Anikesh Ramani and Gavin Thomas individually source and recommission all the Mid-Century and Scandinavian pieces that can be found in Parkhurst’s most stylish furniture store, MØDERNIST.

We stopped by, had a look around, and asked the duo a few questions about the space, the MØDERNIST aesthetic, and the difference between Scandinavian and Mid-Century design.

Where is your space?

On 4^th Ave. (cnr. 12^th St.) Parkhurst

What about the location appeals to you?

It’s a corner shop with an authentic ’50s façade (including original window frames) on a busy street in a bustling neighbourhood.

What is the MØDERNIST aesthetic?

Clean, simple, minimal.

What is the story behind the store?

Gavin had a small shop called Wasteland at 44 Stanley Avenue > I was a good client of his > we became friends > we expanded on this existing business model > MØDERNIST was born.

The MØDERNIST feels more like a friend’s lounge (albeit a friend with very good taste) than a furniture showroom. Was this the intention?

The intention is to be a furniture showroom while suggesting how the pieces could be used in an environment. We subscribe to a less linear layout, which allows for a more relaxed shopping experience.

If the Modernist were a lounge, who would be found hanging out there and what might they be doing?

Elvis in his fat years.

You’ve held intimate live music events in the space before – how does this add to/relate to what the space is about?

We like music. We like working on interesting collaborations. We have the space, why not utilise it?

And the “automotive pieces”?

We’ve had a couple of vintage Triumph motorbikes in and out of the shop. A 1935 Tiger T70 and a 1956 Tiger T 110. We don’t really make money on these, they are mainly for the interest value and a great example of classic and timeless design.

What defines Scandinavian/Mid-Century design? Are these two styles actually similar, or are they completely different despite often being lumped together?

Scandinavia relates to Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway & Iceland. Mid century refers to a period, mainly the 50’s and 60’s which is the era that most of our pieces come from. Specifically the Danes and the Swedes were prolific designers during this time. Therefore, you could have a piece that is both Scandinavian in origin and Mid-Century in period although they are not mutually exclusive.

 How would you say this aesthetic relates to the South Africa/Johannesburg context?

Due to the simple, clean design, these pieces are timeless and work in a global market not exclusive to any particular place.  Due to this quality and their history, you’ll find them anywhere where people embrace good taste & appreciate good design.

What music is playing in the Modernist?

The National, King Krule, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, About Group, Daniel Lanois, Fleet Foxes, Atlas Sound, Timber Timbre, The Black Keys, Jim White… should we keep going?

What will the space never see?

Bling.

You can find out more about MØDERNIST on their facebook page here.

The post Made In Parkhurst: MØDERNIST appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Math Room is the home, studio and exhibition space of artist Frederick Clarke. It is also the name he uses to describe his artistic practice, which is one of harmony through paradox, as he explains, “to impart a greater sense of balance through positive Creative Energy, and an open acknowledgement of, and engagement with the dark that defines the light”.

Frederick works across a range of mediums, including printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. His work is characterised by complex and precise mark making, regardless of medium, and acute attention to intricate detail.

Math Room is situated on the 2^nd floor of Arts On Main in the Maboneng Precinct. It opened its doors in September 2011, and has been morphing and developing since then. We chatted with Frederick a bit about the space, both as the Math Room, and what it is about to transform into.

How did you come to occupy this space?

After moving out of Main Street Life, I was looking for a next step in terms of work and home – and the Math Room space provided a good combination of both. The last year and a half has been an interesting experience of being on multiple levels.

What about the space/location appeals to you?

The fact that the space is located within Arts on Main means that I am able to share my work on a regular basis, through planned events and also general foot traffic that flows through the quad on market days. The design of the space is also beautiful, and secure – downtown in my experience is a safe and relaxed place, despite the sometimes grungy appearance. The Maboneng precinct in general is an interesting project/development/expansion that continues to grow. The thing I like about being here is that there is support and interest in individual and collective creativity, and a resulting network and dialogue, despite it being a little constructed and ambiguous at times. With open eyes and conscious intentions I feel there is a most positive trajectory in the making.

