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18-03-2009

«I want the piece to move people»

João Camarinha da Silva, a 27 year-old architect from Porto, won the IX edition of the Design Event, at EXPORT HOME, with the piece Aparador Standing (Standing Sideboard). With a degree from the Autonomous Department of Architecture at the University of Minho, João has already amassed an interesting curriculum in the field of architecture and design. Having received several awards and mentions in some magazines in the field, he began working in offices in Europe, including Barcelona and Vienna. In 2008 he set up an office in Porto where he currently develops projects in architecture and design.

Why furniture design?

João Camarinha: At the moment, I mainly design for Mundos Perdidos. I’ll carry on with this, also because of the pleasure and opportunities that arise. It’s not a situation that drags on, they’re isolated moments. I work as an architect and also because of lack of time, and not lack of interest, I haven’t been able to do more in the world of design, but I hope I’ll have the opportunity now.

How did you first get involved in this type of event?

It started about two years ago, while I was still in Vienna, in Austria. I began by taking part in a competition that actually went quite well, it got good feedback from the public and the piece was on display in Milan; it was a ceramic piece. Then I entered the two consecutive competitions for The Oporto Show by ADICO (a company that promotes industrial design) and, by chance, I won them both.

Why is it important to take part in this sort of event?

It’s important to feel that people appreciate it. That I can carry on doing something that is not just for my enjoyment, but that also gives some pleasure to people by bringing them face to face with the pieces; by having them and wanting them. It’s very nice to know we’re appreciated.

In terms of creation, what’s the concept?

It’s very difficult to understand, because I’m going through several moments and it’s not about trying to deny the concept, but rather about trying to uncover it later and when that happens I’m afraid that it’ll be to justify something that I think should not be justified.

Did the inspiration for the piece arise from anything in particular?

It never comes from nothing, because nothing does. There’s always an external influence and inspiration. In theoretical terms, there can be an explanation which is to demonstrate what it is. It has to do with the defragmentation of the types of furniture. That is, in architectural terms, the type is related to the fact that we have a whole, in this case a sideboard, and then the defragmentation of the functional elements, that are the drawers and shelves. This entire line emerged from some drawings of human forms that at the beginning actually looked over one another, hence the name Standing, which would be the meeting of the person with the pieces and, at the same time, that same posture of the pieces when brought face to face with us. Sometimes, it can be hard to see the sideboard in isolation, because in this concept there is a piece in the collection which is much more clearly identified, which is the bottle rack.

The collection was designed to arouse a reaction in people. Why?

Yes, we want to create something emotive, without raising furniture to the level of art; I believe that what I was looking for was in fact some emotional confrontation between people and the piece.

How have people reacted?

Although I only designed the piece and I know that the market is not exactly without its problems at the moment, I know, however, that the feedback was positive. Several new pieces were presented. The sideboard, the bottle rack and the side table are pieces that are six months old; then there are the table, chairs, armchair and lighting, which are pieces that were presented in Paris for the first time. The reaction to these new pieces was good. People liked them a lot, but once the economics comes in, maybe the price is not quite the desired one yet. Not that they are not worth that sum, which has to be evaluated by each person, and it can be more or it can be less, but it’s not a product that is easy to sell everyday. The table was a hit, for example.

Is there any material you would like to highlight in this piece?

Not really. I’m quite open when I begin a design and often am not thinking specifically about furniture, and may even be thinking about something else.

We increasingly hear talk about the importance of combining design and furniture, in order to create different and innovative pieces. What do you think?

Yes, of course. Design is very difficult to classify, to know when we enter the realm of design and leave the realm of furniture. It’s not, in fact, easy to say what each one’s space is. This sort of idea is always assessed based on the criticisms received and this is what determines what is considered design or not, or is simply furniture. We know that there is in fact a lot of repetition and de facto copying. I think it’s buyers that should identify themselves with the product they admire.

Since you designed the whole set, why did you choose this sideboard for the competition?

I don’t get to see the pieces themselves everyday. But when I did visit the showroom, this piece moved me. I like it quite a lot and hope it also moves other people.

In relation to the future, do you have any expectations?

To go back to the office and hope there is always work available.

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