Urban: A Furniture Collection Inspired by UpcyclingTransforming the Streets into Art
Urban, a furniture collection designed by Luciana Duque, takes inspiration from the urban landscape and the economic crisis in Brazil. By repurposing rolling shutters from closed retail stores, Duque breathes new life into a material that has acquired symbolic meaning. This innovative approach to upcycling creates unique and functional pieces that bring street art surfaces into the home.
What sets Urban apart is its use of rolling shutters, a material never before applied to furniture manufacturing. Duque explores the strength and versatility of these steel plates, discovering that they can be easily shaped into curves and fit together seamlessly. The goal of the collection is to reuse the leftover steel plates provided by rolling shutter factories in Rio de Janeiro, giving them a new purpose and reducing waste.
The manufacturing process of Urban is as unique as the material itself. The plates are fit together using their own joints, creating both curves and structural strength. L-shaped profiles are welded on top of the plates for assembly, and the finishing touches include sanding the welding areas and applying an electrostatic coating.
The Urban collection offers a range of furniture pieces, including a bookcase, cupboard, armchair, park bench, and more. Each piece is designed with precise dimensions and can be customized in color and size to suit individual preferences.
Luciana Duque collaborated with engineer Mauricio Atié to overcome the challenges of sourcing preserved rolling shutters and curving the L profiles. The result is a collection that seamlessly blends art, design, and functionality, creating a modern interaction between urban aesthetics and home decor.
The Urban collection was first exhibited at the High Design Expo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in August 2018. It has since garnered recognition and was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2019. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.
Urban is a testament to the power of upcycling and the potential for transforming materials with a rich history into functional and visually striking furniture pieces. By giving new life to rolling shutters, Luciana Duque has created a collection that not only adds a touch of urban art to any space but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Luciana Duque Pedro Galaso
Image Credits: Video Credits: Celina Wolffelt
Project Team Members: Engineer: Mauricio Atié
Project Name: Urban
Project Client: Luciana Duque Pedro Galaso