How does this part of the city inspire you/influence your work?

The city does not influence me directly, or in obvious ways. It is more a case of the city acting as a microcosm of the world – which is what really inspires me. I am constantly torn as a human being, by the paradox of life, creativity and destruction, growth and decay – walking the line of being present amidst the madness. I find inner Joburg provides a most interesting challenge for the human heart – to be brave, strong, and open in order to survive, not only in the city, but in oneself.

The Math Room has been your residence, studio and exhibition space all in one – what have been the benefits/difficulties of occupying such a fluid space?

The obvious challenge is one of belonging. This space has not felt like a home in the conventional sense, but has rather been a base for my survival and work. What has emerged is that I need very little – mainly tools, instruments, artwork, and a bed to be happy. Through a process of battling for quiet and privacy in a place that is not really meant for living, I have learnt much about patience, and non-attachment; two very important states of being I enjoy cultivating as best I can. It has been great sharing this space and process with people around me, as they have been essential in better understanding myself and the context. Having direct contact with people interested in the work is wonderful, as opposed to a gallerist doing the talking for the artist.

You describe the Math Room as a headspace – what is the relationship between that space and the physical space?

Math Room has been in flux since I moved in. It has always reflected my state of mind and being, from the dark times to the light. It is an open sharing of energy. This is not to say I am always open and ready for tours – I enjoy privacy and quiet – a lot – but when I am open I don’t like to hide anything. Thoughts and emotions physically manifest, if we choose so, and this is an example of this -life as art and art as life. The more I live, the less I feel there are any boundaries between the two. Art is much more than artwork – it is a state of being and everything that follows.

Where were you before the Math Room, and where do you imagine you will go after?

I have been something of an urban gypsy for the last 8 years of living in Joburg. It has been an interesting journey, and has brought me to a point now of not really thinking or worrying what comes next. I am guided by my excitement and service to the Earth, and that is always at it’s purest when I am in the present moment. In the present, there is no future, past, belief, or even hope – only being and awareness. This is the way I enjoy living now. Now!

Is space important as an artist? If so, in what ways?

Space is very important. Space is the place! For creative energy to flow and grow, I find I need to cultivate certain rhythms. These are of course abstract and largely indescribable, but to balance socializing with stillness is important for me. It is in both that seeds of inspiration are planted from the source – but seldom in one exclusively. We often forget that stillness is an act. Again, it is not only about physical space – much more about minimizing the noise that we as contemporary humans contain. We take on so much spam everyday – disposable bullshit we don’t need – to process and lighten the system automatically creates more space to enjoy wherever we are.

The Math Room is morphing into Rubix Cube – can you tell us a little about what’s in store for the space:

The space is going to shape shift on the 20th of April, where myself, Rebecca Haysom, Jotam Schoeman and Norman Mankowitz will be sharing it as an exhibition space showcasing our respective creative work. The idea is to get a mix of visual languages interacting together, as well as combining to dream up themed events or projects that propel both ourselves and the public into new and exciting experiences of Art, Music and other creative work.

Who is/will be welcome in the space?

Everyone! Even animals. No children please. (kidding)

What music can be heard playing in the space?

In Math Room I always make sure there is something fresh, upbeat and mysterious providing aural satisfaction. There is such an abundance of musical medicine available! For the closing event on Friday there will be a surprise live music performance, as well as some good beats to bless Math Room and it’s occupants, as well as welcome the new and exciting Rubix Cube Project. When I return from a residency in Argentina in June, my intention is to find a new location to continue the art arithmetic, so Math Room will definitely be back – the form remains a mystery.

Join Frederick on Friday 12^th April at 7pm for the Math Room closing event!

frederickclarke.co.za 

www.mathroom.co.za

The post Made In Maboneng: Math Room appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Superella is the fashion label under which Ella Buter designs and works. Her style is whimsical and playful, but underpinned by thoughtful design elements.

A characteristic feature of a Superella garment is that it isn’t one garment; it can be transformed into any number of styles by a simple fold, adding another layer, or tying it in some clever way.

