“Flat-Packed & on the way”
A brief story of an Ikea Journey that has produced new life and freedom
By David Cadena, An Ikea Co-Worker
“It’s the Journey and not the destination that Matters”
Note: This text is organized in a musical fashion. It’s a compilation of fragments of a story that’s being written on the way. The tale of a journey in process of becoming. Inspired by ”The future is filled with opportunities or the Philosophical story about Ikea”
Contents 0 “The future is filled with opportunities” [an Introduction to My Journey] 0.1. ”Flat Packed Dreams” 0.2. “A constant desire for renewal”
1 “David: Here to Help” [On- Site Experience at Ikea Rhodes, Australia] A tale of Togetherness and Enthusiasm, 2014-2016 1.1. Dreams Planning & Democratic Design Planning dreamed Kitchens for the many people. 1.2 Paper Boy “Striving to meet Reality” Passion for Ikea Catalogues and the power of Bookbooks.
2 “Humbleness and Willpower” [The link between life at Ikea and my academic interests] 2.0. “A strong symbol can tell a long story without saying a word” 2.1. Time, Space, Existence
3 S-Keys Toolbox:
Testament of an Ikea Co-worker On the way
4 The Basics 4.1 Contact 4.2 Availability 4.3 Language 4.4 Downloads & Links
0 “The future is filled with opportunities” [an Introduction to My Journey]
[Intro] My Ikea Journey started in 2014. Parallel to my job as a kitchen planner, I have been developing my studies in Architectural Theory and Sustainable Ecologies in the University of Sydney. I believe in the Ikea Culture as an emancipatory reality that reflects a life style that advocates for Simplicity, Humbleness and Willpower.
0.1 “Flat Packed Dreams“ My academic work and my job at Ikea are complementary. Ikea constitutes an engine, a translator of dreams into reality. In Early 2016 I was selected to participate in a joined effort between the University of Auckland and the University of Sydney to produce an exhibition for the Venice Biennale 2016; In this scenario, parallel to my days at the company, a fantasy became a palpable fact.
0.2 “A constant desire for renewal” During my period working at the Venice Biennale 2016, I had the opportunity to visit the Netherlands; in this trip I felt a deep connection with Dutch cities and I decided I would spend there one year of working holidays to get the chance of a cultural immersion and to learn a new language. It’s a desire for renewal that takes me to Holland. Furthermore, Working at Ikea Would be an ideal articulator of my experience overseas. In fact, I believe, the Ikea concept, in the context of Dutch culture would be a great combination to enhance my experience and cultural exchange.
1 “David: Here to Help� [On- Site Experience at Ikea Rhodes, Australia] A tale of Togetherness and Enthusiasm 2014-2016
1.1 Dreams Planning & Democratic Design Planning dreamed Kitchens for the many people. In the Last two years I’ve helped Ikea Customers planning and dreaming their kitchens. I have got a great experience going through thousands of plans, dreamed pieces of flat packed assemblages; building dreams out of flat packs. For the last 3 months I’ve been spending quality time with customers, developing solutions for their specific needs thanks to our new 2 hour Planning sessions service in-store.
1.2 Paper Boy “Striving to meetReality” Passion for Ikea Catalogues and the power of Bookbooks. I help my department keeping all our range of catalogues in stock. I’m passionate for printed publications, therefore, I believe in our prints as the initial seeds for buyers to get in love with our products. I’ve lifted and organized 100’s of thousands of buying guides so that they’re ready on time on the hands of our visitors. Potential Customers!.
2 “Humbleness and Willpower� [Links between life at Ikea and my academic interests]
Maria Reiche studying the Nazca lines on the Peruvian desert. Picture by Bruce Chatwin
2.0 “A strong symbol can tell a long story without saying a word” Maria Reiche, German Mathematician and Archaeologist, used to walk the Peruvian desert with an aluminum step ladder on her shoulder. While us on the ground only see stones and gravel, Reiche, a few steps above, saw an emancipatory reality, a new landscape “from where stones became birds, flowers, trees ”1. The Nazca Lines. As Maria Reiche, who envisaged a new landscape just a few steps above, I strongly believe in the power of simplicity, The power of ‘good results with small means’. It’s a philosophy that articulates my Life Project ; nurtures my academic interests and relates to my life at Ikea.
2.1 Time, Space, Existence This image was chosen to represent the spirit of The Venice Biennale 2016, therefore, inspired my work for the exhibition Time, Space, Existence; currently displayed at Palazzo Mora, in Venice. For more details, please refer to the links in “4. The Basics”
1. Alejandro Aravena, Biennale Curator Interview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKzZqBXdh0Y
3 S- Keys Toolbox Testament of an Ikea Co-worker on The Way
“Most things still remain to be done”
[Synthesis] Portable set of sensorial tools that contribute to a better life at home for the many. A product of my passion for furniture, architecture and interaction with people.
1. Senses: Touch, Sight Sound, Smell and Taste. “The Fourth Dimension� of life at home.
2. Spirit Keep the set of values and Ikea Culture at the heart of every activity.
3. Sympathy Embrace the sense of togetherness, team work and collaborative Growth.
4 The Basics
4.1 Contact David Cadena AU: +61 451248568 david.hcg@gmail.com
4.2 Availability I’m Moving to The Netherlands on the first week of November/ 2016 and will have valid work/ residence permit for one year through the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS)
4.3 Language I’m passionate for languages: I can Speak English & Spanish, Have an Italian Advanced Level and Basic French knowledge. I’m Going to study Dutch in The Netherlands.
4.4 Downloads & Links Explore the Venice Biennale 2016 exhibition “Zoon Politikon” App.
Download the Zoon Politikon App. from the App Store or Google Play and explore my work. “Kheirourgos, Scenography” Go to www.zoonpolitikonapp.com Visit our travelling Blog http://sydneyatvenice.com/profiles/david-cadena
Work Portfolio and other publications available at issuu.com Google “David Cadena Professional Portfolio” or go to:
https://issuu.com/davidcadena_portfolio/docs/david_cadena_professi onal_portfolio_a88ac6292c7591
Notes
Printed at midday on the 7th of October 2016, Sydney, Australia Designed to be re-printed in booklet format