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P R O J E C T
R E S E A R C H R E P O R T
C O N T E N T S
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I N T R O D U C T I O N Page 4-11
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R E S E A R C H Page 12-83
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I D E A T I O N Page 84-99
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D E V E L O P M E N T Page 100-165
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O U T C O M E Page 166-181
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S U M M A R Y Page 184-186
THE BRIEF
To design a contemporary piece of furniture for the Danish company Bolia.com in collab with Steelcase for the workplace sector taking a sustainable approach. CONTEXT
After working 10 months for a commercial interiors company Insightful Environments partnered with Steelcase. I discovered the rapid change workplace design. Employees no longer just want to turn up to work they want to be inspired. On placement I discovered the influence that Scandinavian
furniture had on interiors. Working with Steelcase they recently collaborated with Bolia.com to expand their portfolio to have more homelier or ‘Hygge’ feeling products for specification in the workplace. You can see in most offices this influence in collaboration and break out areas. Bolia products are aesthetically
focused a natural minimal look for everyday functions. I wanted to design a product for the Danish company and focus on sustainability as I’d also discovered the demand for environmental ratings from clients when specifying furniture on placement.
Introduction | Brief
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APPROACH
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Introduction | Approach
“Every design we do, is with the purpose of being able to fit the Steelcase collection as well as our retail collection. The main guidelines for creating a design, which matches our DNA is to have sustainability, quality, craftsmanship, creativity and strength as a foundation for all designs. A design needs to have a Nordic reference, but a global appeal.” Kristina Øhlenschläger Larsen Product Manager Bolia International A/S
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Introduction | Approach
After reaching out to Lars Lyse Hansen the CEO of Bolia via LinkedIn I contacted him about doing a project within Bolias branding. I had also spoken to the lead sales team member for Bolia x Steelcase Chris Newman about the project both were positive and looking forward to seeing the outcome. The email to the left you can see is my contact with the product manager at Bolia about their design DNA. This I felt was very close to my own design ethos.
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SPECIFICATION
Who - Workplace employees, designers and architects. Where - Various small furniture types to be targeted at break-out and collaboration spaces in workplace. Why - To explore sustainable materials, the Scandinavian influence and change in culture within workplaces. What - The product will be aesthetically fitting, minimal, clean and natural within Bolias DNA. When - In response to the rapid change of workplace design and culture.
Hyatt Headquarters, Chicago - Architect, Gensler
Introduction | Specification
R E S E A R
C H
WHO ARE BOLIA?
Bolia are a Danish design company that puts creativity at the heart of everything they do. Inspired by nature, honest materials, fashion, art and music, they launch two annual design collections created by some of the world’s finest designers. My exposure to Bolia came from my placement at Insightful Environments and Steelcase. Working alongside many suppliers Bolia was one of our most preferred partners.
Simple, minimal design
Research | Bolia.com
Nordic aesthetic
Pastel pantones
Here are some of the key items I took from their sustainability ethos. “Each design is built to last a lifetime and each detail is thoughtout, tried, tested and a result of months, and maybe years, of hard work and. Every component serves a greater purpose and is born with a sustainable mindset to ensure longevity and incredibleness.� They describe the work to be done by craftsmen who have a passion for sustainability. They work with organic, biodegradable wood from sustainable forestry, and why all their wood is FSC-certified.
Research | Bolia.com Sustainabilty
OEKO-TEX
Ocean Fabric
I started to explore Bolia’s sustainability whilst also looking into material and processes that I would use for my own project. The sustainable materials Bolia use are; OEKO-TEX, Bergo fabric (waste material fabric), FSC™certified wood, Traceable, Italian leather, Ocean fabric (made from excess oil industry materials).
Traceable leather
FSC Wood
Bergo Fabric
“Sustainability is the starting point for every new piece. All the way from the design to the materials, packaging, transportation and to the final product, we are making many sustainable decisions, but the one we believe matters the most; is designing beautiful products that are built to last for many years.”
