Totems

Basic information

Project Title

Totems

Full project title

Family of side tables and stools made of solid wood

Project Description

Family of side tables, stools made of solid wood. We wanted to represent a family of iconic symbols with the intention of lasting and remaining in time, being able to be inherited from one generation to another.

The word TOTEM is original from the Ojibwa language, spoken by the native Indians of North America and it was used to designate a monument that characterized each tribe or person in which animals or plants were represented as a power animals and protective spirits.

Project Region

Barcelona, Spain

EU Programme or fund

Description of the project

Summary

From the beginning we wanted to make a family of tables that could be used as stools in case there were guests at home. We had as a reference and inspiration the ancient Talaiots of the island of Menorca as well as the North American totems made of cedar wood due to its great robustness and durability. We were looking for an object that seemed to emerge from the earth, which would remind us all those monoliths, totems of ancient times. Made of a noble and durable material that could be inherited and transmitted from one generation to another.

In order to create the family we tried with different voids to allow the storage of objects inside. During the manufacturing process we were considering the possibility of manufacturing the base from a solid block of wood but due to the cracking of wood as well as to facilitate the manufacture, we opted to divide the base into 4 slats glued together. We also chose different types of wood as well as finishes in order to have a greater range of price allowing to reach different economic possibilities. Currently we are giving the possibility to manufacture them in white or black marble.

Key objectives for sustainability

Our intention always has been to collaborate with the manufacture with local artisans: carpenters, ironworkers, marble workers, glassmakers, potters… in order to promote the local crafts in Spain preventing them from disappearing. In our country there is no continuity with the artisan businesses, losing all that knowledge that has been transmitted from generation to another. The study of university careers has been promoted among young people, but not the jobs that require working with the hands. This project is based on the collaboration between design and craftsmanship, on manufacturing durable products that can last generations, avoiding trends, on providing that different point of view to the artisan, creating a synergy between design and material knowledge that will allow the continuity and renewal of the crafts. Winning an award would be a recognition for such collaboration and an incentive to encourage young people to return to crafts as well as designers to approach artisans.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The Totems family offers the possibility of 5 different models made of different types of wood. From cheaper woods such as pine as well as noble woods such as oak, cedar or walnut. All models are manufactured by local carpenters who have a lot of experience and care working with wood, achieving a high quality product that it can last for generations.

On the other hand, we were looking for a piece that would remind us and make us reflect on those ancient monuments of our ancestors which many of them today are still in perfect condition. Less consumption, higher quality.

Key objectives for inclusion

The inclusion has been in relation to the synergy between the new and the old. Among the great know-how of the matter with the new ideas of contemporary designs. Betting on durable products, manufactured locally by artisans, paying an added value promoting the local economy is the key to begin to value what surrounds us. It all starts with education teaching the kids how long it takes to get the things done. The raw material is finite, so we have to banish that disposable way of consuming and start thinking as our ancestors did.

Results in relation to category

We are currently in the initial phase of the product commercialization, so we do not really know the reception of the product in the market. In general, the feedback from all the people who have seen the product is very positive.