Don't Say, "It Won't Work." An Interview with Evgeny Rumyantsev, Designer and Founder of

Contents:

• About a handcar built for the Georgian narrow-gauge railway and professional self-determination
• About the "Under a Different Angle" laboratory
• About the bureau's projects and attitude to work
• About working with artists

Designer and founder of Rumyantsev Bureau, working in Nizhny Novgorod. Specializing in creating unique design solutions and brand development. Founded in 2017, Rumyantsev Bureau designs furniture and interiors for public spaces. We offer serial production and development of unique art objects created by talented artists. Our team strives to create functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions that enrich spaces and highlight the individuality of each project. We prioritize quality and innovation, allowing us to remain leaders in furniture design and production. In 2023, artist Artem Filatov invited the bureau to participate in the "Everything Will Disappear" project at the Cosmoscow exhibition. The project created unique storage facilities that protect sensitive works of art from the negative impact of the environment. These objects are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, emphasizing the importance of preserving art in a changing environment.

The bureau hosts the "Under a Different Angle" experimental workshop, which offers free lectures and master classes from product design experts, Rumyantsev Bureau specialists, and invited artists. Participants who win an open competition have the opportunity to learn skills such as welding, modeling, and 3D printing. These events foster creative development and the implementation of innovative approaches in design.

We visited Nizhny Novgorod to explore local cultural initiatives. During our visit, we spoke with Evgeny, who discussed his collaboration with Nizhny Novgorod artists from the "Tikhaya" studio. He also shared his experience of training colleagues in manual labor and highlighted the importance of courage in exploring new directions.

About a handcar built for a Georgian narrow-gauge railway and professional self-determination

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The Borjomi - Bakuriani narrow-gauge railway starts high in the mountains and connects two picturesque resorts. Bakuriani is known as one of the most popular ski resorts in Georgia. This railway is not only convenient for traveling between Borjomi and Bakuriani but also offers unique views of the mountain scenery, making the trip unforgettable. Bakuriani's ski slopes attract both experienced and beginner skiers, making it an ideal winter holiday destination.

The railway winds through the mountains and through picturesque terrain with sharp turns, crossing waterfalls, and is a unique engineering feat. Its route includes a bridge designed based on the plans of the famous engineer Gustave Eiffel. This railway was built at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1901 or 1902, by order of the Tsarist government, emphasizing its historical value and significance. The technical solutions and architectural features of this railway make it not only an important transportation hub but also a tourist attraction.

Borjomi is a famous resort town renowned for its mineral springs. The road connecting various points was built for ease of travel and offers magnificent views of the surrounding natural landscapes. The route is 40 kilometers long, and the elevation gain exceeds one kilometer, making this place especially picturesque and attractive to tourists. Borjomi is an ideal choice for those who value health and the beauty of nature.

I learned about this during quarantine and a year later decided to visit this place. I was informed that this section of the road is currently not in use.

For four years, I regularly visited this place and each time I encountered various difficulties mentioned. A year ago, an idea occurred to me: it would be interesting to ride along this section of the road in a homemade vehicle. I realized that for this I would need to create an electric rubber tire.

I completely forgot about it for a year. Around December 10th, an idea occurred to me and I remembered. Suddenly, I called my friends and started convincing them: "Guys, I want to implement this project." They replied, "We might not be able to participate in this."

I said, "Okay, then we'll do it without you." I quickly developed the drawings in CorelDRAW, thought out the functionality, and completed the assembly in two weeks. Then we disassembled the structure, loaded it onto a truck, and headed to Borjomi.

We arrived and had a great ride on it.

Track gauge is an important parameter in rail transport and affects the stability and safety of train movement. The standard track gauge varies depending on the type of railway. In most countries, the track gauge is 1,435 mm, which is the international standard. However, there are other options, such as narrow-gauge railways with a track gauge of 1,000 mm or 760 mm, which are used in specific conditions. The choice of track gauge depends on many factors, including geographical features, the type of rolling stock, and historical traditions. Proper track gauge determination is key to ensuring efficient and safe train operation.

