São Paulo – Designer Karim Rashid (pictured above) revealed details about his choice of plastic as primary work material. The Egyptian spoke during the World Plastic Connection Summit this Wednesday (3), with the lecture “The future of design and colors in the new world.” The event is an initiative by Think Plastic Brazil, a partnership between the Brazilian Plastics Institute (INP) and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).
With over 4,000 designs in production and works spread across more than 40 countries, Rashid has a small orange radio as one of the first products that captivated him. “I’ve been working with plastic for many years. I remember, as a kid, I saw so many products [in this material] I thought were interesting. And I listened to music every night on this orange plastic radio,” recalls the designer.
For him, the arrival of the material on the market speeded up the production of goods. In addition to quickening the process, the consistency of the plastic also drew the designer’s attention. “We don’t design to look good in pictures, but so people can use it. We design things to interact in daily life. That’s what motivated me, making soft objects only polymers could make possible,” he said.
In his lecture, the designer pointed out the change in behavior and experience the polymer industry has generated over the years. “It brought a phenomenal amount of ease,” he said.
Despite criticisms about the material’s sustainability, Rashid believes plastic has made goods more democratic for its lower cost and greater durability. “There is a somewhat confusing discussion about what polymers are. I think it’s my role here to advocate for them. But, of course, it depends. We need to be smart and use the right ones. They have improved a lot with bioplastics, for example. I think we are heading in the right direction,” concluded the designer.
The World Plastic Connection Summit runs until November 6. The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) is a partner for promotion in the Arab countries. Learn more on the event’s website.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
