Industrial - Bachelors

Join-t

Under the umbrella of sustainability and furniture, my design solution Join-t is an adaptable and foldable chair set for the home, that has the multi-purpose ability to form into a table. The concept considers the least amount of material waste and custom parts possible in collaboration with local manufacturers.

Sophia Gibbs

Research focus

Furniture and sustainability is a complex issue due to its multifaceted nature. It involves not only material selection, and quality standards, but further consumer behaviour, and our emotional needs. To understand what can be done to tackle this challenge, relevant literature was reviewed across disciplines and comprehensive research methods were applied with interviews and surveys with subject-matter experts and stakeholders from the furniture design industry and academia. In order to frame the challenge appropriately, and make sustainable recommendations for the future, my research looked into understanding what is happening in the current industry of furniture. The literature review revealed the urgency around need for designs that consider our consumer habits and end of lifecycle. Furniture’s complex composition, which makes it more difficult to discard or recycle, was an issue highlighted which lead me to think- Why are we throwing away our items, and what problems arise when we think of furniture? Responses included ” furniture that can not adapt to you and your changes and you have to get rid of it”.

Findings

The research conducted that sustainable intention is at the forefront of the future of design. The importance of longevity and the idea of how long a furniture product stays in our home. How our current furniture pieces adapt to the evolving nature of our home. And designing for adaptability to promote circular design. And the benefits of local onshore production and material choice.

With 12.2 million tonnes of furniture garbage in 2019. This concept allows consumers to use the product in more than one way something that can change with their household needs.

With two simple movements the user can fold down the back of the chair – removing the spring pin and locking the table into place.

Materials and Finishings

Choosing the right materials from the very beginning allows my design to limit the environmental impact while ensuring longevity and recyclability. A sustainably managed timber was selected for the top back and base – White oak – a hardwood that is often used for cabinets, flooring, and other home furniture. It is strong, durable, and naturally water-resistant.
It is one of the most sustainable timbers with a large growing stock, it’s possible to keep harvesting the wood without harming the forests.

The framing material chosen is aluminium tubing- one of the most sustainable and durable yet lightweight metals. Aluminium is the most abundant metal found naturally on our planet. And environmental impacts associated with each stage of aluminium production.

Because my design is all made locally by one manufacturer the exact process, cost and waste are known to us and further translated to the customer. The chairs are easy to put together and constructed for disassembly, meaning that all components are replaceable and worn parts can be replaced.

The chairs are easy to put together and constructed for disassembly, meaning that all components are replaceable and worn parts can be replace.

Join-t has more than 1 value for the user and promotes adaptability and longevity for the forward thinking consumer. The simplistic use of multi purpose functions and sustainable materials to provide both seating and table spacing- is something they will continuously use in our home for the a long time. Thank you

Sophia Gibbs

Sophia is a designer passionate about creating considered and empathetic user experiences. With a passion for tackling our current sustainability challenges through design, she loves to create impactful, and effective design solutions.