Dombon-a-tanya

Dombon-a-tanya is an experimental design workshop in Budapest which tries to answer design theoretical questions in objects: objects are physical representations of the answers for those examined questions.

In Dombon-a-tanya objects are not daily used personal articles, but rather, these are physical representations of the answers for those examined questions, which tell a story, transmit emotions, gestures, and customs.

They rationalize and summarize human emotions in an object.

Box Couture
Box Couture is a design study. A study, which transforms common human feelings, reactions and attributes into an object. It analyses the human being itself, as an emotional and rational creature in consideration of age and sex. It takes old fashioned habits as a basic, which are characteristic to all of us. It examines common thesis and from these thesis the systems of design, attitude and usage of the objects will become obvious.

From these principles four different bags were born. The men’s bag, the women’s bag, the picnic case and the school bag. All of them have a clear-out shape with fine and simple solutions, made of pitted raw wood blocks with tanned leather stripes.

Platter of friendship
There is a tradition in the Hungarian villages when young folks send each other plates with fine selection of food as a friendly gesture. The recipient sends another platter in exchange and the senders become siblings and the gesture becomes the symbol of their friendship for life. When a baby was born these friends became godparents of the young one. Platters were also sent as expression of best wishes between family, friends or neighbours. When a young man sent a platter to his loved one it was considered as a seal of love.

This old hearty convention became more and more particular during the centuries and it’s still alive – the gesture of bringing wine or cheese as a gift when visiting friends stems from this old tradition. Dombon-a-tanya organized this friendship based tradition into a sophisticated system where the playful method of balancing the platter creates a special event out of giving gifts.

There are 8 different platters for 8 different events – one with soda and lollies for kids parties, one with melon and ham for summer afternoon lunches, one with champagne, strawberries and cream for weddings, and one with wine, cheese and walnut for drinks with friends.