SLOW Spain: Slow furniture for fast change, which is nine pieces by 17 students from Spanish design schools that contribute to positive change in consumer culture. Source: Timberbiz
Bringing together the work of 17 students selected from nine Spanish design schools, SLOW Spain showcases the talent and ideas of the emerging design generation while exploring the material possibilities of four sustainable but underused American hardwoods.
The collection was on display 7 February-12 March 2023 at the Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa, as part of the official programming of the Madrid Design Festival 2023.
The projects, all focused on furniture design, were mentored by renowned designers Inma Bermúdez and Moritz Krefter (Studio Inma Bermúdez), Álvaro Catalán de Ocón (ACdO) and Jorge Penadés (Oficina Penadés).
Together with the students, they worked to refine and shape their ideas using a selection of sustainable American hardwoods.
The exhibition aimed to show the importance of “slow design” and how this philosophy can be applied in the creation of furniture. Each of the pieces has been handcrafted in the La Navarra carpentry in Madrid, from a selection of four sustainable American hardwoods that are underused in Europe: red oak, maple, cherry and tulipwood. The final designs mix aesthetics with functionality and range from side tables to a bookcase-screen, a desk or the reinvention of a chair.
SLOW Spain: Slow furniture for fast change, is a unique opportunity to see the work of the most promising young Spanish designers and how they have approached the concept of “slow design” in their projects.
As well as being an opportunity to learn more about the importance of sustainability in furniture design, the “slow” approach to design can contribute to a positive change in current culture, creating an emotional bond with the owner of the pieces and leaving a legacy for future generations.
