A chat with designer Anna Badur

Continuing our series on the up-and-coming talents shaping Berlin's contemporary design scene, we recently sat down with German-born Anna Badur to catch up and to get her thoughts on the city's ongoing creative appeal. 

Originally from the northern coast of Germany, designer Anna Badur moved to Berlin in 2013 after graduating from the prestigious Design Academy Eindhoven. Known for her experimental furniture, textile, and accessories, Badur finds her inspiration in nature—and, in particular, the often moody, “melancholic beauty” of her hometown of Nordern, characterized by rough rains, winds, and the tides of the North Sea. Her poetic, process-driven work frequently references the rhythmic ebb and flow of this natural environment, and, at times, as in the cases of Drawn by Nature (2012) and Whatever the Weather Collection (2014), even harnesses the power of natural forces like wind and water to determine objects’ aesthetics.

While Badur’s inspiration is decidedly organic, urban life offers a powerful cultural counterbalance and an opportunity to connect with other artistically minded people. “To me, Berlin is a place for exchange. I love to share a studio space with other creatives from different fields such as fashion, art, and carpentry. As a designer, I see my work quite often in between many fields, and it can be very inspiring and helpful to have people around you who are also creatives but in another profession.”

When asked how the city’s ongoing changes affect her outlook as a designer, Badur tells us, “I think this process of gentrification is happening in any bigger city, and the phenomenon is something that we can't change or stop. I wish we [could]. But unfortunately money is power. Of course raising rents is a problem for all creative people and will push their workspaces further outside of the center or even make them leave Berlin at some point. This would be sad. But,” she says, at the same time, “I love that Berlin is international.”

*This story is part of a series on the emerging talents helping define Berlin’s contemporary design landscape. Get to know more of the new generation of designers—and their thoughts about their chosen hometown—by clicking below. 

• Text by

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    Anna Carnick

    Anna is Pamono’s Managing Editor. Her writing has appeared in several arts and culture publications, and she's edited over 20 books. Anna loves celebrating great artists, and seriously enjoys a good picnic.

• Photos by

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    Ramtin Zanjani

    Beyond his role as Pamono’s Head of Photography, Ramtin has honed his keen eye through years of product shoots, art direction, advertising, and documentary work. He doesn’t like to talk about it, but he has some searing photographs available at SaatchiArt.com.