The track gauge is 900 millimeters, typical for the southern regions of the former USSR. Similar railways are almost nonexistent in the world, and this one is one of the few that is still traversable. However, the condition of the tracks leaves much to be desired: they are worn out, and nails are falling out due to the age of the structure. Despite this, travel on this track is still possible.

This year, significantly more snow fell than usual. We chose locations for our trips where there was no ice, which allowed us to safely enjoy the winter scenery. We traveled about a kilometer and a half, doing this four times, after which we left our equipment with friends until spring. In the next couple of months, we plan to cover the entire 40-kilometer route to enjoy the beauty of winter nature and outdoor activities.

The handcar does not need any modifications. It was assembled the first time, and all its functions work properly.

I observe you and I see that you do not have thoughts about the impossible. Instead, you are focused on finding an engineering solution. For you, everything is a problem that needs to be solved. Am I right? Is this an innate quality or the result of your experience and training?

In either case, it can be achieved. The only important thing is to take the time to reflect, conduct a group discussion, or seek the opinions of others. This will help you rethink the situation and find the optimal solution.

Most likely, this is not just an innate quality, but the result of acquired skills and experience. Interest in the world around us is formed through observation and study. When I travel, I carefully examine the architecture, cultural characteristics, and details that surround me. I turn everything in my path, take photographs, capturing moments and details that may be important. In this way, I not only remember places but also learn how the world works, and this enriches my experience.

Creating a document that can be used for future reference is an important aspect of effective work. This approach allows you to retain information and return to it in the future for further use. Properly structured content not only makes it easier to access the necessary data but also increases productivity. Using high-quality material promotes a better understanding of the topic and facilitates the work process.

This cart is a striking example of the combination of mechanics and electronics. Standard disc brakes were not suitable for its design, so they were developed from scratch. I also created the sprockets that transmit torque from the motor myself. The furniture manufacturer likely lacks such technical knowledge and experience.

Did you consult with experts or look for blueprints of old Soviet handcars?

I looked for old Soviet blueprints, but came to the conclusion that their design is outdated, and modern technology allows for a much more functional model. It was important to design a handcar that would easily fit into my small SUV. Therefore, I decided to make it foldable and lightweight, so that two people could easily remove it from the car. Using metal disc wheels could have made the cart too heavy, which was also taken into account during the design process.

How do you define yourself in the context of all your projects? Do you consider yourself a designer, an auto mechanic, an artist, or perhaps a handcar construction specialist?

I'm not sure, it's a really difficult question. It's probably a combination of various factors. I'd prefer not to classify myself as one.

About the "At a Different Angle" Lab

We met at the "At a Different Angle" lab, and I'm curious what inspired you to start teaching designers and artists skills like modeling, welding, and 3D printing? Why do you consider these skills important for creative professionals?

We wanted to create a hands-on school that would allow participants to stay with our company and engage in creative work, production, or outreach. We are currently reviewing ideas for a second season and want to implement them on a larger scale. Our goal is not only to educate, but also to inspire further work in the creative industries.

Season two promises to be even more exciting and intriguing. We plan to delve deeper into character development, uncover new storylines, and surprise viewers with unexpected twists. The writing team is already working on new episodes to create captivating content that will attract both new and loyal fans. Stay tuned for updates and announcements that will reveal details of the upcoming events.

We held an open call across the country and received applications from cities such as Sochi, Novosibirsk, Samara, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. The problem was that not all candidates were willing to travel to Nizhny Novgorod for a month. This presented a challenge for many, especially considering that less than a week remained between the announcement of the results and the start of the program.

In season two, we will extend the timeframe to allow more participants to prepare. However, the main difficulty is that creating any project requires significant time. We realized that before starting production, we needed to spend at least a week with the participants. This time will allow us to strengthen team spirit and create conditions for mutual assistance.

The first season was an important stage, which, in our opinion, was successful. Our experienced team helped us avoid many problems, which allowed us to achieve high results.

During the first lab work, I realized the importance practical application of theoretical knowledge. This allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the material and see how the concepts covered in class are implemented in practice. I also realized the importance of teamwork and communication with colleagues to achieve common goals. In addition, I learned to analyze results and draw conclusions, which is a key skill in scientific research. Overall, my first lab was an important step towards my professional development.

