Guto Davies
BA Furniture & Product Design
My approach to design is grounded in the principles of simplicity and honesty, both in terms of appearance and functionality. By taking a hands-on and experimental approach, I am able to optimise the use of materials and manufacturing processes, resulting in designs that are both efficient and effective.
1282
The 1282 chair represents a contemporary design that draws inspiration from Welsh stick chairs and challenges conventional ideas of fast consumption. It highlights the value of looking back at history and culture as a design strategy, inviting us to consider the lessons we can learn from traditional design practices.
By exploring the principles of Welsh stick chairs, this design successfully blends the timeless beauty of traditional design elements with the functionality and aesthetic appeal of contemporary design. The stainless-steel material gives the chair a modern edge, while also enhancing its durability and longevity, allowing it to stand the test of time.
Through the incorporation of historical and cultural influences, this project challenges us to think more deeply about the objects we surround ourselves with and the impact they have on our lives. It encourages us to value our possessions and embrace a more mindful approach to consumption, emphasizing the importance of investing in high-quality items that will last for years to come.
Stream, Occasional Table
Often as designers, we are caught up in creating aesthetically pleasing designs. We push the consumer to make a responsible decision at the end of the product's life, but forget the impact our decisions have on the environment before this point. One of the most serious challenges is the amount of energy required by the materials and manufacturing techniques that we, as designers, choose. Stream attempts to change this by using steel and taking steps to choose the most sustainable & energy-efficient options throughout the supply & manufacturing chain. The use of mostly recycled steel, sheet metal folding, and the efficient assembly method have created an honest, minimal and hopefully everlasting product. As a result, the energy consumed and therefore the carbon footprint of this table is significantly lower than other metal tables on the market. This proves that lowering a product's environmental impact is achievable, even with materials such as steel, through responsible and considered decisions throughout the product's development.