When we say that we love designers and we love their work, we mean it! With our Eastern Love Affair project not only do we wish to make Eastern European design items accessible to the western markets, but we also wish to promote the Eastern European design scene and the creative minds behind it. So with this first article we start our series of interviews to introduce to you the great people we are working with!
The first in the series is Daniel Lakos, the master-mind behind the Logideez Puzzles, with whom we are happy to soon share a booth at the WAMP Christmas Market in Vienna!
Hi, please introduce yourself to our readers!
I gained my MA in architecture at MOME University Budapest. A few years ago I became assistant professor in MOME Department of Design. Beside my interest in architecture I have always been enjoying to design in smaller scale, like furniture or product design. We founded our studio Planbureau in 2009. Since then we have been dealing with multidisciplinary design like architecture, furniture, interior design, product design and stage design too.
How did Logideez come to life?
Logifaces was created as a submission for a design competition titled 1359 cm3 – the president was Mr. Ernő Rubik, the famous inventor of the Magic Cube. He also attended MOME. We became finalist on that competition. A year later we received the Hungarian Design Award and started a crowdfunding campaign. The campaign was successful, we almost doubled our goal.
What is the creative process behind your products? Where do you get your inspiration from?
Since I started teaching at MOME, I have been feeling that this occupation supplements my design practice. I am committed to experimental design and teaching is an experiment to me as well. It stimulates thinking and provokes me to question everything I have known before. I have found that the method of consecutive questioning is most effective in teaching. In addition, it strengthens self-reflection and enhances group work.
Your puzzles are made of concrete; can you share with us the secrets of the manufacturing process?
Logifaces is entirely handcrafted. We pour concrete in silicone molds. When the concrete hardens, we can sand the uneven bottoms of the blocks with fine diamond grinding. Beside the product development we have develope our tools. We are permanently develope our process in order to provide higher volumes and high quality at the same time.
What was the first product you created?
Of course I designed several objects in the past 20 years. One of my first furniture pieces was produced in Japan. However, this is the first product which is manufactured and distributed by us.
What are the next projects you are working on?
We are working on a wooden version of the Logifaces game. Wood is a less unique but durable material, more suitable for children.
How would you describe the design & architecture scene in Hungary?
Even though we do not have famous design brands we have a vivid scene of emerging architects and designers. I believe this is an exciting era of redefining our contemporary design approach.
Are there any challenges you might encounter as a young designer in Hungary? How did you overcome them?
When we started manufacturing on our own the greatest challenge was getting familiar with commercializing a product. Designers usually do not deal with the rules of economy. However, economic thinking has a great impact of a well-designed product.
Any other Hungarian designers you are particularly fond of and we should definitely check out?
We have been sharing our workshop with another design-game brand – FeelFlux – manufacturing unique magnetic toys.
What are the places we shouldn’t miss going to when in Budapest?
One of my favourite place with a deep atmosphere is Kazinczy street in the downtown. MÜPA complex is an excellent place for contemporary cultural programs including the Ludwig museum – something links us to Wien.
Something personal about yourself – what is your favourite shape?
My favorite shape is the torus!
Thank you Daniel for the interview!
You can get the Logideez puzzles in our Online Shop and if you are in Vienna this Holiday season, make sure to stop by our shared booth in front of Museumsquartier, to see these great puzzles yourself! Find out more on our blog and join the Facebook event!
Eastern Love Affair 