Back in November, we shared a bit about the Obsidian Virtual Concept House, the first initiative of the The Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG), a non-profit organization founded by Malene Barnett to counter the lack of representation of Black talent and culture in the design industry. The global platform represents a curated selection of independent Black designers, artists and makers spanning various disciplines and to accomplish their inaugural project they tapped 23 of their members and two rising creators to conceptualize the future of a Black family home as if it was the year 2025. Virtually located in Oakland Hills, California, the futuristic Obsidian Virtual Concept House is “addressing decades of environmental injustice and offering creators an opportunity to share their ingenuity and Afri-centric perspectives on the home,” says Barnett.
Each designer conceptualized their space following four principles – innovation, technology, sustainability and futurism – through seven fundamentals – Wellness, Identity, Sustenance, Terra, Legacy, Ancestral Futures and Dwelling. The project celebrates Black creativity and culture while “changing the narrative on defining spaces in the home,” shares Everick Brown, BADG-Creator and Obsidian committee member. “We want to invite new conversations about the space of the home as a place of thriving for Black families.”
Below is a sampling of the 25 spaces designed for the Obsidian Virtual Concept House:
Sankofa: Legacy Wall (Feature Wall) by Malene Barnett of Malene Barnett
Analog Vestibule (Recreation, Utility Room, Landing & Terraces) by Everick Brown of Everick Brown Design
Soul Center (Center) + Family Foyer (Entry/Family Cleansing/Cleanse) by Kelly Finley of Joy Street Design
The Barka Dal – ‘An Abundance of Welcome’ (Cleanse/Pause) by Cheryl Umbles of Cheryl Umbles Interior Design
The Wellness Suit (Workout/Wellness/Steam) by Kīyonda Powell of Kīyonda Powell Design Studio
The Royal Bedroom Oasis (Sleep/Terrace/Sun/Dress) by Marie Burgos of Marie Burgos Design
Moon House (Rest/Lounge/Cook/Clean/Wash) by Cristina Casanas-Judd & General Judd of Me and General Design
A Place of Retreat and Respite (Sleep & Cleanse) by Bernadette Berry of b-framework
The Umoja Room (Hang Out/Learn/Play) by Lisa Turner of Interior Obsession
The Atlantic (Lounge/Cook/Terrace + Wade/Swim/Water) by Anishka Clarke & Niya Bascom of Ishka Designs
The Obsidian Virtual Concept House rendering
In addition to the unveiling of the Obsidian Virtual Concept House interior, the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) is celebrating throughout the month of February with the OBSIDIAN EXPERIENCE where the house will be explored further, along with live discussions designed to encourage thoughtful conversations about the home being a place of thriving for one million Black families. For more information, visit the OBSIDIAN EXPERIENCE at badguild.info and to support the BADG, click here!
