Biophilic design is often associated with vertical gardens and greenery. However, a new wave of designers is harnessing the power of furniture and lighting to connect people to nature. One of them is the talented Samuel Burns of Sabu Studio, who won in three categories at the 2021 VIVID Design Awards with pieces that encourage a thoughtful dialogue with the natural world.
The VIVID Design Awards is a highlight of Decor + Design and the Australian International Furniture Fair, providing an important and highly-respected platform for emerging design talent. In 2021, the trade show was postponed thanks to the pandemic. However, VIVID was held in November at a buzzing satellite event at Showroom by Bowens in Port Melbourne. The 2022 event will be back at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 14 – 17 July, with 2022 entries closing on 14 April.
The 2021 VIVID Design Awards at Showroom by Bowens, Port Melbourne. Image: Ray Rolla @rayrollaau
Nurturing Emerging Design Talent
Growing up in Melbourne, Sam Burns had a keen interest in design. After completing a Bachelor of Fine Art, he went on to study Industrial Design; a combination that has given him a diverse range of creative and conceptual skills.
Burns then began working for Melbourne furniture and lighting designer-maker Alex Earl, further honing his craftsmanship skills before taking the plunge and renting a studio space in 2020. Sabu Studio was born, offering a collection of products, custom design, and fabrication.
Designer-maker Samuel Burns. Image: Sabu Studio
Using Design to Create a Connection with Nature
The designer-maker says he constantly draws inspiration from the natural environment in his work. “It’s not a conscious decision. However, it seems to inherently reveal itself in my work through material, form, and symbolism.”
“I’m drawn to the idea of introducing a sense of the natural world into interior spaces. I’m inspired by both Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetics, and this reveals itself in my work through refined and elegant designs.”
Sustainability will be a focus of Decor + Design in July, with a new Sustainability Hub hosted by Design Matters encouraging visitors to think about the circular economy and recycled materials. Burns says that he holistically incorporates sustainability, with products that consist predominantly of natural materials.
“I work with timber that is sourced from sustainably managed sources in Australia or overseas. The products are long-lasting and timeless designs that people can utilise and have in their homes for years to come. Every product is made to order which ensures that there is never any excess stock.”
Burns won the 2021 VIVID Lighting Award for Onu Floor Light and the Furniture Award and Authentic Design Alliance Award of Merit for Arc Bench. Both draw inspiration from the natural world.
“The Onu Floor Light demonstrates this through its form, a glimmer of light between the trees. I was interested in the idea of a single vertical length of timber spliced in half and opened up. Its internal core emits the light.”
Onu Floor Light, by Samuel Burns, Sabu Studio. Image: Sabu Studio
“Arc Bench symbolically reflects upon the natural landscape through the notion of movement and flow. The work aims to stimulate interaction through both tactile and social engagement. A dialogue and sense of dynamism are defined between the shifting forms, encouraging physical engagement between its users.”
Arc Bench by Samuel Burns, Sabu Studio. Image: Sabu Studio
2021 was the first year that Burns has entered the VIVID Awards. He says he thoroughly enjoyed being involved and having the opportunity to meet other emerging designers.
“VIVID was a really good exhibition with an array of high calibre work. These platforms provide an opportunity to meet and build connections with other creatives and industry people, which is always beneficial to one’s practice and business.”
Pinta Stool, above and in feature image with Onu Pendant Light, by Samuel Burns, Sabu Studio. Image: Sabu Studio
Sabu Studio promises to go from strength to strength, with Burns currently working on several residential lighting projects as well as his own range. He says that “custom projects can be both stressful and fun to develop and refine. I’m hoping for a bit of downtime soon as I have a few new products which I want to fabricate and release as part of the Sabu range. A long-term vision of mine is to establish a showroom/workshop space in the coming years, so I am slowly working towards that possibility.”
Providing a platform for emerging design talent is an important part of Decor + Design, Australia’s No.1 Interiors Trade Event. The 18th edition of the show will be held from 14 – 17 July at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, hosting the 19th edition of the VIVID Design Awards and other features including the highly-respected Decor + Design Seminar Series and a new Sustainability Hub, curated by Design Matters.
Entrance to the exhibition is free but limited to trade visitors. Register here to be informed when registration opens and tickets are released for the Decor + Design Seminar Series.