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“Designers explore new ways to design functional and aesthetically beautiful designs without straining the environment. SUSTAINABILITY
I started to explore Bolias sustainability within their design and manufacturing. I found that they use a range of sustainable materials including OEKO-TEX, Bergo fabric (waste material fabric), FSC™-certified wood, Traceable, Italian leather, Ocean fabric (made from excess oil industry materials). Sustainability is clearly embedded into Bolias ethos, however I wanted to delve deeper into the area with my own material sources.
Our main goal is to build furniture that will last a lifetime, that will be loved forever and that will stand the test day in, day out for generations.”
Research | Bolia Sustainability
Bolia have a wide range of minimal, natural aesthetic products all targeted at retail. Their collaboration with Steelcase is slightly more limited. They have a wide variety of designers who develop their sofas, chairs, tables and accessories. Using a range of materials from marble, timber and metals to ceramics and Jesmonite. I wanted to focus on smaller products for the minor looking at side tables, coffee tables, decorative accessories and shelving units. Too many functions or innovation wouldn’t fit within Bolia.com brand minimal design ethos - simplicity is key.
Research | Bolia Products
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Leather pocket feature detail Balance between marble and metals Minimal framing £1259 L 1300 / H400 / W550
Natural shape of a honeycomb Removable table top Coloured steel frame allows for storage Strength and lightness £535-860
Comb Table
Piero Coffee Table • • • •
• • • • Drum Table
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Contradiction in construction a marble top with no frame Turned wooden legs into metal fixtures in the top Different heights let you put several together £724-1144
Glass or marble top Variety of sizes Metal support framing Nice balance between vertical and edge thickness’s £359-569
Tuk Table
Research | Bolia.com Side Tables & Benches • • • •
Cushioning bench Stained timber combination with black leather £869 H 420 / W 1140 / D 350
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Oval shaped metal framing Over exessive supporting with floural colourway seating £319 H 480 / W 800 / D 350
Float Bench
Posea Bench • • • • •
Textured leather cushioned seating Marble base, metal framing Overlapping detail £909 H 450 / W 1300 / D 400
• • • • • Hola Bench
Timber structure Cushion extras Tapered legs £409 H 1260 / W 335 / D 420 Berlin Bench
Hannah Sofa, Bolia
Research | Scandi Design
SCANDI DESIGN
Scandinavian design represents a design philosophy that’s characterized by functionality, simplicity, and clean lines.
Keiji Ashizawa Design and Norm Architects
According to its design principles, one should be in harmony with his/her environment, and things should be made to last rather than be replaced. To complement the art of living well, the design philosophy promotes a simple home environment that enhances an unencumbered lifestyle.
PRINCIPLES
The main purpose of Scandinavian design is to improve daily life. To accomplish that, designers focus on interior design style with furniture, lighting, textiles, accessories, and everyday utilitarian items like dishes, silverware, cooking utensils and linens. In Scandinavian interiors, there’s always a strong relationship between design elements and nature. It’s often seen in the stark contrast between abstract and natural shapes, as well as hard and soft surfaces and materials. Natural materials like stone, wood, leather and hemp are used sparingly in most home interiors.
Research | Scandi Design
COPENHAGEN VISIT
As part of my primary research I visited a Bolia retail store in Copenhagen and also at a furniture fair. This gave me a great starting point to develop the project and an overview of the retail range. When observing the products I looked for common traits that build Bolia’s brand identity. I looked through the product range from side tables to decorative accessories looking at materials and finishes. Progressing the project I had a better idea of products I thought might work.
Bolia @ Furniture Fair
Primary Research | Bolia Retail Store
Coco Armchair
Mix Coffee tables
Dark neutral colours
Natural materials
‘Hygge’ settings
Veneer or solid?
Rounded edges, timber and leather
Hand crafted timber
Primary Research | Bolia Retail Store Copenhagen Homeware accesories Pastal colours and marble
Terrazzo decor
Slipcast formation?
Ceramics, sea shell form
Slimline vase
For over 100 years, Steelcase has been bringing human insight to business by studying how people work, wherever they work. Those insights can help organizations achieve a higher level of performance by creating places that unlock the promise of their people. Steelcase began in 1912 as The Metal Office Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From the beginning, studying the workplace and how people work has been our business. In 1914, we received our first patent, for developing a steel wastebasket. As simple as it seems today, a steel wastebasket was a major innovation at a time when straw wastebaskets were a significant office fire hazard. That led to metal desks, and we've led the way with innovative products and services ever since.
