«Gateris Works» furniture collection
Brief description of the project
Gateris Works furniture is based on the study of the Latvian visual code and its transformation into objects of everyday use. Inspired by the vernacular carpentry often found in rural areas, a language of forms was created that presents the naive and often clumsy origins of furniture in an elegantly modern way. The furniture is robust and somewhat primitive, giving voice to an aesthetic that is inaudible in the face of innovation and technology, but reflects Latvian identity throughout.
Originality and creativity of the idea
By combining the interpretation of folklore and the language of traditional forms with the purity of modernism, a completely new kind of furniture is created, which through primitive forms seems to encapsulate the Latvian way of life. In this way, a shelf is created that is implicitly based on the sign of Mara, a clothes rack that represents the symbolism of the crow, a lounge chair that interprets the rebirth of the loom chair in a "purer" form, as well as a mirror and a bench that play on the mismatch of dimensions "by eye" in vernacular carpentry.
Definition of the problem and the relevance of the applied solutions
Working on interiors for a long time, both locally and internationally, it has been noticed that we have a strong furniture industry, but there is a lack of more competitive furniture design based on the "Latvian code". Researching and developing the aesthetics of furniture forms required "unlearning" the principles of standard furniture construction and shaping, thus forgetting the aesthetic prerequisites that had been used so far. This approach has allowed us to work more freely with form and to create objects with a strong almost ornamental value.
Co-creation, stakeholder involvement and cooperation during the realisation process
The role of the craftsman is indispensable in the creation of these seemingly primitive forms, as he is almost a co-author of these objects through consultation and constructive solutions. Close relations have also been established with timber suppliers, who advise on the properties of the wood and help to select quality materials for primary and secondary processing.
Functionality and technological solutions
The functionality of the objects is direct, everyday and preserves the old Latvian attitude to furniture. However, in order to adapt the furniture to modern standards of quality and aesthetics, modern technological solutions of the furniture industry are applied.
Aesthetics and other experiential dimensions
All the furniture is made from timber available in Latvia and highlights the patterns of the wood fibres through the shape. The untinted wood furniture is left without UV protection, so it gradually acquires the characteristic red shade of pine, which is already visible in the colour of the bench. The furniture is visually robust and physically weighty, made from solid wood - built to last for generations.
Economic significance, sustainability and circularity
Some of the furniture components are made of recycled wood, which encourages the use of secondary materials and minimises the use of virgin materials. Looking at global trends in furniture design, the theme of distinctly local forms or origins is relevant and widely supported. Latvian design, as still relatively under-represented and under-studied in the wider world, may finally have a platform to raise its profile.
Social relevance, inclusion, availability and accessibility
Promoting the learning of Latvian forms in furniture design strengthens both the design industry itself and the need for closer cooperation with craftspeople and woodworkers. The potential of the region to become a cornerstone of contemporary Latvian design is further emphasised.
