Interview with René Šulc: Design is Creative Process (Portal of Prague)

René Šulc is a thirty year old designer who graduated in design from the Prague’s Academy of Arts Architecture and Design - Department of design in Zlín. In that time he spent two years studying with Prof. Jiří Pelcl in the Atelier of Architecture and Design. He took an interest in the design of lamps, furniture, product design, and the design of medical aids. His sofa “Chaise-longue” was included in the Project “Česká sto - 100 ikon českého designu” (Czech Hundred – 100 Icons of Czech Design)

You founded a new studio, Inveno, and introduced a new collection of lamps at Designblok 2008. Are you planning something else as well?

I am working on the collection of interior lights and am designing some new products. I don’t like to disclose too much about them before they are ready though. Watch this space.

You are also interested in medical design. Can you give us a specific example of the items you make? Are these products more difficult to design than, for example, furniture? What is the most important aspect of this type of design?

I am working on the design of crutches and other aids. It is rather tricky to compare it with furniture design as each field has its own specific requirements. Ergonomics certainly play an essential role in the design of crutches and in this respect it overlaps with some aspects of furniture design. The production technology is completely different for crutches, which means that there are other restrictions; however, there is still ample room for new and original designs. Another important factor is the price; the difference is that crutches are usually covered by Insurance Companies.

Is there something in your creative process that you consider more important and enjoy focusing on most?

For me, design is not just about aesthetics. It is a process which takes me to the heart of a product and demands that I grasp its essential nature during the process. It is this essential core that I love to work with and is fundamental to the creative process. For example, I have to know how an item works in order to be able to arrive at its appearance. I don’t deal just with the outer form because, in my opinion, good design works towards an improvement of a products functional performance as well.

Is it possible to track down some trends in the current design world? What about, for example, eco-products? Are they winning recognition? Do they meet with a positive response from designers?

In a specific period you can always track the development of general trends. Not long ago it was Minimalism and polygonal design. The recent development of 3D modelling was followed by 3D prototyping and CNC machining, which in turn caused the development of curved organic forms. Eco-design is certainly a recent trend but it is not a result of the trends just mentioned to do with form. Eco-products play an important role because there is an increasing commitment towards sustainable development. On top of that, the legislation concerning recycling of old products is getting stricter. A producer has to bear in mind that a few years later down the line he will have to take the product back and deal with it ecologically. It is therefore better for him to think of this factor in the production period and use materials that are easy to recycle. There is of course the financial issue as ecological products are nearly always more expensive. We still live in a world ruled by money and profit. Ecology is a second runner and comes into play when there isn’t any other option left, such as, obligation by law, or when there is money left for it. Regarding designers, I would say that they welcome the trend as eco-products demand a creative approach that is always inspirational.

If you think about a very small space – a small flat that doesn’t have any built in wardrobes and there isn’t much space for furniture....what would you suggest? Are there any interesting multifunctional pieces that could be used? Can a designer, for example, come up with a good looking armchair with a storage space?

Every space has its ideal solutions, or at least a solution that is very near to an ideal. Small spaces demand certain multifunctional solutions. A good looking chair with storage space is definitely possible to design. I like it when things have a certain added value. On the other hand, I am not in favour of extreme multifunctionalism. We should ask ourselves if the function will really be utilised. Functionality has to be clearly defined and utilizable.

Do you see any changes in the way people perceive original products? Do the beautiful but more expensive ones stand a chance to succeed in a marketplace flooded with cheap goods?

It is a natural human desire to be surrounded by beautiful things. Good design brings a certain quality and as such it is not for free. On top of that, often these products have a longer life which is surely an advantage. Therefore it pays to invest in a product of a higher aesthetic and functional quality.

Is it possible to earn a living by selling to the Czech market, or is it is necessary to sell abroad as well?

I think that is possible to earn a living in the Czech Republic; however, it is important to grow internationally as the Czech market alone is rather small.