WHO ARE STEELCASE
Steelcase is a United States-based furniture company founded in 1912 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company produces office furniture, architectural and technology products for office environments and the education, health care and retail industries. It is the largest office furniture manufacturer in the world. They fairly recently collaborated with Bolia.com two years ago to tackle the rise in domesticating office space.
RESPONSE TO: SCHRODERS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Steelcase Inc. and Empire 07.29.2016 | Confidential
110,000 +
3.1 billion
1912
16
Companies served in the last 5 years
Annual revenue (fiscal 2015)
Company established
Manufacturing locations
650 +
1700 +
12,000 +
no.1
Dealers around the world
Patents worldwide
Employees worldwide
Global market position
Research | Steelcase
EMEA LINC Munich
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Research | Steelcase
STEELCASE PRODUCTS
Working with Steelcase over the 10months gave me a huge insight into their 35mil R+D department. One of the key aspects I learnt was the increase in collaboration areas. People are rebelling against the uninspiring sea of sameness that has come to be known as the office. Why are people migrating away from their desks? What kinds of spaces are they looking for? Studies show that monotony is a huge motivator.
Gensler HQ, San Francisco
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“The world of work has changed. Today, we live in an interconnected world and this has had broad implications for the role of the workplace. Although technology has given people freedom and independence, we still seek out others to get work done.
To effectively tackle today’s business problems, it takes collaboration and co-creation - making the role of the workplace more vital than ever in helping people connect to other people, to information, to their tools and to the culture of their organisation. In a world where connecting and collaborating is vital to success, the role of the workplace is ever changing.”
Research | Workplace
WORKPLACE DESIGN
So where does workplace design come into this? I want to explore the Scandinavian influence and the culture change transforming workplace. The image to the left are Gusto’s office in San Francisco designed by Genslers architects. This example shows how drastically workplaces have transformed to feel more collaborative.
BREEAM, SKA & LEED RATING
On placement I discovered the frequent demand for BREEAM and SKA a sustainability rating for offices. I’d often have clients turning down specified contract ‘Scandi’ furniture due to it not upholding the sustainability requirements. I wanted to explore this within my designing and process.
against a set of sustainability good practice criteria, known as Good Practice Measures (GPM).
followed by a post construction assessment leading to the final rating.
The BRE Environmental Assessment Method, BREEAM, is a voluntary assessment method used to describe both new and existing buildings’ environmental performance.
Finally LEED is the American (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) one of the most popular green building certification worldwide.
SKA Rating is a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) environmental assessment method, benchmark and standard for nondomestic fit outs. It helps landlords and tenants assess fit out projects
The assessment works by giving a building a score based on its performance against a series of set criteria. There are two assessment stages: a design stage assessment that leads to a provisional rating
Research | Workplace
Gusto HQ, San Francisco
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Research | Hygge
HYGGE... WHAT IS IT?
The Danish concept of hygge is gaining a lot of attention in the mainstream media. Hygge is a Danish word used to acknowledge a special feeling or moment. The word “hygge” is derived from the Norwegian word for “well-being.” Why does it matter? There’s mounting evidence that the Danish way of life benefits people. The 2016 World Happiness Report commissioned by the United Nations ranked Danes as the happiest nation on earth.
The workplace impact.. The design of the physical space, whether it’s the living room in your home or the enclave in your office, is crucial to fostering this sense of comfort and well-being. In today’s workplace, people are seeking inspiring spaces that make them want to come to work. How does it support well-being and collaboration in workplace? 1. Supports emotional and cognitive well-being by giving people places to concentrate without distractions
or the chance to rejuvenate. 2. Provides inspiring and comfortable spaces away from traditional workstations. 3. Encourages chance encounters and face-to-face communication that build a closer-knit community and can improve productivity. 4. Creates intimate meeting spaces for informal gatherings that can lead to more meaningful conversations and increased participation in discussions.
