While the rest of the design fraternity is exploring within the conventional box, a group of designers came together and created Arktura – a blueprint of sustainable green design and patterns that are way beyond what we call contemporary. By Debolina Sengupta
Arktura’s principal aim is to create meaningful design for every space. The company’s portfolio includes signature furniture pieces, house-ware and architectural masterpieces. Aktura’s designs are exclusive. Compiled by architects, the company focuses on the integration of design and explores new manufacturing technologies. Most of the company’s products are crafted out of recycled content and have recyclable scrap material in them. Add to that the power source they use to make their products – solar and wind power.Arktura’s range of design activities include TIG + MIG Welding, Axis Machining, Axis Laser Cutting, Axis Water Jet Cutting, Mold Making, Cast Precious Metals, Lathing and Custom Aluminum Extrusions. In the words of Viral P. Shah, a partner at C. Bhogilal, Mumbai who represent Arktura products in the country, “it’s all cutting edge technology – which is almost impossible to get in the country. We pose as the architect’s architects”, he says about Arktura’s architectural portfolio. Arktura’s superior technology comes into play when “there is an architect who’s got a design on which he doesn’t want to spend the time or doesn’t have the expertise in getting it to reality.”
For Arktura, the journey has been an interesting one. The material, equipment and processes used by Arktura are all high-tech and top-of-the-line; for example, the metals used for manufacturing their products are the same ones used to build airplanes and paints are the ones trademarked by high end international car brands. Established in 2003 in the Unites States, Arktura entered the Indian market earlier this year. But manufacturing can’t happen in the country yet. According to Shah, the biggest challenge is to get the equipment to India. “In the private sector, in India, one can’t have a machine which is capable of making a fighter plane’s component because of security issues,” says Shah. “In India, even if you are a billionaire, no one will sell you the machinery as it’s not legal to own it,” he adds.
Till date, the design firm has churned out numerous creations, many of which are considered as the benchmark for sustainable and modern design. Laser perforated images, customised tables, machine designed patterns, they all resonate the “that’s different” feeling and each design explores uncharted territories. And who says good design and sustainability can’t go hand in hand? As the company explains, “Our approach to sustainability begins with a commitment to make quality products that last for a lifetime. This philosophy continues into the process of manufacture.” Arktura products produce zero landfill waste and at the end of their life cycle are fully recyclable. Even finishes used in Arktura products are zero VOC finishes, which ensure that there are no toxic residues released into the environment.
In today’s world, it’s not about eye-catching design anymore. With more and more people aware of the environment and looking at contributing to its sustainability, Arktura scores high. A lot of architects and designers consider the company as a benchmark to good design. Though the trend is yet to realistically catch on amongst Indian designers and architects, Shah and his team in Mumbai are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that Arktura’s works are recollected in the developing Indian design space.Is a design revolution around the corner in India? Shah believes so and also believes that Arktura’s design philosophies will play a major role during the transformation from glass clad buildings to something novel and innovative.
Contact:310 Perin Nariman Street,Fort, Mumbai 400 001tel: (022) 40858585www.arktura.com
No comments:
Post a Comment