Stirrup Reading Couch by Juan Manuel Rodriguez Prous

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

JMRP : The main idea has been designed a product to render homage to Miguel de Cervantes in the IV centenary of its death

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

JMRP : The objetive has been render tribute to the writer and not to his work. Reading is a very creative and free activity. Another of the objectives has been to create a framework for the learning and the discovery of the reader.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

JMRP : We expect that the singularity of the project is also translated in commercial impact.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

JMRP : The project started in July 2016 and finished in November 2016.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

JMRP : Stirrup is a particular concept for the singularity of the moment and conceptual capacity of the event.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

JMRP : The rights of the production are already contracted with artisan company. Production takes place on request.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

JMRP : Stirrup is a particular concept for the singularity of the moment and conceptual capacity of the event.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

JMRP : The latest trends in furniture design and the combination of materials have been a great insipration

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

JMRP : The target is costumers with interest furniture trends and the exclusivity of crafts.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

JMRP : The singularity of the event, its unique identity, the combination of materials, its quality and its limited production.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

JMRP : Stirrup was born from the author’s last words: “With my foot already in the stirrup, in the agony of death, I write this to you, great sir”. Stirrup is a metaphor to your last words because are the beginning of the new readings.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

JMRP : Trends analysis, contextual analysis, concept development, product design, selections of materials and production techniques.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

JMRP : The singularity of the articulates the development of the concept and aesthetics. The use of fine and quality materials and its production, limited to 400 pieces-,present exclusiveness.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

JMRP : The project is the result of the collaboration of MANÎ Diseño estrategico and Rey Pavón artesanos del cuero

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

JMRP : The role of the technology is low. The production process is artisan and manual.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

JMRP : Analysis trends for conceptual development. Chromatic analysis of the XVI century for materials selection.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

JMRP : To design an iconic piece and linked with Miguel de Cervantes.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

JMRP : The product is strongly justified. The presentation of Stirrup to the competition could give tour visibility and impact to the product.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

JMRP : The artisan production processes. the timing and the magic context to create the project.