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Research | Client Profile
So who is the client? The product will be targeted at designers and architects within workplace design for specification on a range of current projects. After first and second hand research I believe that the demand for minimal Scandinavian furniture in the workplace is still on the rise. This is backed from speaking and working with the designers and architects myself as well as specifying it on my own projects. The demographic will range, for the retail collection it would be majority clients with a high disposable income. However for the contract workplace a range of designers from 20-50.
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PRIMARY RESEARCH
Before I jumped into the project I wanted to gather some primary research of my own not just research backed by Steelcase. I knew there was a need and a rise in demand for Scandinavian products within the workplace but I wanted to find out what workplace designers and then employees as the consumers thought of the trend. I asked the following questions to workplace designers; 1. Would you choose to specify a product which has a sustainable
ethos or element to it? 2. Would you say there has been an increase in Scandinavian furniture used within offices in recent years? 3. How often do clients ask about the sustainability or environmental impact of the products? 4. How often do you specify Scandinavian furniture for a break-out or collaboration area on projects? 5. If you were to design a Scandinavian piece of furniture what material would you use? The results were almost all leading
towards the use of minimal Scandi products with a sustainable ethos. However a few designers didn’t think the sustainability was as important. I also asked similar questions to domestic consumers and employees and found that they believed there was a big move for well-being in the workplace along with sustainability across the planet.
Primary Research | Interviews and Surveys
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“Space matters. It shapes the behaviour of people and creates the ‘stage’ on which innovation can be propelled.”
Sha red I /Sha re d
We/S hared
Touchdown Space
Training Rooms
Enclaves
Cafe Spaces Collaborative Spaces
I
We I /O wn ed
We/Owned
Resident Workstations
Project Team Spaces
Private Offices
Shared Project Spaces
Own ed
Primary Research | Workplace Floorplans
To the left you can see my analysis of a recent project I completed on placement. The project is a great example of the change within workplace. The key explains how the areas are put into different zones. Offices are moving away from I/Owned space and moving more and more towards We/Shared as employees want to feel inspired and empowered in their workplaces. From the key I have highlighted the areas in which the Bolia products would be specified. Great space for Hygge products, side and coffee tables
Research | Workplace
F E E L S L I K E H O M E , D E S I G N E D F O R W O R K
As people work longer hours and in more intense ways, many organisations are seeking to support employee wellbeing in the office. “The most successful organisations are now turning their attention to employee wellbeing as a way to gain emotional, financial and competitive advantage. When people are in environments that support positive emotions, they’re free to be productive, collaborative and creative.” Beatriz Arantes Senior Researcher WorkSpace FuturesPositive
Solidwool, Hembury Chair
Precious Plastics, Plastic Moulding Machined
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“We are potentially on the brink of a material revolution that could help rebalance our relationship with our plant and reshape society for the better. Up to now, we have relied on a supply of natural raw materials that we transport to large factories and turn into products. We are running out of raw materials and creating enormous quantities of waste.
We need a better, smarter, more cyclical approach. Kate Franklin and Caroline Till Authors Radical Matter
Research | Rethinking Materials
I began my investigation into sustainable materials by reading the book Radical Matter. It gave me key insight into current products on the market. The book explores alternative approaches to materials, resources and manufacturing. I strongly agree that we need to start designing with more focus on the material. This book helped me to understand the capabilities. From natural assets to hair and dust to digital fabrication to disposable materials to living materials the opportunities are endless.
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Bio product A new purpose to Herdwick sheep wool Composite material that combines the protein fibre acting like fibre glass Combined with bio resin from industrial processes
Solidwool, Hembury Chair
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•
• •
Precious Plastics, Plastic Moulding
Post industry waste Foaming reaction between soya bio resin and sawdust Nice use of colours and woods Super strong supported with shavings
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Post industry waste Recycling offcuts from the leather industry, which wastes more than half of the animal hide due to it not being good enough material A nice combination of colours looking like plastic waste
Post production waste Precious plastics machines make chopping, boards, plant pots, clipboards and injection moulding products They also teach consumers how to make items themselves
Well Proven Chair
Structural Skin, Jorge Penades
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Crafted mass production Clay oil ceramics reinvented for the digital age Creating products from a man-made 3D printer and surfaces and textures that would not be possible by hand
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Zero Legacy Range of glasses frames made from high grade bioplastics Performs extremely well Processed by organic crafting
Functional 3D Ceramics
Collection 1, Crafting Plastics • • • •
Future mining Cut through is a collection of waste based tiles resembling futuristic marble Combining ployester resin with plastic bags to create conglomerate hard material to be laser cut Really interesting patterns alt to marble
• • New Geology, Jorien Wiltenburg
Research | Sustainable Product Analysis
Ocean gyres are circular currents in the ocean basin where plastic and other debris is swept up and concentrated With their on-board solar extruder the team reinvent it into new objects Gyrecraft, Studio Swine
STV
As part of the investigation into sustainable materials I looked at bio products. These are made up from completely natural bio waste although interesting concepts and could shape the future neither gave the right aesthetic I was looking for. The material to the left Eindhovenbased designer Thomas Vailly explores turning sunflower crop waste into bio-materials to make sustainable products from insulation panels to iPhone cases. This also lead me to investigate bio-based adhesives.
