscientious manufacturing practices in the consumer goods industry. Through dedicated efforts, it aims to protect India's rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, ensuring the preservation of an invaluable ancestral legacy of surface techniques. The chair elegantly exemplifies the convergence of two declining craft communities in India: art-metal ware and koftgiri.
Abeey Yaar assumed a pivotal role in fostering a harmonious and fruitful exchange between the esteemed Koftgiri artisans and Art-Metal Ware artisans. Through exhaustive discussions and collaboration, the two artisan groups were able to create something extraordinary - a statement piece that would demonstrate their collective abilities. Over the course of three years and hundreds of iterations, we assiduously crafted Nitya Yantra - an embodiment of furniture that transcends conventional boundaries, emerging as an unparalleled opus of artistic ingenuity. This extraordinary morphing piece of furniture is a prime example of the seamless integration of Koftgiri and art metalwork. In addition to its resplendent aesthetic, the Nitya Yantra embodies a profound contemplation of human ergonomics, ingeniously crafted to bestow unparalleled solace to the weary back and to foster the cultivation of self-restoration and the pursuit of yogic & Kamasutra disciplines.
The concept of enhancing resonance, as seen in "Yantra", served as inspiration for the transformative chair. The term "yantra" is derived from the Sanskrit roots 'yam', signifying liberation from the cycle of birth and reincarnation, and 'nitya', representing eternal essence. The chair has 32 positions, each intricately inspired by the celestial dance of the 16 ethereal phases of the moon which revolve around sixteen Nitya Shakti yantras, imbuing it with an aura of profound mysticism and spiritual resonance.
The objective of the chaise lounger is to foster the cultivation of appropriate bodily alignment and combat the detrimental effects of suboptimal spinal well-being prevalent in inactive ways of life. The chair promotes spinal alignment and self-healing through 32 positions inspired by the moon, fostering holistic wellness and a harmonious connection with nature with its unique yet mesmerizing surface technique.It presents an exquisite design offered in a resplendent all-wood rendition and a harmonious fusion of wood and metal elements.
In a world where digital technology often overshadows physical well-being, the Nitya Yantra - a Transforming Chair - stands as a remarkable symbol of innovation, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. It serves as a symbol of craftsmanship, sustainability, and collaboration. In the domain of combining wood and metal, a sturdy iron structure is adorned with intricate silver wire inlays. These exquisite inlays are skillfully crafted to portray the graceful movement. The ethereal representations are expertly crafted using ancient geometrical constructs called yantras, adding an aura of mystique and artistic finesse to the piece. The skilled manipulation of sheet metal, combined with the delicate artistry of silver inlay on iron, enhances the chair's visual appeal and showcases the symbiotic prowess of these artisan communities. The chair embodies the seamless blend of tradition and modernity, representing a transformative milestone for artisans. It has effectively involved more than 100 artisans, opening up new opportunities for generating income. The first-of-a-kind piece was developed in 1100 GBP - with 800 spent on surface technique ( due to pure silver inlay) , 180 on scrap - metal ( structure development & 120 on the reclaimed wooden hinges and seating.

Art metal ware craft cluster and Koftgiri techniques utilize materials like iron, wood, and inlaid silver or gold wire for their intricate surface designs. Iron is chosen for its strength, malleability, and ease of shaping, while wood provides a sturdy base for metal elements and a contrasting texture and color to the iron. This combination creates a harmonious balance, adding complexity and visual interest to the final piece.

These surfaces should be considered for a Surface Design Award due to their historical significance and expertise passed down through generations. They pay homage to tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. Recognizing these materials with awards helps preserve traditional craftsmanship and encourages artisans to continue exploring innovative ways to work with these materials.

The combination of materials offers a wide range of design possibilities, from intricate patterns and textures to functional objects, showcasing the creativity of craftsmen. Iron ensures longevity, while silver metal inlays add a layer of protection against corrosion, enhancing the durability of the surface design.

The contrasting textures and colors of iron, wood, and meticulous craftsmanship in creating intricate patterns with silver or gold wire inlay on iron surfaces demonstrate a high level of skill and attention to detail, creating visually captivating surfaces that evoke emotions and admiration. In conclusion, these materials are worthy candidates for a Surface Design Award, as they contribute to the visual appeal of the design and tell a story of tradition, innovation, and dedication to the art of surface design.

