Audio description of the project
5 min read
Overview
Fundamental transforms art into tangible objects, with collections that innovate at the crossroads of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.
Team
Antonio García: Founder & Industrial design
Collaborators: Lorena Giron: Operation Manager / Lorena Garcia: Graphic design / Tora Chirila & Cocréa Studio: Photography / T.A.D. Onix & Marble: Manufacturing
Fundamental collection: Objects rooted in core values
As a designer, I create objects that embody the principles I believe should be nurtured in our society.
"The Fundamental Collection is designed to encourage reflection, intimacy, hope, and authenticity—values I am convinced are essential to our lives."
This collection is a tangible expression of these ideals, aiming to inspire and remind us of the importance of integrating them into our daily experiences.
Process matters: Slow-made, concept-driven, durable designs that tell a story
Each object is meticulously handcrafted from a single piece with love, care, and attention to detail, standing in contrast to mass-produced industrial products.
Marble Fundamental is committed to quality over quantity, preserving the cultural and artisanal legacy of craftsmanship.
"The brand upholds sustainable principles and fair trade terms, fostering collaborations that support artisans and their communities."
Presence mirror: Honouring uniqueness
Concept: The Presence mirror fosters authenticity in an alter ego tech-driven world. Its interconnected circles celebrate simplicity and uniqueness. The distinctiveness of the marble, combined with your reflection, serves as a reminder of your own individuality.
Design: Crafted for an innovative user experience, the Presence mirror offers mobility for seamless interaction, featuring a sandblasted area for improved grip. It is designed to be flat-packed, facilitating easy packaging and shipping.
You and Me tea light candle holders: celebrating romance and intimacy
Concept: Inspired by the iconic early 20th-century Mexican Tu y Yo chair from Mérida, this design seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary style. It invites intimacy and connection, standing as a timeless symbol of togetherness.
Design: Technical drawings and 3D-printed models were used to collaborate with artisans, ensuring precise cuts and symmetry. When lit, the marble's back reflects the light, creating a unique and beautiful glow.
Equilibrium salt & pepper shakers: A reminder of harmony and balance
Concept: The set symbolizes life’s delicate balance. It represents harmony in life reminding us that achieving equilibrium is essential for well-being.
Design: Most marble sets overflow due to excessive perforations. To address this, we used rapid prototyping to design a single perforation for optimal flow, adjusted the size for better ergonomics, and conducted volumetric studies to ensure practical storage.
Gregarious coasters: Celebrating social connection
Concept: Gregarious coasters celebrate our social nature. Their mixed geometry helps identify each person’s glass or cup.
Design: Unlike average heavy and rough finished coasters, these are slimmer, polished on both sides, and feature a small filet marking the change of surface. This design achieves a higher aesthetic and superior quality finish.
Why collaboration between industrial designers and traditional craftsmen matters?
Product design embodies new ideas that shape our collective identity. Stone carving, as a craft, carries cultural and artisanal heritage passed down through generations.
"Collaborating with traditional craftsmen not only honors this legacy but also preserves our heritage and celebrates our culture, blending innovation with tradition."
Driving innovation through continuous learning
Through collaborative dialogue, we exchange knowledge and new ideas into traditional production methods. Our process involves video calls, sketching, rapid prototyping, model making, technical drawings, material exploration, and packaging design. This synergy results in a diverse collection of contemporary objects crafted from various types of marble.
Teamwork: Building a business from scratch
Collaborating with artisans, graphic designers, digital marketers, operational managers, accountants and photographers helped me develop a deep understanding of business administration.
"This teamwork equipped me with leadership and managerial skills, enabling me to turn an idea into a well-organized business aligned with my vision and values."
Perseverance: A story of adaptability and resilience through 7 years
Despite financial setbacks, personal challenges, pandemic disruptions, and remote limitations, we persevered.
"My journey in entrepreneurship with master artisans has been defined by trust, mutual respect for each other’s expertise, and resilience."
Merging passion with business
Fundamental has successfully fulfilled over 2,000 orders, generating more than $75K in revenue.
Learn more at: www.marmolfundamental.com
All rights reserved Mármol Fundamental 2024
