Contemporary furniture brand Andreu World launches new Bangalore showroom

The design fraternity stands at a critical juncture, as the world steadily inches closer to a modern-day Tower of Babel. In this era of heightened global inter-connectedness and mass consumption, it becomes essential to consider (or reconsider) the ramifications, roles and responsibilities of the design industry in world-building and reparation. Here, how subjective are the terms 'sustainable' or 'circular' design? In what ways does the proliferation of AI render this evolution? And how is 'good' design translated into lifestyles?

Reflecting on and treading similar ideas, global contemporary furniture design and manufacturing company Andreu World announced the opening of its new showroom in Bangalore, India, following its launches in Delhi and Pune. Located at 8/4, Halasuru, Yellappa Chetty Layout, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka, this showroom marks a significant step in the brand's positioning in Germany and its wider vision of international expansion. It adds to Andreu World's 30 permanent showrooms worldwide, including those in New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, Madrid, Copenhagen, and more.

Visitors at the showroom launch on September 27, 2024, were greeted by a wide range of the brand's product designs by well-known international designers such as Patricia Urquiola, Philippe Starck, Alfredo Häberli and Benjamin Hubert. Promising its dedication to the Indian contemporary design market, the launch imparted through its programme, the brand’s commitment to providing sustainable furniture design solutions that adhere to the principles of circular economy, all aimed at enhancing the well-being of individuals in their living and work spaces.

The evening commenced with an official ribbon cutting and ceremonial lighting in the showroom's ground floor space, followed by a short presentation by Daniel Grinan, export manager – Oceania, Africa, Middle East and India, Andreu World. Grinan highlighted key projects from the company's 70-year history and discussed the 12 maxims of circular design that it adheres to, in its commitment to transmitting the culture of design: 'Use your company to change the world' (B Corp); 'The forests are to be respected' (FSC ® 100%); 'Do not pollute' (Carbon Neutral Company); 'Only healthy products will be made' (Cradle to Cradle); and 'Everything can be used' (Zero Waste); to name a few. One of his concluding statements in his accompanying speech stated, "Everything that is durable is sustainable."

Shortly after, a line-up of prominent figures from Bengaluru's workplace design & CRE community engaged in an insightful, 'deep dive' discussion. In partnership with Women Office Design, her founder and international workplace designer, Harsha Kotak hosted the conversation along with Sumita Sundaram, vice president at Vestian Global Workplace Services. The panel, which ventured into an array of topics including the growing use of AI in design, sustainable design and commercial trends and their influence on the dynamic market, comprised speakers Vikas Chawla, director of operations at software giant, Adobe; CBRE design collective director Sonia Pimenta; Chinmayee Ananth, director at design and construct firm, Adrianse Global; together with Jaime Daza, director, Gensler Design.

Daza emphasised that AI (or any developing technology) that is brought into the design industry, is at its core, a tool—to enhance efficiency, precision and strategic control in projects. This, he believes, can conceive projects and experiences with a higher degree of sustainability, and in the longer run, strongly benefit clients and reduce workplace load and accidents. In conjunction, Pimenta commented on the assistive role of artificial intelligence, and its profound implications for designers and the acceleration of their creations, through data collection, learning and resource management.

Chawla remarked on the importance of cultivating 'human connections' within the workplace to boost productivity and employee well-being, a priority for Adobe since the pandemic shifted office attendance cultures. This is achieved through various design strategies that support flexible hybrid working conditions, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and how the employee response to these measures have been more than satisfactory.

Ananth urged attendees to remember that spaces are ultimately designed for people. In terms of making that experience better, a term that came up was of 'customer delight', a more nuanced and back-to-the-fundamentals approach, and inclusive of green design. This is a deliberate practice to ensure that clients feel heard and are more likely to return.

After the insightful conversation, the invite-only design event wrapped up with Mediterranean tapas, some live music and performances, dinner and drinks, creating a convivial atmosphere for relaxing and networking among colleagues and fellow commercial space enthusiasts.

In its neat two-level setup, Andreu World's new showroom in Bengaluru hopes to serve as a collaborative workspace for professionals in interior design, furniture and decoration, showcasing a curated selection of innovative and sustainable materials, fabrics, colours and finishes. This versatile space also supports projects across various sectors, including office, hospitality, outdoor and home design.