The same fluidity applies to Ella’s Melville showroom/studio. Every six months she redecorates the space to a new concept, creating an entirely new world. More is more for Ella, who is greatly inspired by old found-objects. These influence both her design and her décor aesthetic.

As the writing outside the shop says, Superella is “very much nice”.  We caught up with Ella to find out more about her quirky aesthetic approach:

Where is your space?

My space is in Melville, across from the Bamboo Centre on the corner of 7^th Avenue and 9^th Street.

Is there a story about how you ended up in the space?

I think a lot of people wanted the shop I am in. I was first in one of the smaller shops in the same building, even the girl that was there before me wanted the shop back. So I feel very lucky to have been the one that ended up having the shop. I think it boils down to a good relationship with your landlord and paying your rent on time.

What about the location appeals to you?

The best thing about the location is that it is on a street, a busy street. So lots of people pass my shop everyday and they are intrigued enough to every now and then stop in. Probably one out of ten of these people becomes a client. I also have fantastic views over the valley below, a bit of green.

What is the Superella aesthetic?

My shop decor is about ‘something out of nothing’ or to use old found object in new ways. I think one of my favourite colours is the colour of wood or brown paper for that matter. So by collecting object in the same colour scheme it eventually becomes a story. Comfort is my most important design consideration – I design clothes to get me and my customer through a normal day. My designs are based on simple form and I look at costume and traditional wear for inspiration.

How does the space inspire you and your work?

As I say I look out on the green valley below. A bit of nature is always inspiring. The fact that the space has very high ceilings gives one a space to breathe in. Also the energy of always passing traffic keeps one going. I like all the old features in the shop, like the old wooden window sills and wooden framed windows and the red concrete floor – good basics to build on.

How does the space’s décor influence/interact with your clothing ranges?

I think it goes hand in hand. I think my clothes have a sort of old fashion, real appeal and the shop has all the old objects in it. Each season there is a sort of fantastical muse. For winter 2013 she is this kind of crazy, intellectual librarian. She is so much in her head that all her clothes don’t quite match. For Summer 2012 she was a futuristic domestic goddess. So the shop decoration always reflects these muses.

What were you doing before you opened Superella?

I started my brand as I left Fashion College. First I worked from home, then a studio at the Media Mill behind 44 Stanley, and then from home again. It was then that Jacques from Black Coffee told me that there was a space available across from Bamboo. I was first in the smaller shop for about 3 years and now in this shop for about 3 years. Oh, and before I went to study Fashion Design, I was a Visual Merchandiser for John Orr’s.

What inspired your current literary décor concept in the space?

My love for books inspired the theme for Winter 2013.

What do you enjoy about having a joint workspace and showroom? 

It is quite a challenge to have my workspace and shop together. In the sense that there are days that you wish that you can just concentrate on your work, but you have to serve clients also. The good thing about it is that it keeps the space alive and people realise that clothes don’t fall from the sky, but are made by human hands.

What music is playing in your space?

I listen to compilations from my laptop or else we listen to Radio 2000 or classic FM.

What will the space never see?

I think almost anything can work, as I have once decorated my shop with mass-produced plastic. It is more in the way you display objects, than the objects themselves. For me more instead of less is the way to go.

The post Made In Melville: Superella appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Product design and manufacture brand, Kraftisan™, was launched in 2011 by young industrial designer, Lucas R Adams. Having recently moved into Side Street Studios in Woodstock, Cape Town, he invited us round to see his new place.

Lucas says that the products designed and made under the Kraftisan label aim to add value over and above the basic purpose of the item. There is also a strong focus on the environmental impact of the materials used throughout the manufacturing process.

Besides designing products unique to Kraftisan, Lucas also works on briefs for brands, most notably Bacardi.

The very organised studio and workshop is an example of Lucas’s handiwork in itself as everything has been custom designed to suit his needs. The space also functions as a showroom for Kraftisan products and anyone is welcome to browse and shop.

