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Indigenus planters: the people and the inspiration behind the designs
Indigenus planters are designed by leading designers, architects and artists, under the guidance of founder Peter van der Post. The Indigenus team have a deep appreciation of the scenic quality of creative planting and understand the impact great sculptural planters can have on an architectural site or landscape. Here we share their backgrounds and the inspiration they drew on to create these beautiful pieces.
PETER VAN DER POST: A VISIONARY DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR
Peter van der Post is the visionary behind Indigenus, a committed design entrepreneur who saw the potential for considered, well-designed, contemporary planters which would elevate architectural spaces and landscapes. Since its inception in 2014, he has grown the stable of designs with a simple philosophy that the Indigenus planters should be ‘extraordinary, intelligent, and enduring’. To achieve this, from the outset he has collaborated with only the best.
ANDILE DYALVANE; PAYING HOMAGE TO HIS XHOSA HERITAGE
Andile Dyalvane is one of Africa’s most original and renowned ceramicists who has exhibited extensively in Denmark, France, the US and Taiwan. In 2016, he had a solo exhibition at the Freidman Bender Gallery in New York and has work in permanent collections in museums from Cape Town to Taipei. He is the designer of the Indigenus Bhaca planter:
“The Bhaca design is inspired by and named after Xhosa tribal, ritualistic incisions or markings used for clan identification, healing and spiritual protection. I’m proud to preserve my Xhosa heritage in this way.”
GREG TRUEN & STEFAN ANTONI: INSPIRED BY CAPE TOWN’S COASTAL CLIFFS
Architects Greg Truen and Stefan Antoni of SAOTA share a distinctive design vision that has shaped their partnership of 20 years. Based on a clear language of function meeting form and in the pursuit of true architectural design, their large practice is in demand across the globe. SAOTA have completed buildings in a staggering 86 countries.
These two are known for their uncompromising contemporary design with a philosophy of simplicity, restraint and refinement of materials. For Steen, which means ‘stone’ in Afrikaans, they took their inspiration from the dramatic boulders found on the coastal cliffs around Cape Town. The range features an unusual horizontal orientation in stylized forms which are powerful and bold, yet delicately poised.
LAURIE WIID VAN HEERDEN: EXPLORING THE “ANCHORING PRESENCE’ OF TREES
Laurie Wiid van Heerden creates products and objects that can be seen as the interface between art and design – where materials are transformed into life-enriching durable products. With an extensive portfolio of work for such a young designer, van Heerden has won many accolades and has exhibited at Guild, 100% Design, Design Days Dubai, Design Miami and Design Basel.
Laurie designed the Indigenus Soma planters, an iconic part of the range, inspired by the ‘anchoring presence’ of trees. He combined this with his own distinctive, rounded sculptural style. The Soma design also celebrates the stone-like appearance of reinforced concrete and in various progressions of the design contrasts with organic elements in wood and cork.
HALDANE MARTIN: TAPPING INTO OUR CONNECTION TO THE NATURAL WORLD
Haldane Martin is a prolific industrial designer specializing in furniture and interior design. He believes that iconic design must marry innovation, beauty, relevance and timelessness. He seamlessly integrates indigenous craft, bio-mimicry and sustainable production with modern technology and digital design into his award-winning work.
Haldane crated the Tuber design, the strength of which is derived from individual cut pieces of wood bolted together internally with stainless steel pins and hand-assembled into a pleasing bulbous form. Haldane was inspired by nature when he created the design which, as the name implies, sits as if rooted in the ground:
“As humans we have an intuitive and deeply ingrained attraction to nature and a biological need for contact with the natural world, especially in our built environment.”
WHY WE LOVE INDIGENUS
We love that Indigenus planters are created by such a diverse group of designers, artists and architects. Each of them brings something special and personal to the collection. Understanding the inspiration behind the designs gives each planter its own story. These are more than just planters, they are sculptural pieces of art and architectural devices that can transform any indoor or outdoor space.
All imagery courtesy of Indigenus @indigenusplanters