I am sometimes surprised that not everyone realizes the opportunities that participation in such projects offers them. Often, those who you would not expect to actively fight for the results of their work show their best. In this project, there were two participants who one would hardly suspect of being so persistent in achieving success and creating their own projects.

What do you mean by "fight"?

One of the lab participants had a complex project that required a special approach to both materials and production processes. She proved herself to be a true fighter, demonstrating persistence and creativity. Despite the limited number of hours allotted to the task, she was determined to implement her idea exactly as she imagined. It was important not to refuse her this, not to say: "You can't do it because of lack of time or insufficient experience."

When you need to communicate to someone that their plan requires significant resources and effort, it is important to do so tactfully and constructively. You can say: "I noticed that your plan may require more resources and effort than originally anticipated. Perhaps you should consider alternative approaches or simplify some steps." Or: "Your project is interesting, but given your current resources, you may need to rethink some aspects of it to make it more realistic." This approach will convey the need to revise the plan without negative emotions and will help you find optimal solutions.

I prefer straightforwardness. Should I say no? They have already been explained that this will not be easy and will require significant effort. In response, they said, "Okay."

If everyone agrees, proceed with completing the project, as we have an exhibition planned. It is important to meet the deadline. Invite friends and children, as well as your father-in-law, to support you in this process.

Initially, it was assumed that they would be able to handle all the tasks on their own. We provided them with support, but did not take on all the work.

We tried to convey that there are certain nuances that can affect the quality of the completed work. However, overall, they are capable of completing the task on time.

While working with fiberglass in an infrared oven, an incident occurred when we forgot to turn off the equipment. As a result, the matrix from which we were removing the fiberglass completely melted. This circumstance stopped our production process for an entire day, which was a significant disappointment. Nevertheless, despite this situation, we were able to complete the planned tasks.

Work tends to fill the entire allotted time. If you set a deadline for a task, for example, not a week, but two or even a month, then it will be completed within that time. This phenomenon is related to procrastination and how we allocate our time resources. Setting clear deadlines can increase productivity and help you complete tasks faster.

It is necessary to reduce the time allocated for task completion. This will allow you to increase work efficiency and focus on more important aspects. Reducing the time spent on tasks improves overall productivity and helps avoid process delays.

You were trying to extend the lab's operating hours, right?

It would be great to allocate more time, however, as you correctly noted, no matter how much time is allocated, it will never be enough. We can work at a leisurely pace for three weeks, but in the fourth week, we'll still have to rush.

A Gantt chart was developed for each project participant, visualizing the timeframes for task completion. Every day, we analyzed the results and assessed each participant's progress. This practice allowed us to effectively monitor progress and make timely adjustments to the process.

Some people need 30 hours to complete a task, while others need 90. Initially, Nastya's work was not included in the scope of this project, as the time planned for it significantly exceeded the lab's limitations. Nevertheless, we believed it could be an interesting experience and decided to take the risk. Nastya also decided to take this step. She really did come to the opening and stayed 5-6 hours longer after closing.

About the bureau's projects and attitude

The question of whether there are projects that I refuse or that I fundamentally do not take on is important for understanding professional ethics and standards. I adhere to certain criteria when selecting projects to ensure high-quality work and compliance with my principles. I prefer to avoid projects that contradict my values ​​or do not meet quality standards. This allows me to focus on those tasks that bring satisfaction and align with my professional goals.

Today there were three projects, which make up about 90% of our work.

Refusing was not an easy decision. I thought long and hard about all the pros and cons before making the final decision. The reasons for refusing are related to personal circumstances and the desire for more harmonious development in other areas. It is important to consider that every choice shapes our path and opens up new opportunities. Although this decision may seem difficult, I am confident that it was the right one for me at this time.

The text doesn't spark interest.

We prefer public spaces filled with art, rather than the private interiors of apartments and country houses. Our passion lies in creating unique public spaces that inspire and unite people. We also value serial projects that harmoniously fit into the urban landscape and contribute to the development of the cultural environment.

