BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design
Bronwen Rees
Longevity and environmental consideration play a big part in my design process; I believe we have a responsibility as designers to consider how the things we create impact our surroundings. My work creates narratives that challenge irresponsible design, rooted in critical thinking, simplicity and practical making.
Lounge Chair.
Lounge Chair challenges environmental issues with modern day upholstery. Instead of being made from fossil fuel based materials, it's made from natural, renewable, recyclable materials (kindly supplied by Bute Fabrics and Woolroom) which reduce the chairs carbon footprint by 75%.
The knock down frame makes it much easier to move from home to home and less carbon-intensive to ship. The detachable cushions respond to consumers want for change, offering different outfits for different occasions, which provides the experience of newness without buying a whole new product. The separation of the frame and cushions also enable simple material separation at the end of the chairs life.
Aluminium Recurring
Aluminium recurring is a collection of products all made from 300g of aluminium. When one product reaches end of life, it can be returned and re-cast into a new product for a reduced price, as part of a deposit scheme.
The project addresses the issue of waste through putting a tangible price on the material. It acknowledges our tendencies to consume, allowing the customer to buy a new product without having to throw the old one away, utilising the endlessly recyclable properties of aluminium.