Here’s our chat with Lucas:

Between 10and5: Where is your space?

Lucas: Our studio is located at 48 Albert Road, 006 Side Street Studios. Right next to the Woodstock Exchange building.

10and5: What do you love about the area?

Lucas: Our building, Side Street Studios, differs from others in a sense that it has a communal pulse whereby everybody shares in the up and (rarely) downs of everyday work. The Woodstock area in general, feels real and untinged by modernity; it holds a richness in its people and at the same time presents challenges as a working environment.

10and5: What is the Kraftisan aesthetic?

Lucas: Our visual aesthetic is that of subtle minimalism through form and function while maintaining the ‘local is lekker’ South African feel.

10and5: How did it all begin?

Lucas: For the most part, it started with an idea to produce functional products that would be attainable by the majority by making them affordable. But most importantly making people connect with a brand name behind it all. To be honest, one of the first things I did was to establish the brand identity in the form of a logo and material language before I had even designed a product!

10and5: Can you tell us a bit about the work you’ve done for other brands?

Lucas: I have been blessed since last years’ Design Indaba where I attended for the first time as an Emerging Creative under the Kraftisan label, as the rest of the year was dominated by working for really interested agencies with brands like Bacardi & B-Guided. We specialize in volume product as well as once-off projects, and some of these you can view here.

Kraftisan for New Media Labs

Kraftisan’s latest project, an arcade-game themed interior installation for New Media Labs. See the making of here.

10and5: Would you be open to collaborating on a product with fellow young designers in other fields? If so, who?

Lucas: Absolutely, although I would have to find the time! I’ve wanted to do something with a ceramicist, and I love what Zizipho Poswa and Andile Dyalvane of Imiso Ceramics are getting up to with their highly creative methods in changing the way we see this material.

The post Made in Woodstock: Kraftisan appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Laura Windvogel is the lady behind Dear Dorothy, a vintage label and vintage-inspired line of clothing and hair accessories. Her studio space in Cape Town’s CBD is shared with an assortment of other creatives and plays host to the occasional gin soiree. We visited Laura is her space this week and asked a few questions.

Between 10and5: Where is your space?

Laura Windvogel: It’s situated in the old Spracklens Building in lower Longmarket Street.

10and5: What about the area appeals to you?

Laura: I love how the surroundings change depending on the time of day. When I get there in the mornings it’s filled with taxis and hawkers, towards lunchtime there are loads of corporates getting a quick lunch from the Eastern Food Bazaar across the road and towards 6 I see seamstresses from surrounding areas heading home.

10and5: How does the city inspire you?

Laura: I like how you become a fixture in the surroundings by taking the same route, greeting the same people and frequenting the same coffee spots. It makes you feel like you’re part of a giant machine and that you play an important part in it.

10and5: Who shares the studio with you and what do they make?

Laura: Isabeau Joubert, a ‘Yarn Bomber’. She weaves, crochets, and knits everything from mats to fabrics and gloves. Jules Visnjic a German clothing designer with the label UNKNOWN. Adriaan van Wyk who designs and makes his own sunglasses and Steven Scheffler, a web designer.

10and5: Does the building have a story?

Laura: The old Sprackles is almost 200 years old and still has all its original flooring. The moment I set my feet there in November 2011 I knew I HAD to have it as my working space. It has a lift that has two entrances and scares the hell out of anyone that takes it. The space has enormous sash windows that allow natural light in from every angle.

It’s hard to believe that all three floors of the Spracklens was inhabited by the furniture store Morkels till the late 1960′s. Now we have the Rudimentals practicing till 1am on the 2nd floor, jewellery designers and labour lawyers as our neighbors.

10and5: What’s your favourite thing about the studio?

Laura: The windows, the wooden floors and of course the people I share it with.

10and5: Who is welcome in your space?
Laura: Literally anyone that will watch me work and be good company. Towards 5 we usually have a drink or 3 and crack out some records and go for dinner afterwards.

10and5: What music is playing?

Laura: Usually a playlist made up of Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush and some David Bowie for good measure. On a more “modern” day I’ll listen to The Knife and Frank Ocean.