We are constantly working on improving our products. This spring, we plan to launch new tables for summer patios with folding tabletops. This solution has long proven itself in Europe and has become popular among users. We are actively developing this project and expect its implementation in the coming month.

In an interview with Interior + Design, you mentioned that when creating the first batch of chairs, you compiled a defect catalog. Is this an ironic remark, or does such a document actually exist?

It is an authentic document, containing approximately 30 pages. It contains high-quality photographs in which the defects are clearly highlighted in red. Each nonconformity is accompanied by a description explaining the nature of the problem and the reasons for its occurrence.

Is it updated?

There is currently no up-to-date data.

Defects do not occur without a reason. If a process is free of vulnerabilities, then defects should not appear. Causes may include negligence or deliberate interference. It is important to understand that the stability of a process depends on its clarity and control. Therefore, to prevent defects, it is necessary to carefully analyze and eliminate possible deficiencies.

When choosing between ergonomics, aesthetics, and concept, it is important to consider that each of these aspects plays a role in creating a quality product. Ergonomics ensures comfort and ease of use, which is especially important for users. Aesthetics, in turn, creates visual appeal and can attract the attention of potential customers, strengthening the emotional connection with the product. Concept unites all elements and sets the overall direction of development, determining how the product will be perceived in the market. Thus, a harmonious combination of ergonomics, aesthetics, and concept is key to successful design.

All aspects of an object's development matter. If we are creating a product that will be used, all of its characteristics are critical. Aesthetics account for 34% of the overall perception, ergonomics for 32%, and concept for 31%. Each of these components influences the overall quality and functionality of the product.

About working with artists

Artem Filatov's project for Cosmoscow is a unique combination of artistic expression and engineering solutions. This project utilized innovative technologies to create an atmosphere that immerses the viewer in the world of art. One of the key engineering solutions was the use of modern materials and methods, which ensured not only the aesthetic appeal but also the functionality of the objects.

However, as with any complex project, there were pitfalls. One of the challenges was interacting with various contractors and suppliers, which sometimes led to delays in completion. Furthermore, the need to maintain high safety and structural stability standards added complexity to the implementation process. Few people know that numerous tests were conducted throughout the project to ensure the reliability and durability of the structures. This helped avoid potential future problems and guarantee viewers a safe experience with the installations. Artem Filatov's project for Cosmoscow was not only a manifestation of creativity but also an example of how engineering can serve art, creating unforgettable experiences. The graphic series "Everything Will Disappear" includes three environmentally sensitive drawings and sculptures created to protect them. The drawings were created using an aniline dye known as "brilliant green" or zelenka. This dye is susceptible to fading when exposed to light, which imposes significant restrictions on the owners of the works. Storing such drawings requires special folders, and each viewing leads to a shortening of their lifespan. All responsibility for the condition of the images lies with the owner, who must make decisions about displaying the works. This unique feature makes the "Everything Will Disappear" series not only artistic but also conceptual work, highlighting the fragility and temporariness of art.

Each drawing has a dedicated storage sculpture designed to protect the fragile work and give it an impressive spatial presence. These sculptures are made of metal and feature unique mechanisms such as an extra-long drawer (the "Long Drawer"), a secret mechanism (the "Shame Box"), and a specific corner mount (the "Urn"). These elements transform the process of storing and viewing the drawing into a ritual, emphasizing the importance of each work of art.

The more information you provide, the less there is to further develop the theme. These projects required careful design. I don't have 3D modeling skills, so I have to create everything in 2D, like with a handcar.

Artem Filatov and I worked on a complex project, paying special attention to the collapsible elements. The "Long Box" project was the first to use industrial CNC machine guides, allowing the box to extend a significant distance without sagging. To ensure the box could open one and a half meters, a special button was developed to activate the mechanism, as well as a folding leg for additional stability.

Solutions had to be proposed with such certainty to avoid subsequent redesigns. Unfortunately, this led to a number of difficulties within the team. I questioned the designers' decisions, as they seemed insufficiently justified to me. This could lead to mechanism failure during operation. It is important to work out the details in advance and consider possible risks to avoid problems in the future.