Research | Bio Materials
S H E L LW O R KS
Four designers have a series of machines seafood (lobster shells) a biodegradable and bioplastic.
developed that turn waste into recyclable
The material consists of a mixture of vinegar and a biopolymer called chitin – a fibrous substance that makes up the exoskeleton of crustaceans and the cell walls of fungi. Once dried into one of its three different forms, the material can later be turned back into the original bioplastic solution, making it infinitely recyclable.
Swirl Tom Dixon, recycled powdered residue
Continuing on from the bio material investigation I began to investigate into recyclable material waste discovering a range of processes and forms. Predominately looking at marble waste foams and concretes. These products have been cast, CNC’d and vacuum formed. Developing the project I’ve gained a better understanding of the size and capability of using waste materials. I particularly like the marble terrazzo effect.
Altrock, marble waste
Research | Waste Materials
Charlotte Kidger, polyurethane foam
Nero furniture, coffee & conrete waste
RR201, polystyrene waste
Resin & Waste tiles
Resin & Porcelain
Research | Terrazzo
TERRAZZO
Plastic Waste
Terrazzo was a material I wanted to explore, however a big issue for me was how little waste material was used in ratio to resin or cement. I further explored plastic waste options as well as other waste materials. Terrazzo is a composite material, poured in place or precast, which is used for floors, walls, decor and more. It consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable material, poured with a cementitious binder, polymeric, or a combination of both.
Nova | (HDPE - LDPE), Pig farm post-production waste and old buckets
Blackstar | (HDPE - PP) Garden furniture and pig farm production-waste
Research | Plastics
Dutch startup aims to create “something of value� from recycled plastic for use in interior and furniture design. Using recycled plastic collected and processed in collaboration with recycling companies across the Netherlands, They produce sheetplastic materials that are similar in appearance to manmade stone composites like terrazzo.
Blizzard | (LDPE - HDPE), Old buckets and pig farm prod. waste
They are my preferred material of choice to use as I love the effect that they have created. I wanted to understand the process further and spoke to the designers about the waste categorising and manufacturing.
