Born in India, and trained at IIT – Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and later at Art Centre College of Design Europe, in Switzerland, Satyendra Pakhalé established his practice in Amsterdam. An active member of the international design community – in the field of Industrial Design, Transportation and Architectural Design, he brings a unique cross-cultural perspective. We chat with the award-winning designer about how George Nelson influenced him, what his favourite spaces are and the little details that make him a Design Hunter.
Where you are from/live: I am from the heartland of India and live on the Borneo Island in Amsterdam, NL
What you do: Design
When did you first know you wanted to be a Designer: I did not know at all ever. It was a natural progression – I just kept on doing what I loved to do – to create and that happened to be the profession of design. I first knew lot later when I found a small book by George Nelson and realised this is what I would like to pursue in life.
Your latest project: ‘Kangeri Nomadic Radiator’ for the Italian company TUBES Radiatori
Where you find inspiration: In my curiosities
Three people that inspire/excite you:
1) Luis Barragán for creating deeply rooted quiet revolution
2) Issey Miyake for creating Industrial Design with cultural content
3) Ettore Sottsass Jr. for his creations from clay to computers and beyond
What is your favourite fruit: Mango
Helicopter model: PD.4 tandem-rotor design by Corradino d’Ascanio
Chair model: Valet chair by Hans Wegner for inventing a new typology of object
Residential space: Secret apartment of Carlo Mollino at Via Napione, Turin. The apartment took him eight years to design and build creating a sophisticated space of mystery
Commercial space: Carlo Scarpa’s Olivetti showroom at San Marco Square, Venice
Decorative product: Dieter Rams’s 606 Universal Shelving System
Functional product: Alvar Aalto’s Savoy Vase
Handmade good: Boeing 747-400
Mass-produced good: Life saving medicine
Item in your studio: Pencil Holder
Time of day to work/play: Early morning just out of bed
Meal: Simple & basic but prepared with lots of care
Restaurant: Osteria del Tempo Perso, Ostuni, Italy
Drink: Natural water without gas
Bar: Zanzibar
Piece of technology: Satellite communication
Historical figure: Ashoka
Fictional character: Champak Sasa
What does the term ‘Design Hunter’ mean to you?
Do not hunt, do not kill, do not consume for the sake of consumption but create your own aware way of life.