The Nitya Yantra Transforming Chair is a project that exemplifies sustainability in furniture design through its careful selection of materials and eco-conscious design and manufacturing processes. Here's an explanation of the project's sustainability credentials
1. Use of Scrap Iron:
Reduced Environmental Impact: Utilizing scrap iron for the chair's frame is an environmentally responsible choice. Scrap iron comes from recycled sources, which means that it doesn't require the extraction of new iron ore. This reduces the need for energy-intensive mining operations and the associated environmental disruption.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Using scrap iron significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the chair because it negates the need for energy-intensive iron production processes. The CO2 emissions associated with mining, refining, and transporting iron ore are avoided.
Resource Conservation: By repurposing scrap iron, the project helps divert waste from landfills and contributes to resource conservation. This aligns with the principles of the circular economy by extending the lifespan of materials.
2. Reclaimed Wood:
Forest Conservation: The inclusion of reclaimed wood in the chair's design helps conserve forests. By using wood salvaged from deconstructed or discarded structures, the project avoids the need to cut down additional trees.
Carbon Sequestration: Wood stores carbon, and by repurposing reclaimed wood, the project locks in the carbon stored within the wood fibers. This helps mitigate climate change by preventing the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Reduction of Wood Waste: Reclaimed wood repurposes material that might otherwise go to waste. This reduces the demand for new wood and lowers the environmental impact of logging.
3. Recycled-Silver Wire Inlay:
Minimal Material Usage: The use of silver wire for inlay work minimizes waste. Only small quantities of precious metal are employed, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Recycled or Sustainably Sourced Silver: To enhance sustainability, the project may opt for silver wire sourced from sustainably mined silver. This choice minimizes the environmental impact of mining and processing.
Artistic Value: While contributing to sustainability, the silver wire inlay also adds artistic and aesthetic value to the chair, emphasizing the integration of sustainability with creativity.
4. Low Carbon Footprint Production:
Energy Efficiency: The project's manufacturing process likely incorporates energy-efficient machinery and processes to minimize energy consumption, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Water Conservation: Sustainable practices may include reducing water usage in production, lowering water treatment requirements, and minimizing water waste.
Reduced Chemical Treatments: The project might minimize the use of environmentally harmful chemicals in manufacturing, promoting safer and more sustainable practices.
5. Durability and Longevity:
Extended Product Lifespan: The chair's design prioritizes durability and longevity, ensuring that it remains functional and aesthetically appealing for many years. This discourages the need for frequent replacements, reducing waste generation.
Reduced Overconsumption: By creating long-lasting furniture, the project encourages a reduction in overconsumption, which is a critical aspect of sustainable design.
In conclusion, the Nitya Yantra Transforming Chair demonstrates its sustainability credentials through its use of reclaimed materials, minimal waste generation, and eco-conscious manufacturing processes. Its emphasis on repurposing scrap iron and reclaimed wood, coupled with thoughtful design choices like silver wire inlay, make it a sustainable and environmentally responsible furniture piece. These sustainable practices align with contemporary principles of responsible design and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

During the development process, we encountered several challenges related to surface selection and application within the Art Metalware Craft Cluster and Koftgiri techniques. These traditional crafts employ a diverse range of materials, including iron, wood, and inlaid silver or gold wire, to achieve intricate and captivating surface designs.

The selection of materials was a crucial aspect of our journey. Iron was chosen for its inherent strength, malleability, and ease of shaping, enabling artisans to bring their creative visions to life. Wood served as a sturdy foundation for the metal elements, providing both structural support and a striking contrast in terms of texture and color. This combination harmoniously balanced the elements, introducing complexity and visual interest to our final pieces.

The primary challenge lay in preserving these time-honored techniques and materials, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. We believe that these surfaces warrant consideration for a Surface Design Award, given their historical significance and the generations of expertise invested in their mastery. By honoring these materials, we hope to encourage artisans to continue exploring innovative approaches to their craft.

The diverse possibilities afforded by these materials allowed us to experiment with intricate patterns, varied textures, and functional applications, showcasing the boundless creativity of our craftsmen. Iron's durability, coupled with the protective qualities of silver or gold wire inlays, enhanced the longevity of our surface designs.

In summary, the challenges faced during development were a testament to the dedication required to work with these materials and techniques. Ultimately, these materials deserve recognition through a Surface Design Award, as they contribute not only to the visual allure of our designs but also to the preservation of tradition, the spirit of innovation, and the unwavering commitment to the art of surface design.

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