10and5: What will the space never see?

Laura: Me leaving.

Laura is currently looking for an additional studio mate. If you’re interested get in touch at laurawindvogel@gmail.com.

dearestdorothy.tumblr.com

See more Made In here.

The post Made in CT CBD: Dear Dorothy appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Shai and Wayne Hirschen are a local sound engineering duo that take their art very seriously. They’ve worked with some of South Africa’s top musicians and bands, and continue to strive towards creating work that amalgamates with and transgresses international sound standards. We got to hang out at their beautiful studio, Dreamspace Recording Studio, one day in Woodstock and asked them some questions:

10and5: Where is your space?

Shai at Dreamspace: We’re located in a beautifully restored building in Woodstock called Buchanan Square, just opposite Ogilvy.

10and5: What about the area appeals to you?

Shai: Woodstock is becoming the media hub of Cape Town, and with the urban renewal in Woodstock there is a great sense of community. It’s fresh, hip, and arty too. It also has a strong history which gives it culture.

10and5: What were you doing before Dreamspace Recording Studios?

Shai: Before Dreamspace Recording Studios, Wayne (my brother) and myself played in a band called Merseystate professionally.

10and5: What made you want to open your own recording studio?

Shai: Initially, being in a band ourselves, Wayne and I strived to record ourselves in order to make our own records. As time progressed we found ourselves composing scores for TV & Radio Commercials and now we run a full Audio Production facility catering for the film, advertising and music industries alike.

10and5: What is an average day like in studio?

Shai: Arrive at the studio around 8am, get the coffee machine going and power-up all the machines that make the beautiful sounds. Have the most amazing fresh deli-meats and cheese spread with a smoking hot flat-white, and prepare for the day ahead of session bookings, and sound design. After the morning batch of clients have been treated like kings and queens and leave with a grin from ear to ear, we head down to La Botega, an Italian restaurant situated in Buchanan Square, for lunch. Then back to the studio for the afternoon rush, and then we cap off our famous Friday afternoons with a late afternoon glass of red wine, with the last booking slot 5pm-6pm (a slot hotly contended for amongst the surrounding ad agencies).

10and5: What have been your favourite projects to work on?

Shai: We have been working on various amazing pieces of work, most recently a very awesome but top secret campaign for the “Shuttleworth Foundation” as well as Vodacom. Gazelle’s latest offering is coming to a head and all 11 tracks of it sounds AMAZE-BALLS! Locnville’s latest album as well as Ard Matthews of Just Jinjer too. But something topping the cake at the moment is the upcoming “The Plastics” singles, sounding extra international!

10and5: Who designed/decorated the space? Was there a concept?

Shai: Wayne, our father and myself designed, conceptualised and purpose-built the space with a mothership vision. The goal was to build a creative space, where musicians and advertising agencies could marry their products to create a forward-moving proudly South African industry to compete with anywhere else in the world on an international level and be a contender.

We have 2 Control Rooms, one dedicated to Music & Composition and the other to Audio Post Production, in between we share a tracking room where our baby grand piano resides. Each control room has its own adjacent Voice Over / Vocal booth, for capturing the talent in isolation. The entire space is completely sound proof to the international code of sound-proof spaces, and is acoustically correct for true reference of an accurate final product.

10and5: What’s your favourite corner or feature?

Shai: The entire place!

10and5: What music is playing in your space?

Shai: Currently the new RHCP album “I’m with you” and sometimes 5fm in the very distant background in our reception area.

10and5: What will your walls never see?

Shai: Hate, Racism, Cruelty.

10and5: Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Shai: Many, watch the website www.dreamspacerecording.com

Photos by Wayne Hirschson.

The post Made In Woodstock: Dreamspace Recording Studios appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

We recently visited the Frank Böhm Studio to take some pictures and quizz them about their creative space. Take a look:

Between 10and5: Where is your space?

Frank Böhm Studio: We run our studio in an awesome, light and spacious studio space at the back of the iconic Rex Trueform building – we are on the g-floor with an inspirational view over the harbour.

