Tord Boontje at Design Indaba 2010

Working on the cusp of design and craft, Tord Boontje’s work draws from a belief that modernism does not mean minimalism.

Working on the cusp of design and craft, Tord Boontje’s work draws from a belief that modernism does not mean minimalism, that contemporary does not forsake tradition, and that technology does not abandon people and senses. Collaborating with artisans from Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil and Senegal, for brands such as Artecnica and Moroso, a sensual world of design emerges.

“I am very disappointed by the global blandness that surrounds us and try to find ways out. Today I can draw something on my computer, send a file directly to a production machine and have an object made. The modernist rationale of unadorned production starts to break down, when new possibilities arrive every day. I think this is a very exciting time to be involved in manufacturing,” explains Boontje.

From exclusive luxury products to affordable industrial production and handmade objects from developing countries, this Dutch-born product designer has become renowned for his exquisite glassware, lighting and furniture. Recently appointed professor and head of the Design Products department at the Royal College of Arts, Boontje is poised to awaken the senses of a whole new generation of product designers.

Awaken your senses with Tord Boontje at the Design Indaba Conference from 24 to 26 February 2010.

Working on the cusp of design and craft, Tord Boontje’s work draws from a belief that modernism does not mean minimalism, that contemporary does not forsake tradition, and that technology does not abandon people and senses. Collaborating with artisans from Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil and Senegal, for brands such as Artecnica and Moroso, a sensual world of design emerges.

“I am very disappointed by the global blandness that surrounds us and try to find ways out. Today I can draw something on my computer, send a file directly to a production machine and have an object made. The modernist rationale of unadorned production starts to break down, when new possibilities arrive every day. I think this is a very exciting time to be involved in manufacturing,” explains Boontje.

From exclusive luxury products to affordable industrial production and handmade objects from developing countries, this Dutch-born product designer has become renowned for his exquisite glassware, lighting and furniture. Recently appointed professor and head of the Design Products department at the Royal College of Arts, Boontje is poised to awaken the senses of a whole new generation of product designers.

Awaken your senses with Tord Boontje at the Design Indaba Conference from 24 to 26 February 2010.