'The Wicker Story' Is Fusing Art & Technology To Create Exquisite Furniture Designs

Few feelings are as satisfying as having one’s design ideas translated into physical actuality. When the idea of 3D printing came out in 1984, it was the first step towards making that dream a reality. Today, what I am about to share with you is a wonderful mix of design, architecture and science. The Wicker Story is a unique design practice that translates complex digital dreams into marvelous furniture, all of which are works of art in their own right, and can elegantly spruce up any living or office space.

The Wicker Story is the creative wing of Prelab Design Studio, a Hyderabad-based architecture and design practice. In 2019, Priyanka Narula, an architect and IAAC Barcelona alumni, founded the project as a response to the need to define the future of design in India. The work focuses on translating digital processes for complex design to be easily adaptable to Indian craft and material systems. In essence, it utilizes a design approach where building elements and engineering components are formed using algorithmic processes instead of direct manipulation. This method relies on parameters and rules to define the connection between design intent and design response. The Wicker Story serves as a tool for realizing customized and complex geometries, while also setting new protocols for design by transcending scale and geometry. The products are entirely sustainable and follow a zero-waste production methodology.

When I first looked at The Wicker Story's diverse catalog, some of the furniture looked straight out of surrealscape. Historically architects and designers have been inspired by nature and the brand's collection also reflects that. Computer technology offers the means to examine and simulate the complex intricate patterns found in nature and incorporate them into designs. The modern design research behind the Wicker Story project seamlessly blends aesthetics and functionality and is complemented by exquisite craftsmanship.The brand aims to amalgamate art, architecture, and products using craft and parametric design while capturing the essence of Indian culture, color, tradition, and values.

Follow The Wicker Story here.

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