10and5: What about the area appeals to you?

FB Studio: Salt River and Woodstock seems to be the hub of the furniture design industry in Cape Town – you are right in the midst of manufacturing, with high end designers and smaller scale operators working side by side.

10and5: What is the Frank Böhm aesthetic?

FB Studio: To be true and honest to the creative process and in our dealings with suppliers and clients alike – and to enjoy what we do and constantly explore new avenues in design.

10and5: How is the brand and the Rex Trueform building a good match?

FB Studio: The Rex Trueform building is an icon in the manufacturing industry in Cape Town. You will not come across too many people in Cape Town who have not been through these doors at some point in their lives. We were lucky to get access to rent space in the otherwise empty, “retired” manufacturing space.  The worlds of fashion, architecture and furniture design are not too far removed. Rex Trueform played such a large part in the development of the community and industry in this area. We hope to build on this in the future – it is also a privelage to be the practice handling the current refurbishment of this heritage building.

10and5: Please walk us through your space.

FB Studio: We have the most awesome “rock seat” on the pavement at the entrance to our studio – hopefully this gives the visitor a first glimpse of the processes of Frank Böhm Studio. Then there is a little lobby space where we sometimes leave some items on display  – take the old lift – and hope it does not break down – (no, seriously, this has only happened once and I suspect the guy pressed the wrong button).  Have a seat on one of our cones – especially there for you to sit on and admire if the trip takes too long.

Up on G level the lift opens up into our light and spacious space  with a high arched concrete roof with lots of air to breathe! We display some of our items in this space and also operate the architectural and design studio from the “dark” end of the space where all sorts of intereting things evolve.

We have some timber stock on hand as well which spills over into an adjacent, similar room where we do final finishing work to some our items. There is also access to the rooftop where we can move larger items down the parking ramp and Edgar our right hand man can often be found sanding something or painting out there.

10and5: What’s your favourite part of the building?

FB Studio: Frank - the fire escape staircase with the inspiring view over the harbour. Lisa – Mine I guess would be the lift, oddly enough. It is the “dark tunnel” that leads you to the awakening upstairs!

10and5: And your favourite Frank Böhm piece currently on show?

FB Studio: Lisa - I have always had a personal affection for the Jan, Vicky and latest Julia side table – this is a family of side tables developed to be used as twins ie. 2 girls or 2 boys or as siblings – boy and girl.

10and5: Please tell us about the beams stacked in the showroom.

FB Studio: We have a large selection of beams in the studio that we bought over the years of moslty invasive species. These beams are air dried and treated while waiting to be used. -We either sell them as they are or we can turn them into either very simple items ie. A slab as a coffee table on block legs at around  R3500 or a beautiful bespoke designed piece, depending on your budget and taste.

10and5: Who is welcome in your space?

FB Studio: Anyone is welcome to our studio – this is not a showroom but a working space, but we will gladly stop what we are doing and show you around – you may even score a cup of coffee!

10and5: What music is playing, if any?

FB Studio: We always have something playing, either a radio station – mostly 5fm but the dial has been known to shift to some very strange stations! Or CD’s from alternative to classic.

10and5: What will the showroom never see?

FB Studio: A “typical trendy designer” item!  We believe in design that is timeless.

10and5: Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

FB Studio: The Rex Trueform refurb is an exciting venture in that it is a heritage building and Frank’s motto of “creating objects that have a vision of already existing beauty” comes to mind!

www.frankbohmstudio.co.za

The post Made In Salt River: Frank Böhm Studio appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Prototype collection ™ is a pop-up design concept store that showcases the work of David Krynauw, Antonie Grobler from Individua, Mark from Luna, Jared Odell Furniture & Design and Anthony Martin with his Drift furniture™. The store is a space for the public to view the furniture designers’ latest prototypes before formal release onto the market. We visited them to take some photos of their showroom and ask a few questions. Here are their answers:

Between 10and5: Where is your space?

