The Totem Seat: Q&A with DZ Design

An insider's look into the Totem Seat: a practical, creative, and sustainable addition to communal spaces. Carve had the privilege of interviewing DZ Design's interior architects, Anngela Aratan and Gayathri Menon. In a collaborative effort between DZ Design and Carve, The Totem Seat, inspired by various design eras, manages to blend aesthetics and functionality to craft a unique design narrative. We explore the distinctive process of turning waste into a community-driven, eco-friendly seating solution and the challenges, inspirations, philosophies and ethos that shaped this piece, shedding light on the larger conversation the Totem Seat sparks.

Considering the homage to different design eras, how did you navigate the challenge of blending diverse styles whilst ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look for the Totem Seat?

The initial idea was to create a seat that combines modern and traditional styles, representing various design eras. This aimed to give identity to each era, yet provide a unified, self-expressive seat that speaks for itself. We named it the TOTEM SEAT, inspired by totem poles that symbolise kinship – here representing the Decades of Design as one family, per se.

Our inspiration from both traditional and modern design showcases the Eclecticism of the totem seat. Each side of the seat represents a distinct style, contributing to the whole design. The symmetrical curves and shapes, reminiscent of bottles, layered with similar-looking bottles, reflect the Art Deco decade. We've also used bottle caps for ornamentation.

The blend of natural and industrial materials, achieved using uniform bottles and coloured sample tiles, introduces elements from the Mid-Century style. The box silhouette of the piece simplifies it, highlighting the Minimalist style.

Collaborating with clients and contractors to upcycle waste from different fields, we aim to demonstrate that upcycling is a creative, impactful way to repurpose old materials, reducing waste significantly.

In what ways does the Totem Seat engage with its audience, both visually and conceptually, to communicate the message of sustainability and conscious design?

The Totem Seat symbolises the art and craftsmanship of design, narrating the story of the different decades it's inspired by. Surge’s aspiration for community-driven water initiatives inspired us to collaborate in upcycling to create a piece for communal enjoyment. Our work involves cooperation within our office and with clients and contractors. By combining waste from related sectors, we suggest greater potential in upcycling through collective effort. This piece illustrates how upcycling can breathe new life into old materials, positively impacting our planet and supporting the cause.

Can you share insights into the challenges faced during the creative reuse of materials for the Totem Seat, and how these challenges were overcome to achieve both aesthetic appeal and sustainability goals?

Creating a product from actual waste material is always challenging and inconvenient. However, allowing creativity to flow unrestricted by constraints was insightful. The task of creating anthropometrically sized seats from varied materials like bottles and tiles was intriguing. Meeting sustainability goals through locally sourced waste, without the need for significant energy consumption or welding, was both insightful and a testament to the possibilities of sustainable design.

Beyond being a functional seat, how does the Totem Seat contribute to a larger conversation about the role of design in addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable practices?

The modular design of the Totem Seat makes it suitable for community spaces like parks, restaurants, and recreational areas. It requires minimal maintenance, is cost-effective, and efficient. By demonstrating that adjacent furniture addresses sustainable practices, we hope to encourage broader discussions on individual contributions to environmental goals. Raising awareness and sparking conversation about sustainability through design can have a significant societal impact

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Considering the layered symbolism of the Totem Seat, how do you envision people interacting with it on a daily basis, and what kind of experiences or emotions do you hope it evokes?

The Totem Seat is intended for daily use by community members, commuters, and anyone seeking a break from a fast-paced lifestyle. Its modular nature allows it to fit seamlessly into various settings, such as beaches, parks, restaurants, or office spaces. Far from being intimidating, it is inviting and adaptable. We hope the Totem Seat becomes an integral part of spaces, offering a place of being and evoking a sense of community and reflection.

What we love most about the Totem Seat is its layered symbolism and thoughtful design that prompts us to consider the transformative potential of everyday objects, inspiring us to reimagine the role of design in our lives and its capacity to address environmental challenges. In the Totem Seat, form and function converge seamlessly, creating a lasting impression on both our spaces and our collective consciousness.

The Totem Seat has been nominated to win the Surge People's Choice Awards.