With LiMS cardboard furniture, you no longer need to ruin yourself to dress up an office, a home or a light bulb. Saoussen Mahfoudh designs cardboard furniture. The young designer has plenty of ideas full head and a crazy talent. She defines herself as a humanist designer. Interview to learn more. By Amel DJAIT
1001Tunisia: To begin your journey?
Saoussen Mahfoudh: I am a painter and furniture designer in training. I studied at the Institute of Arts and Crafts of Sfax and it is there that I “met” the piece of cardboard. The thunderbolt was immediate. I then set the course on the heritage and history of art at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Tunis and attacked my PhD in Manouba.
After 4 years, I decided to reconnect with the design. I kept seeing the same problems for all students. They all had the same worries: they came from afar, made frequent moves, needed ephemeral and cheap solutions … The scenario was repeated too often! That was THE sign! I had to go!
Speak to what? Introduce us your brand.
The L.I.M.S is above all an idea, a concept. This is the beginning of a solution that meets the needs of many of us! The LIMS “is less is more studio”, is a start-up that proposes a range of ecological, practical, light and cheap furniture.
It’s a concept I’ve been thinking about for many years of my studies. I first had a favor for the famous replica of Mies Van Der Rohe, famous architect, “less is more”, simple and profound at the same time. Then a second, for the cardboard furniture of Frank O. Gehry. My slogan to me is “layn El khasara”! It is the local touch that lighten my approach.
I wanted furniture that is useful and that does not take itself seriously, in the image of a cheerful and friendly youth. I think that’s the image that refers, at least I hope so!
You define yourself as a humanist designer … What does that mean?
In my opinion, humanistic design must respect the human portfolio and the values of nature. For me, it does not make materials noble, rare, precious or heavy nor exorbitant prices.
So I work with cardboard, a simple and inexpensive material. Everything is done in humility, respect and a lot of love. I really like what I do.
Are you working exclusively on cardboard?
For the moment, I only make cardboard furniture. The goal is to use a simple material easy to find and work. You can do anything with cardboard! Carton is the minimum at the service of the maximum!
How do you treat cardboard? How does it become resistant?
I treat some of my furniture to make them waterproof. A damp towel is enough to clean the whole. However, it is necessary to avoid soaking the water carton because the waterproofing is still limited. Just do some attention but the interview is super easy.
That said, my furniture is very resistant because the cardboard is solid. I use reinforced cardboard and ensure that the internal structure of the furniture is solid and reflective. You know, I have a table that can carry more than 100 kilos, whereas it weighs only 4!
With L i M S, are we in design, alternative design, eco-friendly, sustainable?
We are at the heart of design. We find the utility combined with aesthetics. We do not create the need. It’s already here!
Many young people who start life need alternative solutions to their problems. They need to furnish their small student apartments, start-up new entrepreneurs, agencies cabinets or showcases … Why overwhelm them with heavy furniture that lives 200 years while trends change every 5 years? Why do they have to explode their budget for furniture, while it is more urgent for them to invest in their projects?
With LiMS, we are in the alternative design, a solution that perfectly targets its market. LiMS is of course eco-friendly. The cardboard is recycled and recyclable. Nothing is thrown, everything is transformed. Today, this plate of cardboard composes a beautiful little stool, in five years it will make a beautiful shelf. Respecting the environment means respecting yourself. It is clear that Tunisia is a country free from the peaks of global pollution, but it is time to educate the younger people on the problems of the environment. Recycling is a culture, and it can be learned!
What are your key pieces?
The libraries. Very few people sell libraries in Tunisia and it’s really weird! And those that are found lack imagination and peps. Unfortunately, many of our young people find that “the book is corny”. We have to change that image and I hope my work will solicit them to see things differently. That’s the design! It is to go home nicely and solve some problems.
What are your prices? Do you tailor-made?
“Layn El khasara” gives a fairly clear idea about my prices. In fact, my furniture is made to be accessible to all. All ages and budgets. I like to propose lamps to 15 dinars and libraries to 60 dinars.
I like the idea of proposing “a room in a box” at a price that restores the smile. “A room in a box” is a set of student furniture (library, shelves, bedside tables, shoe door, light fixture, table and stool) at low prices. Packs that make life easier. At the moment I do not make custom, but this can change!
Can you deliver articles to readers of 1001 Tunisie?
Yes, I have my furniture delivered anywhere in Tunisia. For the moment, and since I am based in Sfax, the delivery is free of charge.
Outside of Sfax I add a small transport fee. I am preparing the process of online sales also. E-commerce has the wind in its sails and young people love it! So why make it complicated when you can make it simple?
For further information:
https://www.facebook.com/theLessIsMoreStudio/
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