Prototype: 9 ORPHAN STREET, CAPE TOWN

10and5: What about the area appeals to you?

Prototype: The space is very central, just down from Kloof Street and in the heart of the city centre revival. There are several design stores close by which makes it an ideal location for design lovers.

 

10and5: How did Prototype come about?

Prototype: The space was available and several of us expressed an interest to show our latest designs (prototypes) in a space devoted completely to local design.

 

 

10and5: Why these 5 designers?

Prototype: They all are craft driven and support what we refer to as the low- tech revolution.

 

 

10and5: Please tell us a bit about each designer’s range:

Prototype: Designers exhibiting include David Krynauw(tm) with simple solid wood crafted furniture with an element of quirkiness, Antonie Grobler from Individua creates highly unique designs guided by raw pieces of material he finds, Mark from Luna is well established with his recycled wooden frames sold all over Europe, Jared Odell Furniture & Design  is an up and coming designer with very precise steel work and plywood, playful with a retro element to it. Anthony Martin with his Drift  furniture(tm) creates a range of furniture  inspired by raw nature ,simple living and weathered wood, he’s current theme for DRIFT(tm)is ‘bush’.  The pieces all display a sense of enthusiasm and humor, almost a sort of commentary on the current state of the world.

 

 

10and5: What’s your favourite part of the space?

Prototype: The feeling of been in a modernized 100 year old city building and viewing the absolute latest in top local furniture design. The past and the future happening right in front of us.

 

 

10and5: Who designed the space? Was there a concept?

Prototype: I designed the space when doing an architectural makeover of the building. For the store we wanted a simple modern feel with natural finishes and a bit of the character of the century old city building left behind.

 

 

10and5: Why a Pop-up store?

Prototype: The space is only available for four months, we wanted a temporary and constantly changing exhibition feel. The prototype(tm) range will change in products and designers and might pop up at another venue after this one.

 

 

10and5: Who is welcome?

Prototype: Anyone, particularly people with a passion for design and originality

 

 

10and5: What music is playing in your space?

Prototype: Abstract and mysterious music, sometimes even 80′s

 

 

10and5: What will the Prototype showroom never see?

Prototype: A copy

 

 

10and5: Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Prototype: The exciting release event is coming up at Prototype in October and November, new pieces will be released and the designers will be present.

 

 

 

Visit Prototype from Monday to Friday, between 13.00 & 17.00 or visit their website. The pop-up store will be open till 3 December 2011.

 

The post Made In Orphan St: Prototype appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

Brand new store in Obs, Moose, is brimming with charm from the astro turf floor to Morris the Moose who is mounted high up on the wall. Run by Melanie Rossline and Adeline Wilkinson, Moose is: milkshake, preserves, delights, hand-crafted bags, screen printing , design, exhibitions. We asked Mel and Adeline about their creative space:

Between 10and5: Where is your space?

Moose: 114 Lower Main Road, Observatory.

10and5: What about the area appeals to you?

Moose: The old architecture, our foreign friends and the special characters that only Obs can provide.

10and5: What were you doing before Moose?

Moose: We’re still doing it! Mel freelances in the fashion industry, doing styling, fashion production and managing fashion weeks for producers, in South Africa and Africa. Adeline is a freelance graphic designer, illustrator and a 2d/3d animator, hence we craft as our hobby.

10and5: Where did the idea for the store come from?

Moose: Through many hours of conceptualizing ideas and realizing we need a spot do to what we want to do and showcase what we think is cool.

10and5: Please tell us about your screenprinted bags:

Moose: The concept behind them is to purchase and fill the bags with the ingredients of the recipes printed on them and to give that as a new, fresh, DIY gift to the people that follow the latest craze of making fresh things themselves. We also do customize screenprinting for anyone that’s interested.

10and5: What else is for sale?

Moose: Moerse lekker milkshakes. We also do pesto, the hit at the moment is our pepperdew one, and then we are looking to start stocking other designers’ amazing work.

10and5: Who designed/decorated the space? Was there a concept?