NOVA Ingredients: Pig farm post-production waste and old buckets. • Stiffness: Medium • Material: HDPE - LDPE • Thicknesses: 9mm (≤ 1,0 mm) • Size: 800x800mm + extra margin (≈ 15mm) Cut using woodworking sawblades), milled, drilled, threaded, countersunk, sanded orbital, chamfered, waterjet cut or screwed. Cut using sharp tools, move fast, use low rotary speeds, pre-drill before screwing and use a constructive base material when applying horizontally. Combo: Stained black ash BLACKSTAR Ingredients: Old garden furniture and pig farm production-waste. • Material: HDPE - PP • Thicknesses: 9mm or 18mm (≤ 1,0 mm) • Size: 800x800mm + extra margin (≈ 15mm) • Stiffness: Medium Cut using woodworking sawblades), milled, drilled, threaded, countersunk, sanded orbital, chamfered, waterjet cut or screwed. Cut using sharp tools, move fast, use low rotary speeds, pre-drill before screwing and use a constructive base material when applying horizontally. Combo: Black powder coated metal frame
Research | Material Data BLIZZARD Ingredients: Old buckets and pig farm post-production waste. • Stiffness: Low • Material: LDPE - HDPE • Thickness: 9mm or 17mm (≤ 1 mm) • Size: 800x800mm + extra margin (≈ 30mm) Cut using woodworking sawblades), milled, drilled, threaded, countersunk, sanded orbital, chamfered, waterjet cut or screwed. Cut using sharp tools, move fast, use low rotary speeds, pre-drill before screwing and use a constructive base material when applying horizontally. Combo: Light wood with dowel GREYISH Ingredients: Contaminated injection moulding waste. • Stiffness: Low • Material: (L)LDPE - ABS • Thickness: 9mm (≤ 1,0 mm) • Size: 800x800mm + extra margin (≈ 35mm) Cut using woodworking sawblades), milled, drilled, threaded, countersunk, sanded orbital, chamfered, waterjet cut or screwed. Cut using sharp tools, move fast, use low rotary speeds, pre-drill before screwing and use a constructive base material when applying horizontally. Combo: Light Ash or Oak
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Charcoal | (PET), made from plastic packaging
Alba | (HIPS), made from waste yoghurt pots
Research | Smile Plastics
SMILE PLASTICS
After trying to reach out to Plasticeit and not having much success to order a board I discovered Smile Plastics. Exactly the same concept just slightly less aesthetic look still highly versitile. Ordering samples from both companies allowed me to get the best opinion on the quality. Lead times varied from both companies so ordering asap was essential.
Alba surface
Further investigation and getting in touch with Smile I looked into the properties, pricing and data sheets (see development pack).
BENEFITS
Highly versatile. Wide range of applications from products and furniture to large-scale sculpture and construction. Unique. Good consistency between panels, but each one will have its own distinct pattern. Handmade. Each panel is composed by hand Sustainable. 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. Easily cared for. The materials are easy to work with, clean and maintain. No VOC off-gassing. All of the classics range of panels are made from chemically inert recycled plastics waste.
YUME, sustainability focussed concept store, Denmark
Research | Smile CHARCOAL Ingredients: Hand-prepared PET • • • • •
Hard, dense and rigid Material: PET Thicknesses: 5mm, 12mm, 20mm Size: 200x100cM Price: £194 - 20mm 1000x1000
One panel has 16 – 58kg of mixed waste packaging. 100% waterproof, rot-proof and strong weather resistance Can be machined, drilled, cut (router, CNC), water cut and fixed using adhesives and screws. Combo: Stained black ash ALBA Ingredients: High Impact Polystyrene (post-consumer or post-industrial). • • • • •
Hard, dense and rigid Material: HIPS Thicknesses: 5mm, 12mm, 20mm Size: 200x100cM Price: £194 - 20mm 1000x1000
Each panel is equivalent to 1000-5000 yoghurt pots. Approx 1200 kg/m3 density. Can be machined, drilled, cut (router, CNC), water cut and fixed using adhesives and screws. Combo: White powder coated frame
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PLASTIC SORTING
Furthering my research into the material process I investigated what it takes to sort the material. Using inspiration from Christien Meindertsma who investigated into using four materials wool, flax, incinerator ash and recycled wool. She looks at the process of sorting and arranging materails something that I reckonised as the one of the most difficult pieces of the process to create the plastic sheet. I had done a lot of research on the recycling industry and how well it’s managed and our global waste
crisis. I found that nearly all plastic can be turned into a material called ‘Plaxx’ an oil that can create new plastics. So what’s the difference between the plastics? Plastics are categorised into thermoplastics and thermosets. The primary physical difference is that thermoplastics can be remelted back into a liquid, whereas thermoset plastics always remain in a permanent solid state. Think of thermoplastics as butter – butter can be melted and cooled multiple times to form various shapes.
Thermoset is similar to bread in that once the final state is achieved, any additional heat would lead to charring. After some further research I discovered that HDPE, PET, HIPS are the best to use for the creation of the material.
