Ahec
—
THE LOST HERD
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the main international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, challenged Studio Inma Bermudez to design and build furniture pieces for public spaces, aiming to engage and connect with visitors. The pieces would establish a warm and friendly focal point, integrating as part of the museum and guiding visitors through their experience.
2023
PHOTO©Inma Bermúdez Studio
‘The Lost Herd’ is a set of pieces crafted from red oak, maple and cherry, specifically designed for interaction, learning, and engagement by visitors at museums or exhibitions.
The creations evoke the image of a group of animals that appear to be lost and resemble benches or seats, yet their design goes beyond conventional furniture to incorporate elements of imagination and play. The lack of a defined function is an invitation for the user to decide how they want to engage with them.
The creations evoke the image of a group of animals that appear to be lost and resemble benches or seats, yet their design goes beyond conventional furniture to incorporate elements of imagination and play. The lack of a defined function is an invitation for the user to decide how they want to engage with them.
'The Lost Herd' is more than a collection of pieces; it tells a story. In it there is poetry and emotion, as well as the promotion of American hardwoods, whose origin and processes are thoughtfully revealed through the details.
At this instance, rather than focusing on innovating its physical form, our approach is an invitation to embed the pieces with a liberated purpose. The pieces transform into both sculptural and utilitarian objects, offering a renewed functionality: engagement, play and fun, creating a beautiful contrast with the original intent.
At this instance, rather than focusing on innovating its physical form, our approach is an invitation to embed the pieces with a liberated purpose. The pieces transform into both sculptural and utilitarian objects, offering a renewed functionality: engagement, play and fun, creating a beautiful contrast with the original intent.
Our initial inspiration for this project comes from an antique carpentry tool, the 'shave horse,' a historic workbench used centuries ago for woodworking. aiming to transcend and elevate the original piece.
During production, the design was adapted to the available materials to minimize waste, and the finished objects have minimal finishing that mimics the texture of the tree from which they came from.
During production, the design was adapted to the available materials to minimize waste, and the finished objects have minimal finishing that mimics the texture of the tree from which they came from.