Moose: Us and friends, aka, Jaekan, Nicola and Jacques. From the painting, to the sculpting, to the laying of the grass. The concept is simple; keep it clean, neat, classic and fresh.

10and5: What’s your favourite corner or feature?

Moose: Morris the moose! Our pride and glory. It’s actually his space, we just graze here.

10and5: What music is playing in your space?

Moose: Chuck Berry and Little Richard

10and5: What will your walls never see?

Moose: Wrapping paper.

10and5: Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

Moose: So many, we don’t know where to start. Moose is all about creativity and would constantly be changing, to whatever we want.

The post Made In Obs: Moose appeared first on Between 10 and 5.

+27 Café is a coffee café with an full art gallery exhibition space in Hatfield Pretoria. They offer artists the opportunity to exhibit in the gallery at no cost, with only commission taken on sales. Exhibitions they have previously hosted include City Slickers and a Louis Minnaar solo exhibition. The gallery was closed for a few months earlier this year while renovations were being done but now – art community take note – the new upgraded space is available for shows. We asked +27 Café about their space:

Between 10and5: Can you please give us a little +27 history?

+27 Café : +27 Café was opened in September 2008 and have come a long way from the coffee only café to where it is today. The café is owned by two brothers, Riaan an Architect and Hardus a Civil Engineer. Both practice professionally (Own Practices) in their careers, so the café is a space they created for expressing their passion for design. +27 Café  is a space for people who live design, who enjoy great coffee and want a break from the commercial mall culture.

10and5: Where is your space?

+27 Café: +27 Café is situated on the corner of South and Duncan streets, in Hatfield Pretoria. The building being South on Duncan. It’s walking distance from the Hatfield Gautrain Station and the University of Pretoria.

10and5: What is it about the area that appeals to you?

+27 Café: Initially when +27 Café opened the building was probably the ugliest in Pretoria. But we loved its location, the hustle and bustle of students, the movement in the busy street. We saw the potential for a space within this reality that inspires creativity.

The South on Duncan Building was built in the 50’s and has a classic look and industrial feel. In working with the owner of the building we upgraded and revived the old building into an exciting lifestyle centre with new designer shops opening soon.

10and5: Is your space predominantly a cafe or a gallery? Which idea came first?

+27 Café: The café was the first initial idea… But the concept to combine the café with the gallery to make art accessible to all came over a long period of time before we opened the cafe. +27 believe in creating a platform for young talent, that is why we charge no cost to exhibit in our gallery. We also sell unique designer items from local designers.

10and5: What do you love about it?

+27 Café: We love everything about the café. It’s always been more of a labour of love than a job or income. We love to rethink, change and evolve our ideas and concepts of what the café should be… Over the past 3 years a lot has changed, and over the next year we have a few more surprises up our sleeves!

10and5: Who designed/decorated the space? Was there a concept?

+27 Café: The space was designed and constructed by ourselves. From the lights to the counter, to our new courtyard… It has always been inspired by the city.

10and5: What’s your favourite corner or feature?

+27 Café: The courtyard. It’s an unexpected, tranquil getaway in the middle of one of the busiest areas in Pretoria. Sitting in the afternoon sun under the olive trees with a coffee and the water feature drizzling in the background really relaxes the senses!

10and5: What music is playing in your space?

+27 Café: From Lo-fi indie rock to blues with some alternative at times…

10and5: Whose work would you love to exhibit?

+27 Café: Gavin Rain. His work suits our brand perfectly.

10and5: What will your gallery walls never see?

+27 Café: Nudity or any other morally degrading art… We love abstract, pure art.

10and5: What’s good on the menu?

+27 Café: We challenge anybody in South Africa to beat our coffee, it’s the best! The croissant meals are unique and delicious. We also serve a great breakfast!

10and5: Any exciting projects or events in the pipeline?

+27 Café: The next exhibition by Maaike Bakker will be opening on 7 October.

Get more acquainted with +27 Café on their facebook page.

Photographs by Gerhard Uys.

The post Made In Hatfield: +27 Café and Gallery appeared first on Between 10 and 5.