Research | Plastic process
Melting down press rig
Warehouse waste plastic pre sort
Research | Plastics
PLASTICS
There has been a rise in use of plastics in design over recent years however some people disagree that we should be using waste and move towards bio materials like Algae. Recycling “relieves our guilt” ”We should change which kind of materials we source, how we manufacture, what we use them for, everything.” Algae eats greenhouse gases Algae, which until recently has been viewed as an invasive species, is an abundant and completely
compostable material that sucks carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. An interesting concept to think about exploring. Furthering the research into plastics Biffa sell waste products and categories it into different materials. “Biffa strives to recycle significant amounts of plastic so that the materials can be reused, replacing the need for producing more plastic that will later go to landfill.” Selling Compound Plastics, Food-Grade recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) and Regrind Plastics.
Reading up on a few more articles it was interesting to learn more about the implications of the waste. Does it all go to landfill? Aparantly a lot of it is shipped over to China to go into their landfill. Even some of your biodegradable products they might only degrade when in sunlight.. think about all the plastic bags at the bottom of landfill that won’t ever degrade. Its a £250bn enterprise that needs a solution. 7
BAMBOO LUMBER
Bamboo is a renewable resource that has become one of the most important alternatives to tropical hardwoods in recent years. I investigated into the process as a possibility to use when creating the product. I knew I wanted to use a surface materail in combination with a light wood. My investigation looked into bamboo, ash and cork. Bamboo can be divided into two main groups; “laminated bamboo” and “strand woven bamboo”. (See development pack for process).
IKEA | ‘RÅGRUND’ bamboo lumber
Research | Timber
CORK
Another material that I wanted to explore possibilities with was cork as I had identified the growing popularity whilst working in interiors. The material also similar to bamboo is fast growing a potential to think about. It looks great and can be shaped by moulding techniques. Cork is an impermeable buoyant material, the phellem layer of bark tissue that is harvested for commercial use primarily from Quercus suber.
Modus | Bob stool, cork
Olivia Aspinal Studio, Jesmonite Pots
After researching into existing bio and waste materials that were currently on the market I wanted to explore existing decorative products. I was unsure whether I wanted to create a decorative accessory at this stage or a piece of furniture with a terrazzo effect surface. I thought about creating an artefact out of ceramics or alternatively creating my own waste material to form. Researching into existing products I liked the corrugated delicate form.
Made.com, Hakuun
Ferm Living, Decorative Vase
Made.com, Nisse
Bolia.com, Decorative Vase
Bolia.com, Bontanique Plant Pots
Research | Decorative Accessories
Christien Meindertsma, Flax Chair
Sebastian Cox, Mushroom Mycellium
Research | Sustainable Products
Chaud Side Table, Paper and Stone Dust
To further my research I looked at more existing examples of sustainable materials. This time with application for furniture. Sebastian Cox to the left an innovative solution to use of natural bio materials. This however would be too long a process however completely sustainable. Also to the left the Flax chair by Chrstien Meindertsma made by pressing and combining the flax to cut out and fold the chair, completely biodegradable. Lastly the side, coffee table made from paper and stone dust.
Two levels console table
Use of metal and marble
Continuing my initial research I investigated products currently on the market. I had decided that I wanted to create a product with the plastic surface which could fit in the Bolia retail catalogue and fit in the domesticated office space. I was interested in using a combination of materials as portrayed by the coffee and side tables to the right. The use of wood or metal body was another factor to conciser.
Research | Existing Products
Simple use of timbers
Effective texture and colour combination
Wire framing with two level trays
Use of colour and upholstery on entryway bench
Planter with shelf level
Within the investigation I explored a range of product including side tables, entryway benches, low stools, plant holder / planters, and shelving. This gave me a better understanding of similar products on the market and I inspired me to get sketching ideas. The companies I looked at included Ferm Living, Muuto, Hay, Bolia, +Halle, Frovi and Clippings.
Research | Existing Products
Hay minimal bench
Minimal timber details
Simple form with stool surface
I D E A T I O
O N
Terrazzo, circular jesmonite
Hay, Tulou
PLANTERS OR STANDS Leather form joinery
Bolia, Bontanique plant pots
The first intial concept explored planters and plant stands as biophillia has become hugely popular in both the workplace and domestic environments. Designs looked at mostly using timber dowel again with the use of the plastic surface. I’m going to explore the process of making the sheet plastics in the next week.
