Pende means five (5) in Greek and refers to the number of legs utilised throughout the series. Clean, uncluttered lines belie the complex interplay of a polygon bracket, straight legs and structural top. Research into physical forces, triangulation and geometry result in a minimalist, light, self tightening/self supporting structure, which uses no adhesive and is flat packable. A light globe can also be fully integrated into the framework itself, resulting in a most unexpected feature lamp. This versatile design is scaleable and can be adapted to realise numerous other design capabilities.
As lead designer of PodMarket™, Harry's design ethos eschews showy, unnecessary decorative elements and prefers an honest, minimalist and considered approach. The intelligence depicted throughout the PodMarket™ range is often found in the connection details, some of which are often hidden from view. Harry's approach to furniture design is somewhat informed by his analytical mind and his ability to question. The patents are pending, the recognition is growing, and the registrations continue to be lodged. With a unique and fresh perspective, PodMarket's designs will continue to delight and capture attention. The future looks bright indeed.
PodMarket™ is an Australian company owned and driven by Fiona McKenzie and Harry Strouzas. Harry (lead designer) has invented an original table frawework, and other innovative furniture pieces. The Pende series has emerged via research into geometry and physical forces, culminating in an structure that uses minimal materials, no glue or reinforcement of joints, and a flat pack approach to the ubiquitous criss-cross frame. The Pende symbolises the ethos of PodMarket™, which eschews showy, decorative visual aspects and prefers an honest, sustainable approach to design. The intelligence in the PodMarket™ range is often found in connection details, often hidden from view. Hence an observer may walk past a piece such as the Pende, thinking "just another criss-cross table". That observer may not realise the engineering and physics involved which has justified a patent application, asserting the Pende as more than a new visual design:an invention. Harry's approach to furniture design is somewhat informed by his highly analytical mind. Initially a commerce graduate who worked in finance, he decided to follow his passion. He studied & worked as a furniture maker in Australia, and graduated with first class honours from Buckinghamshire New University in England with a BA, Furniture Design and Craftsmanship. His father (an engineer) trained Harry in problem solving in the field of mechanical engineering by taking him to countless manufacturing/production lines in and around Melbourne as part of his work. This strongly influenced Harry in his furniture design process, which often involves innovative engineering solutions using metal, solid wood, glass and plastics.