The "Box of Shame" had a complex mechanism that required the use of numerous 3D-printed components. One of the key components was the manufacture of a large round bearing for the handle. This solution ensured smooth and precise rotation of the handle, significantly improving the functionality of the device. The use of 3D printing ensured high precision and an individual approach to the creation of parts, which made the mechanism more reliable and efficient.

This is a unique object, and in case of a breakdown, the owner will contact you in Nizhny Novgorod for repairs, right?

An incident occurred at the Cosmoscow exhibition that emphasizes the importance of following instructions when interacting with Exhibition objects. There was a pick at the stand, but one visitor, without familiarizing himself with the rules, attempted to open the "Long Drawer" without pressing the button. As a result, the mechanism jammed, and repairing it required disassembling the entire structure. This incident occurred late in the day, and a show was scheduled for the following day. Artyom called to report the problem. We immediately traveled to Moscow and were able to quickly resolve the situation, restoring the drawer's functionality by the morning. This experience highlights the need to inform visitors about the rules for interacting with our exhibits to avoid unforeseen situations.

The art object must include protection from imprudent actions. This is necessary for the safety of the work of art and to ensure safe interaction with it. Foolproofing helps prevent damage and unwanted situations, which is especially important in public spaces or exhibitions. Creating such measures is an important aspect of the design process for art objects, ensuring their durability and the ability to enjoy the art without risk to viewers or the work itself.

Protection from unintended actions is necessary, but it does not guarantee complete safety.

An art object is the creation of an artist or collective, which can take various forms, including sculptures, installations, paintings, and other art forms. Art objects are often created to convey specific ideas, emotions, or concepts, as well as to interact with the public. In contemporary art, an art object can be both traditional and experimental, allowing one to explore the boundaries of artistic expression. It is important to note that art objects not only decorate a space but can also provoke profound reflection on social, cultural, and philosophical issues.

Not everything always goes according to plan. Sometimes unexpected situations arise that are hard to imagine.

An artist might approach me with a collaboration proposal, as happened with Artem Filatov. We met through a shared environment and artistic interests, which became the starting point for our collaboration. Such meetings open new horizons and allow us to realize joint creative ideas.

About 15 years ago, I was creating graffiti with Artem Filatov and Nikita Nomerz. We immersed ourselves in the world of street art, experimenting with different styles and techniques. This time became an important stage in our development and self-expression through artistic creativity. Graffiti allowed us not only to express our individuality but also to create unique works that became part of urban culture.

We met in the past, but then our paths diverged. I began painting in more challenging conditions, painting on train cars and in the subway. About five or six years ago, our paths crossed again through shared interests, when I already had my own studio. We began implementing our first joint projects. One of the first was the art piece "Tree of Time" for School 800 in Nizhny Novgorod, created by Artem Filatov and Anton Morokov. This project has become an important stage in our creative work and has helped strengthen our collaboration.

Everyone was very pleased with the result. After that, our collaboration began, and all the specialists from the Tikhaya studio started contacting us.

Artists often face difficulties when creating art objects, spending a lot of time on their own experiments, which can may not lead to the desired result. An alternative is to invest significantly in professional services, which guarantees a high-quality result. This approach allows you to be confident that the artwork will meet the high standards required for an international exhibition. Professional assistance in the creation of art objects ensures not only quality but also the confidence to present your work at prestigious venues.

Artists today prefer collaboration, jointly developing various production options for their products and implementing them. This allows for the creation of unique products that reflect both the artist's creative approach and high quality standards. Collaboration opens up new opportunities for innovation and improves the creation process, which ultimately contributes to the successful launch of products on the market.

Authorship of an art object is often divided between the artist and the person responsible for its material embodiment. The question of who is the true author depends on a number of factors, including the degree of participation of each in the creative process. If the artist provides only the idea, and the performer realizes it in material form, then authorship may be recognized as the artist's, but the artist's contribution is taken into account. However, if the artist makes significant contributions to the concept or interpretation of an idea, this may lead to a division of copyright. It's important to remember that authorship in art is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a clear understanding of the roles and contributions of each participant. Properly drafting agreements and contracts can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in the future.

The artist always remains the author of their work. The idea underlying the work belongs to him, and all the merits associated with it also belong to him.

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