I am a graduate in Industrial Design as well as a trained sculptor from Germany. Currently, I practice as a design consultant based out of Ahmedabad (India) for various companies and organisations whereby I combine my passion for design as well as art effectively.
After finishing school, I was educated as a sculptor for theatres, which broadened my horizons of creativity. Later I chose to study Industrial Design with a specialisation in Design of Playing and Learning at the Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design in Halle, Germany.
Ludia
The embroidered motifs in Ludia are influenced by traditional Kutchi sensibilities
The study at this renowned university opened my mind, sharpened my observation, gave me valuable tools to link design with a wide range of contexts and concerns.
During my design studies I came to India as an exchange student at the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad. For the first time I was exposed to a different culture, which is quite opposite to what I was used to in Germany – and this cultural distinction opened a new world for me.
Ludia
The product draws inspiration from symbiotic relationships exhibited by camels and human beings in the desert landscape of Kutch
I retained my relationship with India post the completion of my education and sought various opportunities to explore this interesting country in different ways possible. I feel my current work is influenced both by German design education and my life and work experience in India.
The symbiotic relationship exhibited by the camels and the human beings in the desert landscape of Kutch, which I experienced during my stay in a Kutchi village, was my inspiration for the project Ludia. The final iteration resulted in a variable seating arrangement consisting of comfortable blocks in varying sizes.
Rhombiball
Rhombiball is a playful desktop can also be used as a paper weight
The embroidered motifs were developed as a result of collaboration with Indian embroidery artisans and are influenced by traditional Kutchi sensibilities. One can use these blocks in a range of possible combinations using a nondescript metal bow connector according to one’s individual preferences. It is a place for meetings, a relaxed get together for people of different age groups, communities and cultures too.
Another very important factor of my work is the aspect of playfulness as an approach to design. Combining the positive features of play with the context of a conventional office life was an inspiration and a scope for product placement of Rhombiball.
Rhombiball
Rhombiball is made of three single wooden pieces providing multiple options of interaction
This playful desktop can also be used as a paperweight and is made of three single wooden pieces providing multiple options of interaction.
Klapp-Top is an easy to handle, low table with foldable and self-locking legs, so that one could sit anywhere on the ground and work in a relaxed position with the laptop. This product is inspired by the traditional accounting book in Gujarat (chowpada), which nowadays is almost completely replaced by computers.
Klapp-Top
Klapp-Top is an easy to handle, low table with foldable and self-locking legs
At times I get inspired by the material itself. I got exposed to Bandhani, which is a tie-and-dye handicraft traditionally done in Gujarat and Rajasthan. I wanted to use its unique structure in an unconventional way.
If one uses light together with Bandhani fabric, it creates a very alluring environment.
This exploration was used for my latest product, the development of the Erizo lighting collection (The Erizo floor and table lamp). The light seeps through the fabric and spreads smoothly into the surrounding space to create an ambience which is true to the material and the design.
Mikado
The Mikado floor lamp creates a soothing pleasant interior experience with its interplay of light and shade
Mikado is yet another floor lamp which I have designed. Mikado creates a soothing and pleasant interior experience with its interplay of light and shade. It can be dismantled without any tools. The lamp was developed for and is produced by TDW Furniture Pvt. Ltd.
I believe my products should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The need to be an independent designer working for and with people of various backgrounds is enriching, as I constantly get to learn new aspects, which is finally reflected/projected in my work.
Erizo
The light spreads smoothly into the surrounding space to create an ambience
I develop both limited edition products and the mass produced varieties applying various materials and techniques.
For me the basic requirement to be successful in a creative profession is to be receptive to the new and unknown as well as be a keen observer. I seek to see the unseen and create high quality products with fine craftsmanship, which has a long lasting value and a positive impact on people’s life as an individual and as a part of the society.
Contact
email: claudia.woerndle@gmail.com
