Maison Louis Drucker is one of the exceptional ateliers that TRAME collaborates with to bring artistic concepts to life. The renowned Maison worked with NYC-based design studio Aranda\Lasch to produce “Enlace,” TRAME's new collection of generative bistro chairs.

As the oldest artisanal rattan seat manufacturer in Europe, Maison L. Drucker helped raise the modest Parisian bistro chair to iconic status through its keen attention to beauty and detail. The company, dating back to the 19th Century, has a history of outstanding craftsmanship and has been recognized by the French government as a “Living Heritage Company” for its historical knowledge and cultural contributions.

From the earliest designs until present day, the Parisian bistro chairs of Maison L. Drucker have been crafted by skilled artisans who execute a thoughtfully planned artistic vision—one that takes careful account of pattern, color, and technique. Known to work with renowned designers to bring new models to market, the Maison was enthusiastic about working with generative artists for the first time.

“I believe ultimate creativity will always be human, but that creativity can be enhanced by algorithms. For instance, algorithms can generate patterns quickly and save time, or [they can facilitate] the discovery of patterns that may not be considered otherwise."

-Diego DuBois, CEO, Maison L. Drucker

Design studio Aranda\Lasch applied their expertise in algorithms to the age-old craft of weaving to generate colorful new patterns that embellish the classic chair frame with a fresh, modern look. With technical guidance from Maison L. Drucker, they were able to refine the generative code to adapt to the particular constraints of chair manufacturing.

Once perfected, the code yields an endless variety of unique and extraordinary patterns impossible for a human mind to conjure at such a pace. But the hands-on expertise in production remains the same: For each custom chair, a rattan worker must prep, shape and expertly mold the rattan wood; a frame maker must carefully design the structural elements depending on use; and a caning expert must bring lively individuality to each piece through artful hand weaving.

The caning alone can take between three and 30 days to complete depending on the complexity of the design. For all artisans, the atelier requires a rigorous in-house training process. One must first achieve the minimum 5-year training standard of "qualified fitter." Afterward, to carry the title of “master weaver,” one must practice a few more years. Particularly well-crafted, complex works produced with the highest level of expertise are distinguished by the Maison with the title of "Masterpiece."

This high level of craft that relies on centuries of accumulated knowledge —and requires years for an individual to perfect—is what inspires TRAME's quest for new collaborations under the Craft Nouveau umbrella. Working with artists on the cutting edge of artistic technology allows TRAME to bring an innovative approach to traditional arts, while at the same time preserving them.