Second installment in our Creative Directions series, Mobilia’s president, Johannes Kau talks about his adventures in India and the local artisans who are transforming reclaimed architectural elements into one-of-a-kind objects of beauty.
A RICH ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
The furniture and accessories that make up the INDIA collection are made from repurposed building elements. The abundance of discarded architectural elements is the result of a fast-track urban renewal phenomenon, which entails demolishing entire neighborhoods to replace them with modern equivalents. This widespread phenomenon is happening throughout India, and manufacturers are salvaging building elements from former residences, places of worship, as well as public buildings and transforming them into furniture and accessories.
“The modernization process in India makes it sometimes difficult to preserve certain elements of its architectural heritage. During one of my visits to Jaipur, I was intrigued by a large workshop at a bend in the road. Inside, I discovered a fabulous space, where artisans brought to life beautiful pieces which would, without the intervention of this family-run business, be destined to disappear ” – Johannes Kau
The workshop site includes six huge warehouses where a wide variety of salvaged materials are stored. In it, Johannes was astounded to find an assortment of ornamental beams, window and door frames as well as entire collections of decorative architectural elements. The artisans who work at the site, assemble each piece by hand and make the various decorative objects with the help of basic woodworking tools.
EACH PIECE IS UNIQUE AND HAS ITS OWN HISTORY
Johannes and a small team of Mobilia buyers spent time with the workshop’s owner and his family, who have been living and working in the Jaipur area for over 30 years. Breaking bread together, they shared stories of discoveries made on their journey across the majestic country that is India.
A LOOK THROUGH JOHANNES’ CAMERA LENS
The world of INDIA is filled with unique pieces, visit us in store to experience the collection.
Creative Directions is an ongoing collaborative project we turn the spotlight on distinguished guests.
Click here to discover last month’s installment featuring architect, Kim Pariseau
