Page 22 - Designing Ways 245

INTERIOR
DESIGN

How African designers are invigorating global spaces

New SA interior design studio makes international

headway with a “Poshtel” in Leipzig, Germany

nterior designers and design concept of African designers and tastemakers like Marrakesh, for example, other
services across Africa are demonstrating making their mark on the global stage destinations in Africa have only recently
Ithe unique manufacturing power of a with their work being showcased in spaces started coming into their own as leaders
continent that was previously thought of throughout the world’s most recognised in design, craft and manufacturing in
purely as a source of inspiration, rather than design destinations. the eyes of global design collectives and
the source of actual, international-grade With the exception of more mature arbiters of taste.
products. The last decade has seen a myriad design capitals on the continent, However, in the case of Marrakesh,
its historical foundation as an inspired
design hub was built on Morocco’s
colonial past, as well as its proximity to
Europe.
In the rest of the continent, homegrown
design firms are now also scooping up a
bevy of international awards and setting
trends in countries outside of African
borders. A wealth of natural resources
and a pool of talented artisans has placed
South Africa on the map as an up-and-
coming global design manufacturer,
currently synonymous with crafts like
basket-weaving, wooden furniture,
beadwork and porcelain pieces. Mzansi
is also rapidly establishing itself as a
centre for intellectual discourse in art,
decorative arts, architecture and design
as a bridge to the broader diaspora.
Bespoke South African interior design
and concept service, Weylandstudio is
among the pioneering African brands
expanding into the international arena,
with a newly restored hostel in Leipzig,
Germany. As a flagship brand extension
of Weylandts, a luxury furniture
and homeware icon in South Africa,

22 Issue 245 • dw