The Edge in Reinterpretation - Studio Wood

By Nitika Agarwal

Photography: Courtesy Studio Wood

Jenga Cabinet

Design - as a pastime or profession is more about expression and intent. In fact, it reflects quite obviously the true personality of its designer; as IAnD finds out in conversation with Studio Wood - a neonate design collaborative, set to make a lot of waves…

Unique designs generally arise from creativity and skill, where ideas develop into tangible entities. They are born out of spontaneity and at times, these instincts emerge into unimaginable and effective solutions. In this course of self-discovery, it is not ordinary for designers to unite and bring out purposeful products that carry on the underlying intent.

Team Studio Wood

Four young (under 25) designers - Sahej Bhatia, Vrinda Mathur, Navya Aggarwal, and Gazal Bawa from varied backgrounds - architecture, product design, spatial and communication design, in April 2014, collaborated to establish ‘Studio Wood’, with a vision to ‘innovate’ with both, furniture and spaces.

Re-love 1 Jenga Cabinet

Re-love 2

The objective of their first project arose from the urge to explore unrestrained possibilities and approach design in a different way. Christened ‘Re-Love’, their first collection comprises animating old, abandoned furniture by borrowing from the idea of deconstructivism. Their designs offer a quirky, absolutely fresh look to most of the pieces they chanced upon in the factory that shares its manufacturing unit and infrastructure with Studio Wood.  

Single-seater Sofa

Sketches

Owing to their diverse skill-sets, their products narrate an intellect that lends a distinctive style to their work. Application of different materials including wood (rubberwood, sheesham, whiteash), MDF, fabric, glass, Mild Steel with a variety of finishes impart multiplicity and originality to their collection, all of which is yet undeniably consistent in style and character.

Drawer Shelf

Multi-level Accent Table

For instance, the ‘multi-level accent table’ is much more than a standard table. It is fragmented into different levels that exemplify play in geometry with screen-printed wooden platforms and a mirror at the bottom, which reflects the screen print. The effect of the print is cautiously downplayed by disintegrating the bases into dissimilar levels.

T-Back Chair

Inverted V Table

Drawer Poufs

Spatial Ethos

Their sensibility reveals a classic blend of art and science and with each product they seem to indicate the ‘difference’ that they look to offer in their service.