Inhabitat » ARTEK LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE BAMBU COLLECTION

May 17, 2007

ARTEK LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE BAMBU COLLECTION

by Emily Pilloton

Artek, Artek Bambu, Bamboo furniture, Bambu furniture, Tom Dixon, Henrik Tjaerby, Alvar Aalto, Finnish Design

Tom Dixon is proof that designers are not just producers of objects, but also producers of change. After merging his own business with Alvar Aalto’s Finnish design manufacturer Artek, Dixon is showing his true (green) colors and his commitment to eco-design with the debut of Artek’s new Bambu line of furniture, made from, as the moniker implies, bamboo. The pieces themselves are designed by Henrik Tjaerby, though the move towards a more sustainable product line was Dixon’s brainchild. Here’s one star designer who doesn’t mind sharing the limelight for a greater cause. Make sure to come hear what he has to say during his interview with Julie Taraska on Saturday at HauteGREEN.

Artek, Artek Bambu, Bamboo furniture, Bambu furniture, Tom Dixon, Henrik Tjaerby, Alvar Aalto, Finnish Design 3

Dixon’s partnership with Artek was not only a bold business move for his own studio, but also demonstrates a commitment to bringing about wider change within the design industry, bringing greener practices to age-old enterprises. He says of Artek, “This was a company with no product development, and it had fallen behind the times. I went in thinking, Right, I can do this. I should do that.” The Bambu chair and table have been three years in development, going through rounds of refinement until Dixon finally felt the products lived up to Artek’s tradition of sustainability, functionality and longevity.

+ Tom Dixon
+ Artek

Artek, Artek Bambu, Bamboo furniture, Bambu furniture, Tom Dixon, Henrik Tjaerby, Alvar Aalto, Finnish Design 2

Artek, Artek Bambu, Bamboo furniture, Bambu furniture, Tom Dixon, Henrik Tjaerby, Alvar Aalto, Finnish Design 4

Artek, Artek Bambu, Bamboo furniture, Bambu furniture, Tom Dixon, Henrik Tjaerby, Alvar Aalto, Finnish Design 5

10 Responses to “ARTEK LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE BAMBU COLLECTION”

Richie Says:

May 18th, 2007 at 9:20 am

Nice design. Reportedly, Charles and Ray Eames were always trying to find a way to design and manufacture a one piece steam bent plywood chair. Along the way they cam up with their amazing offerings. It’s really a special treat to see a designer complete their mission with great style, sustainability and beautiful design aesthetics.

P.S. The 3rd photo shows a chair and table that’s different from the other photos. Are there more than one table and chair design grouping ?

siocadolhoraca Says:

May 21st, 2007 at 6:20 pm

show de bola…. irado mesmo….. um dia pego todas essas idéias e monto um negócio!!!!!

Hun Boon Says:

May 21st, 2007 at 11:16 pm

The Bambu name is slightly misleading, as it’s only the surface veneer that is made from bamboo. The rest of the furniture is made from plywood.

I have made furniture from 100% bamboo before, and it is too difficult to mould them into such wonderful shapes. Bamboo veneer over plywood is a good solution.

wangyuan Says:

May 23rd, 2007 at 11:07 pm

simply style .very nice design!

david Says:

May 25th, 2007 at 2:24 pm

in response to the first comment. something can’t be one solid piece if it is made of plywood. you don’t steam bend plywood, you steam bend solid, you laminate plywood. also, in response to the last comment, you can achieve that table with multiple layers of bamboo veneer, which is renewable. plywood means only that it is layered. to create that table you could just as easily use ONLY bamboo veneers, which you can purchase in varying thicknesses, to layer, creating a bamboo plywood. and at the same time you bend it to its current shape with forms and rely on a rigid adhesive to allow the veneers to keep that shape. so, it is both completely bamboo, and plywood - bamboo plywood. simple.

Diego Says:

June 20th, 2007 at 7:49 am

You know, you folks could settle this by visiting the factory. Or, by emailing them.

I think we’d all agree that, however it’s made, it’s really innovative and beautiful.

Anthony Marschak Says:

July 9th, 2007 at 2:36 pm

A Bay Area company; Modern Bamboo produces high quality 100% bamboo laminated furniture.
http://www.modernbamboo.com
In fact, they are the only company who produces a molded 100% bamboo chair.