Ideation | Direction 01
Joinery detail wrapping
Muuto, Around Tables
SIDE OR COFFEE TABLE
Formed joinery, loose surface
Bolia, Drum table
Progressing the sustainable project for Bolia.com I explored a minimal side or coffee table. Looking at using veg leather as an under storage pocket or metal rod in combination with the waste plastic surface. I also visited a timber sawmill to discuss possible FSC sustainable woods to use. Concluding that a light wood or black metal rod would work well with the plastic terrazzo surface.
Ideation | Direction 02
Details, circular joinery
Colour contrast metals and timber
Marble surface effect
Secondary level terrazzo
BENCH OR STORAGE
Concept three would be a simple bench or even could be described as a coffee table this would be again within the workplace targeted around reception areas. Mainly use of timber here with some again Japanese minimal joinery however still fitting the Scandi minimal appeal.
Ideation | Direction 03
1:10 Models
A vital part of the design process was model-making. It gave me a better understanding of scale and proportions, I find it easier to experiment with ideas and materials when model making. I developed the initial sketch-work into three categories; the square coffee table which utilises the plastic material at 800x800. The rectangular coffee tables, planters and side tables.
Ideation | Sketch Models
Planter or plant holder
Square coffee table
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2
Benches or rectangular tables
3
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Steel framing support Two surfaces joined to one side table Terrazzo surface (Plastciet) H 600, Dia 300/250
Natural timber dowel Planter trough Used for dividing office space as well as decorative aesthetic L1000, H600, W200
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Combination of materials, timber metal and Plastciet surface Simple side table with storage Scattered around a break out area the side table could hold welcoming magazines L450, H600, W450
Dowel legs formed bucket Vacuum formed then cast Planter for break out area Overlapping dowel creating small detail to the planter L450, H600, W450, Dia 350
1
Ideation | Sketch Models, Direction 01
The first direction explored more subtle concepts, planters side tables and plant stands. Over recent years there has been a huge increase in biophillia in domestic but more so in workplace environments. Bolia have a range of planters using ceramics, Jesmonite and concrete. These concepts explore the subtle narrative within Bolia looking at their simplicity in form. Focusing more on aesthetics with small functions to add to the workplace environment.
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Tilted leather pocket to rest magazines Overset legs create an unfinished aesthetic Under supporting base L 800 / H450 / W800
Offset dowel legs Could be too much of a detail Two levels with different thicknesses, possibly timber and Plastciet L 800 / H450 / W800
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Leather pocket level cut out detail Supporting structure added cross beam for detail Adding joinery features potentially Cross beam block access L 800 / H400 / W800
Thickness top of 15mm Contrasting timber with the Plastciet surface Minimal cross beams to rest books or magazines adds detail 30x30mm legs and framing L 800 / H400 / W800
2
Ideation | Sketch Models, Direction 02
The second design direction was to develop a square coffee table. Being square makes it ideal for specifying in workplace areas that have a large L-shaped sofa as analysed in my primary research. It also means that the table becomes more standout with the Plastceit surface and maximises the material at the board comes in 800x800. Adding the leather pocket brings a further detail to the design which I think would work well with the materials. There are many sustainable alternatives to typical leather which I’ll investigate.
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Combination of dowel cross beams with under shelf 30x30mm legs and structure L 800 / H400 / W400
Same leather detail as square tables Slimmer top surface Different colour leather More of a bench than side table L 700 / H500 / W400
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Box timber framing could be manufactured in steel and powder coated black or white Leather pocket not original but a nice feature with Plastciet Proporsions looking too tall L 1000 / H500 / W400
Dowel cross beams to keep magazines stored either on top or around Box frame again could be timber or steel These designs would waste half the surface unless exactly half of 800x800 L 1000 / H400 / W400
3
Ideation | Sketch Models, Direction 03
Developing the final direction I explored rectangular tables looking at thin timber legs with the potential for metal a metal framing body. Similar designs the square concepts. I liked the use of dowel which could be used to fold magazines over. Adding another level whether leather or timber I think creates a nicer aesthetic whilst adding more function. Still keeping the designs minimal within Bolias DNA. After experimenting with proportions I decided that 400mm height for the tables square and rectangular. I also decided that I wanted to develop the square designs.
D E V E L O
P M E N T