On the CUSP Series: Exploring form and function with Mpho Vackier
We spoke to founder of TheUrbanative, Mpho Vackier about her process and why creating has to serve both form and funtion.
Mpho explains, ‘From the onset of my career, I have always believed in creating pieces that serve more than aesthetics, and because of my pragmatic engineering background and approach to design, functionality has been one of the key elements of my design process.’
She further elaborates on this and shares, ‘The design philosophy of The Urbanative, and, I guess, myself by extension, is to create multifunctional pieces of furniture and products that endeavour to connect people through shared storytelling. While we are furniture designers, our role is really to foster an atmosphere of authentic connection and, through these connections, we continue to witness and experience change. I am constantly in awe of the far-reaching branches of design and its ability to influence ways of living, working, playing, loving, interacting and being.’
Family and being able to pass down beautiful and functional pieces are at the core of the design process, as Mpho explains, ‘The trajectory of my journey began by the drive to create heirlooms for my son, who is part African and part European; pieces that he can live with at home that are not just one thing but, like him, a layered and intricately woven network of multiples that make up the whole. I firmly believe design that is attentive to cultural diversity inherently appeals and connects a larger and equally diverse group of people.’
I initially approached the pieces presented in the CUSP showcase guided by the material of choice, which was steel in all its forms and finishes. While I am constantly guided by practicality, functionality and purpose when I design, I relish the visual tension created by contrasting elements, materials and ideas - and the result thereof. That is why both pieces presented were a combination of the same material treated in multiple ways.
Adding to that layered approach, I absolutely love collaborations. Partnering with other craftspeople who are experts allows us to push our thinking further and really reimagine new possibilities.
The first piece showcased, the "Aya" console, is inspired by Adinkra symbols of the Ashanti in West Africa. The Adinkra symbols hail from the Ashanti and Akan kingdoms of West Africa, which today spans Senegal to Nigeria.
Each symbol of the Adinkra represents a collection of related concepts around an ideal. To wear, use or be given an Adinkra is to call on or embody those ideals in life and practice. This console comprises a steel structure, with a handcrafted ostrich eggshell top by Avoova and brass-plate details.
The "Luminous Makeba" side table and light, our second piece, is a homage to multiple steel finishes; a conversation of powder-coated rolled-steel tubes, black nickel-chrome-plated ball-chain, textured stainless steel and brass joining details.
The form of the Luminous Makeba' takes its cues from the lines, forms and textures seen in African hairstyles - particularly the Wambo tribeswomen in Namibia in the '40s, who would lengthen their braids to their ankles through the use of sinew extensions - putting the African identity front and centre while challenging beauty standards and how they are represented. This piece is a layering of materials and stories; a portal to the past in its inspiration and to the future in its production.
This article originally appeared in the September 2022 issue of House and Garden