dhiren bhagwandas: native collection one

port of call table’ (timber)
photo by nicole reed

native is a new design producer founded by designers robert young and dhiren bhagwandas to fuse craft
and technology. the company recently debuted their first collection – ‘collection one’ – designed by the
melbourne, australia based bhagwandas. native formed from conversations between dhiren bhagwandas
and native's director robert young, a designer with with over 15 years experience in producing furniture
for the global market, with two large manufacturing facilities in melbourne.

designboom was on hand for the debut presentation during last month’s state of design festival in melbourne.
the collection aims to explore ‘the relationships between objects, people and contemporary culture to develop
practical furniture and objects for living and working’. bhagwandas explains the concept behind the collection,
‘native objects carry strong narratives that reflect a global perspective - exploring themes including natural
phenomena, ecology and cultural identity’. the collection utilizes ethical material sourcing and production in all
the goods they produce. while this first collection is reflective of contemporary australian culture, the designers
hope to extend their reach to other cultures in future collections.

http://nativecollection.com
http://www.dhirendesign.com


native collection one during state of design festival 2009


the making of native collection one


‘mangrove’ (powder coated steel, timber)

inspired by the mangrove swamps of western port bay, victoria, this table draws on both the structure and
visual character of root formations. the weld beads have been retained to emulate the naturally occurring
joins, while remaining true to the skill of the metalworker.


‘rift tables’(timber, powder coated steel)

the rift tables and storage units trace the forms and movement of icebergs and the shapes found in cracked
earth, both indicators of our changing climate. the tables and storage modules can be grouped together to
form a continuous ‘land mass’ - separating to create random yet functional surfaces.


‘rift tables’(timber, powder coated steel)
photo by clint peloso


‘rift tables’(timber, powder coated steel)


‘port of call table’ (timber) with ‘worker stool’ (timber, powder coated steel)

inspired by melbourne (the home of native) and its diverse cultural mix, the port of call table takes the idea
of the ship as a cultural vessel, also observing the change from the physical migration of people and
information to the electronic. ship building techniques are reflected in the ribbed timber structure, with legs
and rails designed to accommodate electrical cables


‘worker stool’ (timber, powder coated steel)

the worker stool is influenced by australia’s origins as a nation built on commodities and raw materials,
an economy originally supported by migrant workers that is being forced to adapt to new global conditions.
the seat accessory in kangaroo fur plays with the stereotypes of australian culture viewed through foreign
eyes; also touching on the impact that imported species have had on the land.


‘worker stool’ (timber, powder coated steel)
photo by clint peloso


‘artefact vessels’ (stoneware clay, glaze, terracotta)

exploring the link between pottery and ancient civilisations, the artefact vessels place traditional forms
within a contemporary context. the original form studies were hand thrown in clay and dipped in terracotta
slip before firing, resulting in a cracked ‘historical’ outer layer over a glossy white form.


‘arboreal light’


‘arboreal light’
photo by clint peloso


‘boom task light’
photo by clint peloso


‘boom task light’
photo by clint peloso


‘worker stool’ (timber, powder coated steel)
photo by clint peloso