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Student Designer
University Product Description and Principal Function(s) The obie lounge is a low back seating unit that is modular and multifunctional. The Obie lounge is an interactive multifunctional couch that encourages the user engagement. It can be used indoors or outdoors and as it is a modular unit it can go into a variety of different positions- two singular seating units, a mattress on the floor as a bed, or to be pushed together to create a double or triple seating unit. There is storage space in backrest for pillows and/or cushions. The cushions can be used as armrests or for upper back support.Why does the product represent design excellence and why do you believe it deserves an Australian Design Award? Couches are one of the most widely used pieces of comfortable furniture within people’s homes. Yet often they are static and somewhat un-functional, in the sense that they are not adaptable for different activities, which would include their ability to change to suit the user’s mood or the environment it is in.This couch design project involved re-evaluating a couch’s typical functions, overcoming its bulky, static nature in order to design a multi-functional mobile couch with potential for mass manufacture with the use of eco / sustainable materials such as locally grown Tasmanian Bluegum. These criteria are represented by the Obie lounge and reflect an excellence in design. The focal criterion in this project involved developing a couch that reduces environmental impact. This relates to multi-functional furniture and considerations of user engagement and desirability. In assessing these issues, particular regard was given to the ecological properties of the materials from which the product is made. Issues of environmentalism were addressed by way of its ecologically friendly mode of production, use of renewable resources and the furniture’s ability to be recycled. The Obie Lounge is an eco-design as it is made from biodegradable natural resources. The Frame is made from a locally gown plantation timber Tasmanian bluegum. Tasmanian Bluegum is a native Australian eucalyptus hardwood timber that is currently being used as a plantation timber in our south west region due to its fast growing capability. Bluegum is a light coloured timber with beautiful appearance. The covers are 100% hand felted wool with a cotton gauze felted into the top surface layer to increase durability. The cotton gauze also gives the fabric the turquoise colour. The covers are removable for changing colours or cleaning. ‘Appropriateness to space’ The Australian casual and outgoing lifestyle has been taken into consideration with an emphasis on people’s living rooms and spaces. A focus is placed on contemporary, inner city living, where multi-functional furniture is important and in high demand. This is due to the fact that smaller living spaces and apartments require furniture that is compact, mobile and allow for different functions. As the couch is designed for the home, it is important that it is multifunctional to suit different spaces and areas within the house, particularly the living area. The Australian culture is very outdoor-orientated with the majority of current new houses having a paved ‘alfresco’ living area, pools or undercover outdoor eating areas. Self assembly of the couch engages in user interaction and developing an understanding relationship between the user and the piece. Self assembly of the Obie lounge is supported with an easy to follow instruction booklet that makes it fun, interactive and creates a stronger relationship of understanding between product (couch) and user. The Obie lounge is particularly focused towards out-going younger generations that are less conservative, who are interested in new innovative ideas, fashions and trends and are open to new experiences. |
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