CIRCULAR DESIGN MADE IN LITUANIA
Indi is a Lithuanian design brand known for its original creations and unique recycled paper technology – REPAPER which allows creating the fascinating illusion of objects that seem made of heavy concrete but are in fact are extremely lightweight.
As the first circular design brand design in Lithuania, Indi aims to create aesthetic interior elements that are environment friendly, not causing any pollution and even lowering it, and has been awarded a national “Good Design “prize three years in a row.
Despite your training as a painter and visual art interpreter you decided to dedicate your professional career to industrial design, and the manufacturing of furniture. What motivated this professional choice?
I’ve graduated from the Academy of Arts as a multimedia artist. My interest was not only in painting. Installation arts gave me an opportunity to create in a wider fields. Lighting was always one of the main inspirations.
Lithuania due to its geographical location lacks a natural light. We do not have much sun. So I’ve decided to dedicate myself to creating lighting sources. It was important for me to combine lighting with new untraditional materials and monumental shapes.
New in! Tuba Lamp. Pictured: Tuba Trio
What kind of furniture do you make? How would you define your style? Do you follow the trends of Scandinavian design or do you try to find your own vision?
INDI’s main production is lamps. But we also create small furniture and other interior objects.
I would describe my style as very similar to Nordic design tradition. Minimal clear shapes are common both to Scandinavian and Baltic aesthetic. We aim to develop professional high-quality examples of Lithuanian design – products that are relevant within both local and global contexts.
Could you explain what your production process is? How does the REPAPER technology work?
We work with a recycled paper PEPAPER technology. The material we have developed let us create designs that naturally look like made of concrete. The lightness of this material gives us freedom experimenting with shapes and forms that common concrete would be too heavy for.
We recycle paper (former press publications that we gather from different offices and media agencies) by chopping and milling it. Paper crumbs are left to soak for some time.
Then the pulp is mixed with special ingredients (glue, pigment etc.). Mixed blend can be used forming different shapes or covering surfaces. It takes approximately a week to dry and to solidify. Then the surface can be polished, covered with water-based varnish or paint.
The technology let us create our original designs as well as collaborate with other designers and architects.
Tuba is sold in a pack of three (Tuba Trio) or separately: Tuba 35, Tuba 50 and Tuba 60.
You speak of a level of environmental commitment in which you even take direct responsibility in trying to reduce pollutants. How does this commitment translate to the business’ day-to-day activity? How do you contribute to reducing the carbon footprint?
Showcasing the most recent innovations in contemporary Lithuanian design INDI aims to create aesthetic interior elements that are environment friendly, not causing any pollution and even lowering it.
Brand encourages its customers to foster green design and responsible way of living. We are the first CIRCULAR DESIGN brand in Lithuania. INDI lamps and other REPAPER interior objects can be recycled and reused as a material for the future designs.
By purchasing REPAPER (recycled paper) products our customers take part in the responsible consumption and environment friendly circular design initiative. That’s how we create the continuous production cycle that ensures responsible consumption and contribute by reducing the carbon footprint.
You define yourself as the first circular design brand in Lithuania. Could you explain what this concept consists of? Is there a nationwide Lithuanian movement in this regard? Do you believe Lithuanian society is moving towards a circular economy?
Lithuania is making its first steps in circular economy and we are glad to be in front of the movement. Our circular design idea is based on the concept which allows recycle and reuse design objects as a material for the future designs.
I am a cofounder of Lithuanian ecological design association (EKODA) which unites designers and brands that share the same “think green” values. We really feel an increasing interest in ecological movement.
New in! Ringas Lamp
You are a reference in Lithuanian design, and have received several prizes for your work in the last years. How do these recognitions influence or affect your daily work?
The recognition of international jury inspires and ensures me that I am on the right way. It demands to seek quality perfection and not only to reveal new possibilities of the paper material but to search for new interesting circular materials.
Lithuanian Design is becoming increasengly recognized outside of your country. How important is the job that the community of Lithuanian designers is carrying out, for the sector in general and for your brand in particular?
We are the members of Lithuanian Design Forum which takes huge part in promoting Lithuanian design around the world. Association seeks the acknowledgement of design as a catalyst for the development of modern society and a factor for sustainable economic growth, the deeper use of design in production, communication and public life. During last few years we were presenting our works in Stockholm, Paris, London, Jerusalem, Budapest, Berlin etc.
Ringas: Perfect as a living room light or to place over the dinning table
Time to get personal…
First thing you do in the morning?
Saying good morning to my parrot.
And last thing at night?
Turning of the light and thinking about a light.
Song you never get tired of?
My daughter’s remixes on Soundcloud. (Sundae)
Last book you read?
“Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari.
Would you recommend it?
I would recommend this book for those who like different attitude to humanity.
