Stephen Burks

I went to an amazing lecture last night at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Stephen Burks, from Readymade Projects in NYC, came and talked all about his work. He does/did a lot of work in the fragrance market (with Coty and such) but there is a whole other side to his work. He has been doing projects with Artecnica's Design with Conscience, eco-friendly design for the Cappellini Love collection, and Rajboori Fine Silk Textiles in made in India. All these projects are outsourced to under-developed communities and are providing jobs and building the economy. Although this is a controversial issue (going into countries and using their unique crafts into international design objects), Burks believes in design as a means for economic transformation. And one thing that really stuck with me is that brands capatalize on the value of culture. So if you can capture an experience or a part of culture in design, there is truth in the design and people will like it.

Here are some of the things I really liked:

The above was designed by Burks and a local South African artisan, then produced in South Africa. Below, is a table design from Burks that is made from shredded magazines and a non-toxic hardener over a carboard structure and stuffed with more magazines inside to weight it down. (one of my favs)