A Bionic Sideboard Is Interactive for Furniture Buyers

Based in Portugal, Rui Viana has woodworking in his DNA. He is the son of a carpenter.  And his grandfather was a carver/gold leaf artisan.

Rui was born in Póvoa de Varzim/Porto in 1975. In 1995 he graduated training as an architectural technical draftsman,  then started working for an architectural firm. In 2001, Rui began studying product design at ESAD, in Matosinhos, Portugal. In 2007 he challenged the owner of the company he worked for to create a furniture brand. 

The challenge was accepted, Rui began to develop the project and at the end of 2007 Piurra was established. In the beginning of 2013 took over the leadership of the company. So Rui continues family tradition related to manufacturing and woodworking. Since january 2013 Piurra’s furniture is produced through traditional methods with the support of his family. A traditional carpentry workshop

 

that guarantee high quality production. All Piurra's products produced by people with particular set of skills, acquired over very long career.


"All our products are made by order and produced in Portugal," Rui says. "As such we can vary the dimensions, finishes, colours and configurations to suit our clients needs, always ensuring that the design is respected." Work is hand made by local artisans, All of our pieces or by small-scale companies and traditional artisans. "Most of them are family businesses," Rui says. "By buying Piurra products you are supporting local economy. Almost all our suppliers are no further than 15 km from Piurra headquarters."

 

 

The pixellated front of his Bionic Sideboard relies on rotating hexagonal elements strung on rods. When flat they form a solid surface. But they coax the visitor to touch them.

Piurra is named after a child's toy, a spinning top, that the designer's grandfather -  a master woodcarver and Gold Leaf applier - made for his grandchildren to play. Rui Viana says he was inspired by the stories his family told of his grandfather's prodigious ability to mold wood with his bare hands, transforming wood into beautiful pieces. He pays a tribute to his grandfather with his company name.

"All our products are made to order and produced in Portugal," says Viana. "As such we can vary the dimensions, finishes, colors and configurations to suit our clients needs, always ensuring that the design is respected."  Of course there are charges for design work that require a significant departure from the original. "All of our pieces are mainly hand made by small-scale companies and traditional artisans. Most of them are family businesses. Buying Piurra products you are supporting local economy. Almost all our suppliers distance 15km from Piurra headquarters.
" http://piurra.com/

 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.