Lisa Puschmann

DetmoldInterior | Designfurniture designsustainability

30 Nov

Lisa, please introduce yourself:

I'm Lisa Marie Puschmann and I'm studying interior design and spatial art. I am currently completing my master's degree in Detmold (Germany). When it comes to designs, rooms and furniture simplicity and minimalism is particularly important to me.

#1 You study interior design with a focus on furniture design. How did that come about? What were your first encounters with the subject of design?

In the third semester of my studies, I took the subject "Furniture Design Basics". I liked it so much that every semester I have taken advantage of the opportunity to choose subjects that are primarily about furniture.

#2 The project LOUI was created as part of your bachelor thesis. What is LOUI and how did you develop the concept for it?

With a view to our consumer society, I have been working on the consciousness development of furniture consumption and on the topic of recycling. "LOUI" is a modular furniture system whose main material consists of recycled spring mattresses. There are four different basic shapes from which different pieces of furniture can be assembled. The simple modular principle, which grows with the user, is intended to encourage the user to change "LOUI", so that the furniture adapts to the space, users and situations and encourages the users to actively rebuild their furniture.

Photo: © Lisa Puschmann

#3 What does a design process look like for you? What tools do you use?

At the beginning there is always a problem that I try to solve, in my case mostly sustainability, recycling, consumption, etc. Then I start researching and collecting all the ideas and information that I find interesting in relation to my problem. One of the most important steps is to consider who the target group is. Who am I designing for in the first place? Exchange with the target group and also with other people in my environment in relation to my work are therefore indispensable. In the course of the research, the picture/idea of a possible piece of furniture becomes more and more clear. In between, I always discard ideas or start from other places.

Then I draw sketches and work with material and colour. Mostly I work analogue, with pen and paper (mind maps/brainstorming) or by building models or sewing.

#4 The aspect of sustainability plays a central role in your project LOUI . What were the biggest challenges/the most important insights for you?

Although I built the whole object myself and sewed the covers myself, etc., the path to the finished object was much more difficult than the final realisation. Once you have an idea or a rough idea in your head, the rest usually falls into place by itself. But you have to get to that point first. The most important thing for me was not to give up, even if I despaired from time to time because the sewing machine didn't want to go my way or the measurements weren't exactly right and I had to start again. In terms of sustainability, the challenge has definitely been the material. Nobody wants a piece of furniture made from old mattresses, but basically it was about showing through the furniture that there is other waste besides wood, paper or plastic.

#5 How did users react/interact with your product?

Overall, the feedback was positive. Many who came to see LOUI were interested in the furniture and the design process. I wish there had been less fear of contact in the museum or gallery where the piece was exhibited. LOUI is a piece of furniture that is meant to be used. This also means transforming it and rediscovering it again and again.

#6 How do you see your role as an interior designer in society?

This is not an easy question for me to answer...Right now I see myself as someone who tries to inspire people through my work, make them think and question or awaken interest in the topic of sustainability.

I don't yet know exactly where the journey will take me or where I see my place in interior design, but I would like to continue learning and researching after my Master's degree, and deal with sustainability in interior design and furniture design.

#7 How does your environment influence your work?

Observing the people around me and analysing my environment helps me to get inspired. Talking to my friends, fellow students, professors or family can point me to things I hadn't thought of before. For example, recommendations for readings that may be relevant to me, or looking at my work from a different angle.

#8 What will you focus on next?

At the moment, my attention is focused on my Master's thesis. I continue to work on the topics of the consumer/disposable society and the culture of things. The subject is huge and the study of it is very intense, so it requires a lot of patience.

#9 Three things that inspire you at the moment?

Exhibition design, the different nuances of the colour white and the exchange and conversations with my professors and friends are very valuable to me because they can usually be very stimulating and inspiring, even without an intention.

#10 What are you currently reading, watching and listening to?

Die Essenz der Dinge - Vitra

Haben wollen. wie funktioniert Konsumkultur? - Wolfgang Ullrich

Haben oder Sein - Erich Fromm

UNDINGE - Byung-Chul Han

I've been listening to The xx again for a long time - (xx & I See you) I always liked listening to them before, or Bon Iver (For Emma, Forever ago).

Links

Instagram: @lisa_puschmann

Caroline Steffen

Lisa Puschmann

I'm Lisa Marie Puschmann and I'm studying interior design and spatial art. I am currently completing my master's degree in Detmold (Germany). When it comes to designs, rooms and furniture simplicity and minimalism is particularly important to me.

Then I draw sketches and work with material and colour. Mostly I work analogue, with pen and paper (mind maps/brainstorming) or by building models or sewing.

Dilan Vural

Studio Zmir