The Aarde collection by Sebastian Herkner shows the expression of light and minerality in exquisitely designed statement pieces and architectural planters.
German designer Sebastian Herkner, 2021 winner of the Elle Deco International Design Award (EDIDA), has designed the Aarde range of planters in collaboration with Indigenus. Following his honeymoon to South Africa, Sebastian was inspired by all the aspects, elements and shades he encountered. The Aarde represents the layering that exists culturally, demographically and in the nature and light of Africa. The Aarde has subtly overlapping layers with different depths to create the play with light and minerality that Sebastian saw in the natural landscape and wanted to embody. The earthy colours used in this range are very much part of the story Sebastian wished to communicate.
Sebastian’s love for traditional craftsmanship coupled with a natural affinity for colours, authentic materials and textures and his curiosity for different cultures meant that this collaboration was a natural fit. ‘I like that the Aarde is being produced in South Africa because I believe that people are searching for the story of the product, where it is produced, which materials are used, and how sustainable it is. Indigenus makes superbly manufactured planters, and their design philosophy matches mine,’ says Sebastian.
The global context was an essential connection between Sebastian and Peter van der Post, founder of Indigenus. Indigenus has a large and growing international distributor network, and Sebastian strives to design products which work globally. ‘In the end, all our needs from a product are so similar,’ says Sebastian. ‘We are looking for companions for life, not a trend, and we want great designs with long-lasting function and quality. This is sustainability.’