hg blog design*sponge

May 16 2006
Grace Bonney

Uhuru Design This week\'s posts will focus on highlights from the BKLYN DESIGNS 2006 show. Held at the St. Ann\'s Warehouse in the D.U.M.B.O. section of Brooklyn, BKLYN DESIGNS showcased over 55 talented furniture, textile and product designers living and working in the borough. 2006 brought a wave of designers interested in eco-design and manufacturing with sustainable materials. Most firms tried to incorporate "green" building into their products through the use of reused materials or components like non-toxic glues and varnishes. In the sea of eco-designers, a few firms stood out from the crowd. One of those firms was Red Hook\'s Uhuru Design.
Founded in 2004 by two RISD graduates, Bill Hilgendorf and Jason Horvath, Uhuru focuses on creating innovative designs that emphasize sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. Uhuru\'s designs (like the seating and tables above and below) have a nice, solid look to them and are accented by details like screenprinted patterns and cast iron hardware. I was most impressed with their attention to quality and using materials that were as beautiful as they were environmentally friendly. With only a few years under their belts and so many impressive pieces in their collection, I\'m sure we\'ll see more great things from Uhuru in the future. You can contact Uhuru right here or at 718-855-6519.