The Edge-Beirut Collection Lamps, tables, stools by Tarek Elkassouf |
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| DESIGN NAME: The Edge-Beirut Collection PRIMARY FUNCTION: Lamps, tables, stools INSPIRATION: The Edge Beirut is inspired by the designer's home-city. It takes a cue from the city of Beirut, a city always on the edge of instability, chaos, creativity and adaptability. It is an interpretation of these often conflicting characteristics, with designs that reflect the vulnerability yet resilience and adaptability of Beirut. The Edge is also inspired by the designer's Middle Eastern upbringing and his architectural background, with precepts of repetition and geometric patterns of Arabic architecture engaged. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This series tries to capture the essence of a city living on the edge through the contradiction of solid yet malleable steel designs. At the heart of this series is the cube. Each design takes the pure form of a cube, distorts, bends and twists it with such precision that if unbent and untwisted it would return to its original cube form. For all but two of the submitted designs, the geometric form of each unit also allows it to fit together with other units into various shapes and forms to suit different tastes and layouts. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The five designs submitted are in essence cubes that have been folded or twisted into their current forms. At least three of the submitted designs allow for repetition of forms, stacking, rotation where one unit or its plural can create many different forms. The geometry of the Twisted Diamond Lamp allows it be operated as a single unit or many units that can be stacked, fitted together, flipped and rotated for different effect. The same goes for Dark Edge but with the addition of a glass accessory that allows the unit or its multiple to be a table, stool or shelf. Eight of these Dark Edge Tables together can take the form of a cube. The Twisted Edge Table is a cube that has been rotated, which can be used a table or stool or stacked to create shelves. The Folded Edge Lamp is a cube that has been bent inwards and outwards. The base of the Elevated Edge Table is a quarter of a cube and while structurally sound, it gives the impression of vulnerability with the glass resting on a base that rises to four points. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in May 2014 in Beirut and finished in January 2015. It was exhibited in a solo exhibition in Platform 39 in Beirut in September 2014. It will be exhibited in a solo exhibition in 392Rmeil393 in Beirut in May/June 2015. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: These limited edition steel designs are hand-made from steel and glass. They are hand-welded, assembled and painted by artisans in Lebanon. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Folded Edge Lamp: 285mmx285mmx285mm Elevated Edge Table: 1000mmx1000mmx300mm Twisted Edge Table/Stool: 350mmx350mmx350mm Twisted Diamond Lamp: 160mmx160mmx160mm Dark Edge Table/Stool: 1000mmx500mmx350mm TAGS: steel, origami, folding, welding, handmade, beirut, edge, tarek elkassouf, tarek kassouf RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This series engages Middle Eastern geometric patterns and repetition of forms that can be found in Arabic architecture. The pure form of the cube is chosen for this series and is then bent and twisted with such precision that if unbent and untwisted it would return to its original cube form. At least three of the submitted designs allow for repetition of forms. The designer also researched the essence of the oriental light often seen in Middle Eastern souks, and implemented its principles in contemporary shapes for this series. CHALLENGE: Lebanon does not have a developed manufacturing sector. The designer however believed it was essential that the designs were made in Lebanon in order for the collection to be true to its inspiration - Beirut. The primary reasons there is no thriving manufacturing sector in the country also affected the designers smaller-scale production. These include electricity problems, infrastructure problems and constant instability with war in neighbouring Syria. Such factors often led to unforeseeable delays in the designers production. Finding artisans was another challenge. ADDED DATE: 2015-02-24 01:47:35 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer: Tarek Elkassouf |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: http://tarekelkassouf.com | |||||
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NAME: Tarek Elkassouf PROFILE: Tarek ElKassouf is a Lebanese designer based between Beirut and Sydney who creates in three disciplines: Architecture, Urban Planning and Product/Furniture Design. His work is inspired by Middle Eastern geometric patterns and is often spliced with futuristic parametric design. Tarek has been working as an Architect and Urban Planner since 2005; on projects that range from landmarks to developing cities in Lebanon and across the MENA region. He has received many awards in international competitions in both fields. |
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The Edge-beirut Collection Lamps, Tables, Stools by Tarek Elkassouf is Winner in Furniture Design Category, 2014 - 2015.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Tarek Elkassouf. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Tarek Elkassouf. |
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