The shulayim Studio for
ecodesign specializes in developing and producing
limited editions of light fixtures, furniture and
accessories from natural and recycled materials.
The studio believes strongly in the importance of
using these materials and bringing them into the
forefront of the design world. This is part of a
world wide trend that is pushing for both environmentally
safe materials and production method.
In the development and design stages the materials
used go through different treatments all following
the “Green” guidelines therefore minimizing
harm to the environment. This enables the studio
to come out with a unique product both in design
and sensitive to the environment. Most
artists create to leave a bold and lasting impression
with a style that can be instantly identified
with them, withstand the test of time and probably
outlast them. For Shuli Levin, though, a young
Israeli industrial designer, perpetuity has nothing
to do with the application or use of his craft.
Quite contradictorily, Levin's designs might,
and should be, recycled into new products from
such naturally processed materials as Luffa, felt,
resin and recycled paper, as they are to be replaced
by their owners.
"Researching the materials
that industrial, mass-market product are made
of was discouraging and disheartening", says
Levin. From his small studio in one of Israel's
most picturesque villages, he joins other designers
to create work that can be easily, safely and
economically recycled. "The metal frame will
last forever, but all the other materials can
be easily replaced, thus achieving two goals:
avoiding a heavily polluting process in the first
place, as well as converting it to a different
creation as the end of its' useful life nears."
Levin's added value to the
environmentally-conscious is by hiring disabled
teenagers in the rocket-ridden town of Sderot,
Southern Israel. Levin acknowledges that the cost
of this kind of production is somewhat higher,
yet manages to cap the cost of such "Green"
lampshades or intricate light fixtures to a reasonable
price.
As recyclable parts of his
work continue flowing into his studio, Levin promises
to recycle each and every part possible, thus
acknowledging his work as temporary and encouraging
his customers to return the products, rather than
to toss them away. Quality is assured by importing
the finest materials from Europe, recycled whenever
possible, treating them with fire-proof materials
and processing as little as possible.
The Shulime Studio. Finally,
putting the users of art and the lovers of the
environment in the same place. |
