10th February 2009 • On behalf of Royal Boch, Nedda developed a versatile collection in ceramics called 'Sastrugi, the Polar Survival Set'. The collection consists of 4 basic pieces: a large mug, a plate, a bowl and a ceramic spoon. The tableware is not only used by 25 scientists from the polar station 'Princess Elisabeth' in Antarctica, but is also available in shops in May 2009. Part of the proceeds collection will be donated to the International Polar Foundation.
The collection consists of a large mug (33 cl), a plate (Ø 25 cm), a bowl (Ø 15 cm) and a ceramic spoon. Versatility was the basis of the design. The bowl can be used for soup, fruit salad, muesli… and the four basic pieces come in handy for all possible meals at the polar station.
Nedda explains why the Sastrugi - Polar Survival Set had to look and feel very nice: "When the scientists have done their job in ice cold weather conditions and have returned to the polar station, it is important that they gain strength again thanks to a solid meal and a warm drink. Therefore, the Sastrugi set literally and figuratively are heart-warming”.
Snow dunes
The collection pieces are comfortable to use and are easy to clean. The edge of each object is a bit tilted up, which is a reference to the position of Antarctica in relation to the axis of the Earth. The name ‘Sastrugi’ refers to the original Russian word for the typical hard snow dunes and ripples, which are formed by wind.
Nedda has already designed the Royal Breakfast Set for Royal Boch. The company was founded in 1841 and is presently the only Belgian ceramic manufacturer. Royal Boch is one of the official suppliers of the Princess Elisabeth station and supports actively the International Polar Foundation.
A gift box with a mug, a plate, a bowl and a spoon costs €58. Whenever a Sastrugi - Polar Survival Set is sold, a part of the proceeds goes to the International Polar Foundation.
www.nedda.be
www.royalboch.be
www.polarfoundation.org
Sastrugi, the Polar Survival Set
About the Princess Elisabeth Station
The Princess Elisabeth station was built by the International Polar Foundation on a mountain ridge in East Antarctica.
This Belgian polar base offers, with its ultramodern facilities, shelter to 25 scientists who will carry out research on climate change. It is the only scientific station on Antarctica that does not emit any carbon dioxide and runs entirely on renewable energy sources.
Nedda, Belgian designer of the Year 2007, took care of the interior decoration of the scientific research station and made a well-thought out selection of functional and aesthetic interior design objects such as tables, chairs, beds, mattresses, bed linen, kitchen material and tableware.
The choice of the objects and materials was heavily influenced by criteria such as quality, sustainability and respect for people and the environment during the production process.
Clei, Electrolux, Facq, Libeco, Royal Boch and Vitra Belgium are official suppliers of the Princess Elisabeth station. AVG, Demeyere, Recticel and Villeroy & Boch supplied material as well.
www.antarcticstation.org
What does ‘sastrugi’ mean?
Sastrugi (also written 'zastrugi') is originally a Russian word.
Sastrugi are sharp irregular grooves or ridges formed on a snow surface by wind erosion and deposition. They are found in polar regions and are very common in Antarctica.
Nedda El-Asmar studied jewellery design and silversmithing at the Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Antwerp, and she completed her education at the Royal College of Art in London. She works for renowned names as Hermès, Puiforcat, Royal Boch, Eternum, Villeroy & Boch, Gense, Obumex, Carl Mertens, and Robbe & Berking.
Her designs have earned numerous awards and prizes. In 1997, she won the Henry van de Velde Award for young talent. Nedda was proclaimed Belgian Designer of 2007, and in 2008 she was nominated for the second time for the 'Talents du Luxe’. Last week she received the prestigious bi-annual Flemish Cultural Award for Design 2008.
Since 2007, she is also teaching at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
www.nedda.eu
Online shop: www.nedda.eu/webshop
The collection consists of a large mug (33 cl), a plate (Ø 25 cm), a bowl (Ø 15 cm) and a ceramic spoon. Versatility was the basis of the design. The bowl can be used for soup, fruit salad, muesli… and the four basic pieces come in handy for all possible meals at the polar station.
Nedda explains why the Sastrugi - Polar Survival Set had to look and feel very nice: "When the scientists have done their job in ice cold weather conditions and have returned to the polar station, it is important that they gain strength again thanks to a solid meal and a warm drink. Therefore, the Sastrugi set literally and figuratively are heart-warming”.
Snow dunes
The collection pieces are comfortable to use and are easy to clean. The edge of each object is a bit tilted up, which is a reference to the position of Antarctica in relation to the axis of the Earth. The name ‘Sastrugi’ refers to the original Russian word for the typical hard snow dunes and ripples, which are formed by wind.
Nedda has already designed the Royal Breakfast Set for Royal Boch. The company was founded in 1841 and is presently the only Belgian ceramic manufacturer. Royal Boch is one of the official suppliers of the Princess Elisabeth station and supports actively the International Polar Foundation.
A gift box with a mug, a plate, a bowl and a spoon costs €58. Whenever a Sastrugi - Polar Survival Set is sold, a part of the proceeds goes to the International Polar Foundation.
www.nedda.be
www.royalboch.be
www.polarfoundation.org
Sastrugi, the Polar Survival Set
About the Princess Elisabeth Station
The Princess Elisabeth station was built by the International Polar Foundation on a mountain ridge in East Antarctica.
This Belgian polar base offers, with its ultramodern facilities, shelter to 25 scientists who will carry out research on climate change. It is the only scientific station on Antarctica that does not emit any carbon dioxide and runs entirely on renewable energy sources.
Nedda, Belgian designer of the Year 2007, took care of the interior decoration of the scientific research station and made a well-thought out selection of functional and aesthetic interior design objects such as tables, chairs, beds, mattresses, bed linen, kitchen material and tableware.
The choice of the objects and materials was heavily influenced by criteria such as quality, sustainability and respect for people and the environment during the production process.
Clei, Electrolux, Facq, Libeco, Royal Boch and Vitra Belgium are official suppliers of the Princess Elisabeth station. AVG, Demeyere, Recticel and Villeroy & Boch supplied material as well.
www.antarcticstation.org
What does ‘sastrugi’ mean?
Sastrugi (also written 'zastrugi') is originally a Russian word.
Sastrugi are sharp irregular grooves or ridges formed on a snow surface by wind erosion and deposition. They are found in polar regions and are very common in Antarctica.
Nedda El-Asmar studied jewellery design and silversmithing at the Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Antwerp, and she completed her education at the Royal College of Art in London. She works for renowned names as Hermès, Puiforcat, Royal Boch, Eternum, Villeroy & Boch, Gense, Obumex, Carl Mertens, and Robbe & Berking.
Her designs have earned numerous awards and prizes. In 1997, she won the Henry van de Velde Award for young talent. Nedda was proclaimed Belgian Designer of 2007, and in 2008 she was nominated for the second time for the 'Talents du Luxe’. Last week she received the prestigious bi-annual Flemish Cultural Award for Design 2008.
Since 2007, she is also teaching at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
www.nedda.eu
Online shop: www.nedda.eu/webshop
