curro claret designs a collection to fight poverty

this project was first initiated with a collection of stools built by ex-homeless persons in a workshop within the arrels foundation in 2010 and 2011.‬‪‬‪

the stools were built around a central metal piece which functioned as a connecting knot that permitted the application of three legs and a seat, made from materials found on the street by themselves. besides having the basic function as pieces of furniture for sitting, they were intended to be an aid to these people in their process of rehabilitation. originally the stools were designed for ex-homeless people who were partaking in a new program of apartment sharing where the construction of the stools was a first step in building self confidence while experiencing an “artistic” participation and connection to their new apartment. the project received first prize in the competition “design against poverty and social exclusion” of the spanish ministry of culture in 2010.‬‪‬‪

now in its second phase, new applications for this metal piece have been studied (adjusting somewhat its design), allowing for the construction of other pieces of furniture as well as stools, such as benches, tables, lamps, coat racks, teepees, etc., always initiating with this basic metal piece and occasionally with the help of another complimentary piece as for example, a piece that would make it possible to add a back or foot rest to a stool.‬‪‬‪‬‪

this metal piece was envisioned as an open point of departure, challenging the exploration and discovery of new and different uses according to the needs and desires of the participants.

with the arrels foundation we began to commercialize the first stools and at the moment we are researching the possibility of expanding the project to include these new applications. several pieces have been built by the foundation members as well, for use in their headquarters.‬‪‬‪

the project’s ultimate intention is that this type of furniture and objects could be realized by all collective groups, more or less marginalized, socially excluded or not, who might see in this proposal a way to help them in their own situations.‬‪‬‪

the piece is made of a metal plate, cut by laser and then folded. this is a technology that is gaining in popularity due to its accessibility and low cost, especially in small productions. the plans for creating the piece are available for free, by any organization that requests them (but only for their personal and not commercial use).‬‪‬‪

this last phase of the project has been made possible thanks to the help of the national council of culture and arts (conca) of the generalitat de catalunya.

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www.curroclaret.com

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