Oaxaca: The Birth of Shaw Contract’s Cultura Collection
Shaw Contract’s workplace and hospitality studio design team embarked on a journey to Oaxaca, Mexico, discovering a wealth of inspiration in the region’s vibrant culture, lush landscapes, historic architecture, and artisan crafts. This exploration led to the creation of the Cultura collection, a comprehensive range featuring broadloom, rugs, modular carpet, and LVT, each piece reflecting the team’s deep connection to the Oaxacan lifestyle.
A Tapestry of Authenticity: Valle Rug and Broadloom
Drawing inspiration from the intricate details of handwoven textiles, the Valle rug and broadloom within the Cultura collection immerse spaces in an authentic atmosphere. These designs ground rooms with layers of texture and a rich interplay of colors, paying homage to Oaxaca’s artisanal heritage.
Oaxacan Immersion: A Fresh Perspective for Design
Ashley Olson, Shaw Contract’s design director for hospitality and workplace, led the team responsible for Cultura. Olson emphasized the importance of exploring Oaxaca with fresh eyes, connecting with artisans through hands-on experiences, workshops, and immersing themselves in the city’s architecture, art, food, and music. The goal was to understand the elements contributing to a sense of place and community.
Crafting Connections in Teotitlán de Valle
A pivotal experience occurred in Teotitlán de Valle, a village renowned for handwoven textiles. The design team participated in a workshop with a local master weaver, gaining insights into the intricate process of wool cleaning, spinning, dyeing, and hand weaving. The team’s deep connection with the weaver and the traditions of the village fostered empathy and respect, influencing the collection’s essence.
Patterns That Echo Oaxaca: Sierra, Alban, Casa, and Local
The patterns within the Cultura collection directly reflect Oaxaca’s landscape, history, architecture, and the spirit of exploration. Sierra echoes the landscape, Alban pays tribute to history, Casa references architecture, and Local captures the essence of spontaneous exploration. Patterns like Hand Woven, Cross Weave, Braided, and Valle honor the traditional craft of Teotitlán de Valle through modern, abstracted woven textures.
A Vibrant Palette: Reflecting Oaxaca’s Colors
The color palette of Cultura mirrors the vibrant hues of Oaxaca. Inspired by the lively atmosphere, the collection incorporates rich ombres reminiscent of traditional Mexican textiles. The color accents offer a variety of styles, providing dynamic neutrals and different levels of color impact to cater to diverse design preferences.
Versatile Applications: From Workplace to Hospitality
Cultura’s visually captivating aesthetic, deeply rooted in Oaxacan culture, makes it versatile for various interior environments. Whether in workplaces, hospitality settings, or multifamily spaces, the collection’s warmth and residential style shine through. Rugs or broadloom define spaces, while coordinating carpet tile and LVT cater to larger workplace areas or public spaces.
Sustainability Commitment: A Low-Impact Collection
Cultura maintains Shaw Contract’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The collection utilizes EcoSolution Q100 fiber, made with 100% recycled nylon yarn, on an EcoWorx backing adhering to Cradle to Cradle standards. The result is a low-embodied carbon, carbon-neutral collection that treads lightly on the earth.
More Than Carpets: Cultura as a Cultural Celebration
Beyond being a carpet collection, Cultura stands as a celebration of Oaxaca’s vibrant culture, telling a story that encourages connection, exploration, and a deeper understanding of others. According to Ashley Olson, the Cultura collection is a testament to the company’s hope to foster empathy and respect for diverse cultures and traditions.
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