Intercultural Design
Piracema
This project was born out of the desire to connect Colombia and Germany through design. In collaboration with Showroom 902, I developed a new furniture product for their QUINTA EDICIÓN brand that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflects the potential of both countries.
Traditional, contemporary , and innovative is the motto of this project. Colombian and German influences combined in one design.
Migration promotes cultural exchange and thus opens up entirely new opportunities. This chair creates a bridge between both cultures , connecting the feeling of home with the prospect of integration in the new home. Its design highlights how integration becomes an experience that opens up both traditions and new paths.
methodology
Research & Scouting
Conceptualization
Design/Prototype
Research & Scouting
Intercultural research/design inspiration
Literature research
Trend scouting form & color
Research & Market Opportunities
COLOMBIA
GERMANY
Partner companies
A literature review identified the differences and similarities between the two countries to understand each country's strengths. The market analysis reflects the German public's strong interest in Colombian furniture and opens up further opportunities for the project.
Conceptualization
Design concepts
Expectations & Limits
After going through this whole process and immersing myself in the history of design in both countries, I was able to find a clearer focus for my project by identifying the needs that needed to be covered and the aspects that needed to be fulfilled.
At this point I set design priorities such as:
- To design for the development of a country like Colombia so that it is recognized for the quality of its products and those who manufacture them.
- To represent two countries, their history, their design, their wealth , their innovation , their tradition and their contemporaneity in a single product.
- The exploration of new forms in search of innovation and functionality of the product.
- Use of environmentally friendly materials and raw materials as well as production processes.
- Use of resources and knowledge in production processes developed in Germany.
challenges
Color selection
Focus groups
Creative phase/drafts
Design & Prototyp
brainstorming
After an intensive phase of research and design, this chair prototype was created, combining historical references with modern production processes . Two key innovations characterize the design: the attachment of a hand-woven basket using a loop made of the same material, and the development of a detachable , packaging-efficient system.
The backrest consists of two bent steel tubes framing a molded wood element . The front is softly padded, while the back seamlessly incorporates the wickerwork. The solid wood seat is CNC-milled to ensure the highest precision—all joints remain invisible, with no visible screws or nuts.
The base frame consists of two intersecting molded wood sections, also CNC-machined, which are screwed to the seat. The result is an elegant, stable chair with a clear design language that combines handcrafted detail with contemporary design.
First drafts
prototype
