Index Living Mall Public Company Limited (ILM) continues its mission for sustainability in society (ESG) for the second year by creating products in collaboration with local communities, one region per year. Recently, it has expanded to the northern region by developing products with the cultural village of wood carving in Kiu Lan Noi, San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai. This showcases the charm of Lanna-style wood carving craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations for nearly 60 years, highlighting the exquisite and valuable handicrafts integrated with modernity in the Living Furniture collection named 'Kieng Tua', designed in Lannavian style while preserving local cultural identity. This collection perfectly meets contemporary lifestyle needs while elevating the local economy and supporting income generation within the community, alongside promoting the handicrafts from cultural wisdom to a broader audience for sustainable growth.

Ms. Kritchanok Patmasathayasnithi, Managing Director of Index Living Mall Public Company Limited, the leading retailer of furniture, home goods, and home decor, revealed that Index Living Mall remains committed to sustainability (ESG) in all dimensions, both social and environmental (Environmental Social and Governance), driven by the concept of "Sustainable Living for Future Lifestyle." Recently, the company has continued its mission to develop products in collaboration with local communities under the project of developing products with local communities, one region per year. In the first year, the company worked in the southern region with the 'Bai Mai' group from Kiri Wong community in Nakhon Si Thammarat, developing organic tie-dye crafts into bedroom and living room furniture in the 'Happy Vacation' collection. For the second year, the company has expanded to the northern region to create products with the 'Kiu Lan Noi community' in San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai, which is a cultural village renowned for Lanna-style wood carving craftsmanship. This craftsmanship has been passed down through generations for nearly 60 years, ensuring that 100% handmade carving remains a valuable handicraft. The collection 'Kieng Tua' incorporates the beautiful patterns of wood carving into the Living Room furniture, interpreting modern furniture design while seamlessly connecting local wisdom with contemporary design.

The inspiration for the design of the 'Kieng Tua' collection in Lannavian Style Furniture is an expression of the art from the spirit and culture of Lanna, incorporating the patterns and postures of elephants, a beloved animal of the northern people, and the dok phut flower, a hallmark of the wood carving community in Kiu Lan Noi, Chiang Mai. These elements are combined with geometric triangular wood carving techniques across four series of furniture: 1) Kieng Tua: Sideboard features a sliding door design with carved wood matched with a patterned glass of dok phut flowers, adding texture and warmth with warm white lighting. 2) Kieng Tua: Shelving Unit showcases the beauty of intricate wood carving patterns. 3) Kieng Tua: Coffee Table + Side Table incorporates the curves reminiscent of an elephant's body in the design of the coffee table, complemented by a black side table carved with elephant patterns, inspired by the companionship of elephants with logs, adding an artistic touch to the home. 4) Kieng Tua: Armchair features a curved design resembling an elephant's trunk on the armrest, enhancing the design while providing a relaxing seating experience.

The design that conveys cultural stories combined with modernity makes this furniture collection perfectly suited to contemporary lifestyles and caters to a broader customer base, including GEN Z-X (ages 35-55) with income levels B to A. This also aligns with the global trend of eco-friendliness, which is increasingly prioritized by consumers and businesses alike, especially in the real estate and hotel sectors, leading to a higher demand for environmentally friendly products. It is projected that by 2030, the global Eco-Friendly Furniture market will be valued at over $81.9 billion, growing at an average rate of 8.0% (2023-2030), nearly doubling from $47.8 billion in 2023 (Source: Krungthai COMPASS).

Ms. Kritchanok stated that working closely with the Kiu Lan Noi community has been an exchange of ideas between artistic wood carving and industrial design and production processes to develop this collection to its fullest potential. This has been a challenge requiring collaborative study. The wood used for carving is surplus teak from the community, which must be joined together beautifully through the intricate carving techniques that are a community wisdom requiring special expertise. Additionally, modern design techniques have been incorporated, such as triangular graphic patterns carved into the wood by ILM, enhancing the community's ideas to create contemporary pieces that can appeal to a wider customer base. The 'Kieng Tua' collection not only meets the lifestyle needs of people but also harmoniously integrates nature, culture, and ways of life, leading to true sustainability, in line with ILM's commitment to driving business with a comprehensive focus on sustainability (ESG). This marks a development in social and environmental dimensions, preserving Lanna wisdom and art for broader recognition while supporting local economic growth, creating environmentally friendly products by using rubber wood that can no longer produce latex as the main structure of the furniture, and promoting the wise use of resources by repurposing old teak from the community to build a sustainable society and environment together.

Ms. Amphon Srihata, leader of the Kiu Lan Noi wood carving community in Chiang Mai, stated, "This is the first time that the Kiu Lan Noi community has collaborated to develop wood carving into large products like furniture, which is a very new experience. Although we have been involved in wood carving for decades, it is important to note that Lanna-style wood carving has been intertwined with my family for nearly 60 years, passed down through generations. Starting from learning to carve wood with dok phut flower patterns, we have incorporated the dok phut flower into the design elements of the 'Kieng Tua' collection. Additionally, we have included patterns of elephants, animals that the Lanna people regard as majestic and deeply connected to their way of life, whether it be sourcing wood, logging, or living amidst the forest together, as if the elephants are companions helping each other. Working with Index Living Mall and the Kiu Lan Noi community has been enjoyable, as we have collaborated on every step, sharing valuable experiences. The community has gained insights into industrial production perspectives, while we have also shared knowledge about carving techniques, limitations, and various aspects of wood carving with the Index team. We would like to thank the management and all team members for giving the community team the opportunity to showcase their work on carved wooden furniture, serving as another channel to communicate and promote Thai culture in Lanna style to a wider audience. This has also led to income generation and the development of skills for all craftsmen in the Kiu Lan Noi community. Every piece in this collection is a source of pride for us, and we invite art enthusiasts to experience the dedication and passion we have put into the LANNA-THAI STYLE FURNITURE. We believe 'Kieng Tua' will serve as a bridge connecting warm and sincere local culture with contemporary styles harmoniously."

Join us in driving income for local communities while experiencing the essence of Lanna style with the Lannavian design furniture in the 'Kieng Tua' collection at https://bit.ly/4lnM2FV and shop at Index Living Mall's 8 branches nationwide, including Saraburi, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Kaset-Nawamin, Bangna, Rattanathibet, Phuket, Hua Hin, or shop easily online at www.indexlivingmall.com. For inquiries, call 1379.