flip Book draft (7'' x 11'')

I LOU COLLECTION
WWW.ILO-DESIGNCORP.COM

OUTDOOR AND INDOOR LIVING

ABOUT
Indira Lourenco is an entrepreneur and custom
furniture designer on the rise. Born in Angola and
now based in New York, Indira’s journey has
already been a significant success. And she’s just
getting started. Indira has been featured in
established publications like Interior Design
Magazine, Surface Magazine, Modern Luxury
Magazine, and Chocolate Magazine. She has
also been invited to major exhibitions in Paris,
London, New York, and Miami.

PROFILE

I, the designer, have an integrated approach to
design work rooted in close collaboration with
Caluco, a multi-disciplinary manufacturing
company. I have created this look specific to an
appropriate and innovative design response to
my collaborator’s requirements. Working with
themes such as sustainability, durability, cultural
context, as well as practicality and accessibility,
the design solution was challenging, yet, rather
impactful. Being used to developing projects in
different scales, from concept to production and
installation, this represented a focal point of
convergence of all those qualities and
aspirations the collaborator envisioned, united
with my inspiration and artistry. This took using my
sensibility to social issues as well as my expertise
in furniture design, which resulted in a creation of
which I am particularly proud. Moreover, I am
grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with
such powerhouse as Caluco in bringing forth my
vision of how my environmental responsibility and
my nod to my culture intersect.

CHALLENGE

The goal is to create something beautiful, that
represents my oldest memories of good times,
resilience, creativity, and repurposing, while
aligning with the common goal of decreasing the
negative impact our evolution has had on the
environment.

INSPIRATION

In ecology, sustainability is seen as the delicate
equilibrium that maintains environments healthy for
the survival of humans and other organisms. In
recent years, it has been playing a major role in
the design industry, as well as in society as a
whole. That is understandable because in a world
where disposability and waste walk hand in hand,
it becomes clear how important it is to design
and create in ways to decrease the impact that
those two have in destabilizing the balance and
harmony of nature. As an African, I am well-aware
of the environmental impact waste disposed of in
my continent — from Africa itself but also from
other countries! — has in nature.
To reuse and to repurpose are common themes in
my culture. I remember when I was a child, my
grandmother had a set of comfortable vinyl cord
chairs. So many guests and family members came
and went, and all had the pleasure of her
hospitality and of those comfortable chairs. Years
later, time eventually took its toll on those sturdy
chairs and, one by one, they started to give in.
Being the creative child that I was, I insisted in
keeping the pieces of vinyl cord that fell off in
order to create anything from small sculptural
pieces to woven belts. Now, as a professional
designer, I see how those durable materials can
also be recycled, lessening their impact on the
environment.

From this context arose my inspiration for the
Cords Collection, a minimalist yet durable design,
using powder-coated aluminum, printed cotton
upholstery, and vinyl cords. This is a reflection of
my responsibility as a designer to create
something that will not harm our existence on this
planet while, at the same time, promote my roots
through the use of culturally-significant materials.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES

The chair is framed with three free-flowing simple
curves and two vertical stands accentuating the
design of the early 20th century Arts and Crafts
movement. The chair is made to fit indoor and
outdoor purposes. The vinyl cords give flexibility
and support to a seemingly rigid structure,
adding sturdiness to the piece. The materials are
durable and recyclable and available in
different colors and prints, giving the chair a
unique lightness and pleasing look.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION

The chair is very easy to be moved and very
light weight due to the materials being used. It
comes assembled already and is rather practical
to store and transport. It represents a unique
aesthetic, allowing wind to flow right through it,
addressing potential tip-overs by wind gusts. It is
long-lasting, timeless, and completely free from
fashion trends.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION

The project started in 2017 in California, with
production scheduled to begin in 2018.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
The chairs come fully welded, using materials with
a 3000-hour UV protection fiber materials, 3
years warranty.

SPEFICICATION PROPERTIES

As the industry and society move towards highly
recyclable and easy to reincorporate materials,
vinyl cords emerge as a source of highly flexible,
durable, and recyclable medium that can be
used in a variety of application in design. Made
from high-density polyethylene, these cords are
UV and weather resistant, environment friendly,
washable, 100% recyclable, non-fading, possess
high tensile strength, and, most importantly, are
non-toxic.

TEAM MEMBERS
Designer: Indira Lourenço

IMAGE CREDITS
Indira Lourenço

I Lou started in Jul 2015. We have been growing
rapidly. I Lou brand is very excited for your next
projects and collaborations for the next months
and years. We are passionate about transforming
spaces and businesses. We will be there to
enhance your surroundings and lifestyle

I339 N OAKHURST, BEVERLY HILLS
Tel:917-336-8317
www.ilo-designcorp.com