Maja Ganszyniec leads her own design studio, has experience with working for industry (she has been designing for IKEA for many years). At the same time in her own projects she cares for values which are not associated with mass production. Together with master craftsman Bogusław Lis she created the brand Nurt. Their skills and willingness to experiment resulted in a furniture collection distinguished by harmonious form and fine materials (oak, copper, brass). Additionaly, in surprising accesories even regular raw materials are sparked with novelty.
Traditional values within the frames of modern aesthetics – it’s one of Nurt’s defining features. Experience of the craftsman led to using methods rarely seen in mass production (intarsia). The designer’s attentiveness – discoverimg anew what is seemingly trite (field stone which is a raw material for some of the accesories).
Maja Ganszyniec’s interest in materials available in close surroundings suggests that Nurt will act locally and naturally. And consistently. – Instead of synthetic lacquers we use those based on water or waxes and oils. – she says –We also tan leathers with plant extracts.
– Nurt is not a part of aesthetics of offices as adult playgrounds – admits Maja Ganszyniec. – Today, when our every day “view” is a cocktail of stimuli, forms and colours on our computer screens, we need more and more natural spaces. That’s why I believe in soothing interiors. Interiors which beckon to look at them because they give respite from the virtual reality.
When asked about the quality in shortest supply today (not only in design but around the world in general) she answers quickly: – Peace. We all have our never ending “to do” lists. We’re constantly postponing the moment of rest. First we have to do a thousand things. This never ends. Unless we press “pause”, take a deep breath. Biggest luxury? Not waiting with rest.
Th entire collection has a homely, cosy quality but some of the products were deisgned with contract spaces in mind: offices, hotels, restaurants. – They will be available only at our partners, whom we carefuly select and trust. – With industry giants we can change something globally. With small family companies we can create anew a small piece of world.
Kompas table, Kos chairs and Stado pouffes – their aesthetics go in line with the trend to make office spaces more homely and less formal. At the same time, furniture meets the requirements of high traffic spaces. When working for a global giant Ganszyniec learned to meet the most stringent requirements so that a product is able to comply with various norms which are in force in all markets where IKEA is operating. – Duarability is a result of sturdy construction and the materials used. – she explains – Plastic was important for the development of civilisation, it’s perfect for moulding. But it’s also overused and ages badly. We have a completely different tolerance for scratches and dents in wood. Old chair is also beautiful. Also, wood, in contrast to plastic, can always be repaired.
Timelessness of Nurt furniture is supported by their looks. They are contemporary but have a classic character. Originality is evident in playing with details, which are discovered with time. Kompas table will be a good fit in meeting rooms or a study where we don’t want a typical desk.
– When I see Kompas table in an office, I know straight away that it’s used by a person who rates non obvious things, from outside the mainstream. A person who knows that not only black polish is luxurious. – says Ganszyniec. She also admits that she likes to incorporate functions which are not visible at first glance. Sarna chair is available in two armrests versions (full or short), both stackable. During cleaning those with a shorter armrest can be hanged on the table top, without the need for turning upside down. Sarna will be a good fit in offices, restaurants and hotels.
More about Maja – in an ICON article (available online).
Nurt – website.
