Caluco_Brochure_2018_FINAL

2018 OUTDOOR
COLLECTION

1

OUTDOOR AND INDOOR LIVING
2

3
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.

5
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.
6

7

9
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.

12

13
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.
14

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.
15

17
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.
18

19

21

23
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.
24

25

27

29

32

33

35
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION

The project started in 2017
in California, with production
scheduled to begin in 2018.
36

37

39
PRODUCTION/REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY

The chairs come fully welded,
using materials with a 3000-hour
UV protection fiber materials, 3
years warranty.
40

42

43
SPEFICICATION/TECHNICAL 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.
44

45

47

48

49

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
50

51

Indira Lourenço
1. Celestina 15,16,21,22
2. Mado 12,16,37,38,46
3. Mana-Mado 16,32,33,48
4. Melissa Accent chair 12,16,16,28,31,34,48
5. Melissa
6. Paulete
7,8,10,19,20,22,25,26,28,31,41
16,38,48
7. Raimunda 5,11,12
Team Members
Indira Lourenço
Photos were taken by
Samuel Araujo
52

12820 Pierce St. Pacoima, CA 91331
Tel: 818.898.7767 x301
www.caluco.com