RATTAN: THE TEMPTATION OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

Abstract

Rattan is an exclusively lightweight material with exotic character; it is a symbol of Asiatic countries; of gardens and resort hotels. 20^th C designers are tempted by this material that combines well with metals and wood. Rattan itself is imitated with artificial materials, used to knit garden furniture; it is a preferable choice because it is indestructible by atmospheric conditions. Today, great designers are inspired by the formal potential of rattan both as a structural material and as a mesh or woven panels used for the wide surfaces of seating and lying furniture (seats and backrests). They are not limited only in the garden field of application; they use the potential of this material for the dwelling. In this paper, we are going to consider designer works of different periods of the 20^th and 21^st century, that are influenced by the qualities and specifics of the material rattan; by analyzing and classifying those features that make it so attractive to furniture designers.