Richard Yasmine is a Lebanese-born-and-raised-interior architect and product designer who says he uses his imaginary world as a simulation to try out new ideas and create new objects. He may be based in Lebanon, but his work has universal appeal. A+A recently interviewed him via email:
What’s the intent of your designs?
To focus on problems or actions in society. I want people to think, ask and believe in diversity, equality and feminism regardless religion, skin color, sexual orientation and other matters that some are still scared to talk about. I urge society to connect with the other and interact – to try to know the other without prejudgment.
Their inspiration?
It comes from everyday life, objects and emotions and from the human body, its physiology and its needs, but also from an internal chaos combined with a certain innate sensitivity, sometimes extreme and provocative and even not expected by others.
The challenges?
As a Middle Eastern and specifically a Lebanese, I want to reflect a dynamic representation of my city and country. Therefore I include an additional methodology in each of my projects related to my culture and ritual by choosing the lines, shapes, materials also by collaborating with skilled craftsmen.
The materials you use?
I usually tend to use noble and natural materials my top materials are marble, brass, wood and leather but I’m open to explore any new material that can help me to reflect my concept through a design piece I create.
What is Ô-CULT about?
Ô-CULT is our latest commissioned design piece for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, curated by La Triennale di Milano design Museum, a social design project related to the use of water for the exhibition titled “The Shapes of Water”. Water is one of the elements that make up everything in this world. The symbolism of water has a universal trace of purity and fertility, it is the source of life since the ancient cultures and considered an aspect of wisdom that takes the form in which it is held. It does not resist, it flows, but always goes where it wants to go to fill empty spaces.
And Wake Up Call?
“WAKE UP CALL” is a limited edition of table lamps composed of brass structures and hand blown organic shaped sandblasted bulbs emphasizing the light on a landscape of multiple types of semi-precious rocks while highlighting on abandoned bird nests accentuating the call for help. As our natural environment is a priceless part of the universal heritage, all animals, forests, plants, minerals and soils have a role to play for our healthy natural atmosphere and all are fundamentally important in every eco-system. Therefore it is our responsibility to save it.
For more, go here.
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