Wednesday, February 11, 2009

One Company Creating Change

By Patrick Mahoney

Over the past centuries, we have evolved from the mere existence of primitive hunters and laborers into a society of technical savvy humans. Each new generation looks back at the last to proclaim an excellence in the forward moving progress of the given day. Unfortunately, our once fertile forests are turning barren and our oil surplus that makes the awesome plastics of today, now out paces the gasoline usage in vehicles. A new society is needed and some members of the modern furniture field have found a way to start the battle.

One company has been working on just this rumination for more than two years and has recently been testing the water with new ideas that not only save much needed oil and protects our trees but has brought their products to into the art world through international artists and designers. Orange22, a Los Angeles based design lab founded in 2000, creates and fabricates mass-market and limited-edition furniture but also does a lot more.

The staff of Orange22 is dedicated to using only earth friendly materials in their designs in an effort to conform society into realizing that it is not necessary to destroy the earth to present beauty in designs. In addition to creating awesome one of a kind masterpieces, this group has yet another goal. The need for helping mankind with such problems as cancer, AIDS, and education are but a few of the areas where worldwide artists of today are leading.

To date, Orange22 has created an initial line of Botanist furniture, known as the Botanist Blank Canvas Project. A dynamic team of designers were hand picked by Dario Antonioni, Founder and Creative Director of Orange22, to leave their artistic mark on three pieces of furniture, a bench, coffee table and end table of the Blank Canvas Series. Each designer, together with Orange22, donates a portion of the royalty to a charity or foundation of their choice.

Such recognized names as Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Milton Glaser and Clause Zellweger leave their individualized signature on each piece offered. Owning a work of art by these greats is not only desirable but functional, as well. Sturdy, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, the bench, coffee table or end table can grace a furniture grouping or stand alone in any home or office.

What manufacturing technologies can we leverage that create less impact or what type of new material can we use-or old material-so that we're benefiting the environment in the best way is a question that Orange22 designers constantly ask themselves. A commitment to this line of thought plus a dedication to individual charities is what drives this company's team to continue creating change to contemporary furniture now and in the future. - 15252

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