November 24, 2012

The modern harem style by YER


The 'YER fan' by Friso Dijkstra and the 'YER mattress' by Borre Akkersdijk were made for  SALON/Workshop, the interdisciplinary part of SALON/Istanbul where Dutch designers collaborate with Turkish artisans.

Located in the back of the Mavra café, this installation, a.k.a. the 'YER project', doesn't contain signs prohibiting visitors to sit down. The white opium-flower shaped fan and the, probably, most colourful mattress ever made are not just pretty objects. They ought to be used. Textile designer Borre Akkersdijk and product designer Friso Dijkstra, both graduates from the Design Academy in Eindhoven, ask that café-goers sit down and have a rest. The colour coordinated cushions are completing this cozy YER corner and make this part of the SALON/Workshop ever so inviting.

The YER (meaning place, ground or floor) project was inspired by paintings of Istanbul illustrating the social life which often takes place close to the floor. Think rich fabrics, beautiful brass and copper ware in tea houses decorated with tapestries and cushions.  

"We worked quite intuitive translating the idea into shape and colour. It is much our image of their culture."


(photocredits: JW Kaldenbach)

www.byborre.com
www.studio-friso.com