Uhuru is a design studio based out of the Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, and the company's newest project, the 'Fold Collection,' is inspired by its environs. The collection consist of a console, bench, coffee table, and end table, and their designs are a direct reference to the scrap steel that litters the industrial docks around Red Hook.
Though New York is more frequently associated with slick city business than blue collar work, many neighborhoods still rely on industry to fund their economy. Red Hook is one of those areas, as the neighborhood on the banks of the bay that feeds into the East River receives much of the goods that ultimately make it to stores throughout the city. Those deliveries are made on palettes bound by metal straps, and the straps in turn inspired Uhuru's Fold Collection.
Flattened Steel Furniture
Uhuru's 'Fold Collection' is Inspired by Local Industry
Trend Themes
1. Industrial Inspirations in Design - Designing furniture or products that take inspiration from the local industry can result in unique and meaningful designs.
2. Upcycling Scrap Metal - Creating furniture or products from scrap metal can be a sustainable and innovative way to reduce waste while also creating functional items.
3. Rustic Minimalism - Combining the raw industrial feel of scrap metal with minimalistic design can result in a popular and trendy aesthetic.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Furniture designers can take inspiration from local industries and materials to create unique and environmentally friendly products.
2. Upcycling Industry - An upcycling industry can be created around using scrap metal to create functional and aesthetically pleasing products.
3. Home Decor Industry - The trend of industrial-inspired designs can create opportunities for home decor companies to incorporate rustic and minimalistic pieces into their product lines.