"Think New Shapes, Think New Materials" was the theme of a student exhibition at the 2004 Toronto Interior Design Show. The works by graduates of nine design departments/schools across Canada showed a wide range of innovative designs in materials as diverse as thermoplastic, steel, felt, MDF, micro-plywood and fabric. Selene Yuen has selected a small, virtual exhibit of the designs on display at the show, which ran February 12-15 at the International Centre.
(If you would like to contact any of the student designers, use this form, and VCR and will forward your request to the designer.) |
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Kari MadsenUniversity of Manitoba
Dept. of Architecture |
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Madsen's mobile storage unit can be configured to provide a combination of storage and seating solutions. It is fabricated from a laminated curved component (sourced from a local furniture manufacturer), wheatboard, metal rods and two industrial casters. |
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William Lau
and Michael SteelRyerson University
School of Interior Design |
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Lau and Steel showed a number of ideas constructed from industrial felt and threaded steel rods. There is space to show only one function of "Feltlab" - as an ottoman, which can be used for storage or flipped through 90 degrees to provide a back rest. |
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Adrien ChoUniversity of Alberta
Dept. of Art and Design |
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With his background in engineering, Cho used a range of synthetic materials and CNC machining to prototype his chair. The design swivels and lights up when in use. |
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Michael HigginsKootenay School of Arts
Wood Products Design |
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Higgins constructed this deceptively simple table, which he described as "the difficult art of the simple," using four layers of 1/4" formed plywood. Each layer is routed in an "H" pattern that allows the "legs" and top frame to be constructed with no waste. A sheet of tempered glass provides the table suface. |
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Adam LookerCarleton University
Dept. of Industrial Design |
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Looker's "Spunge" is constructed from high density polyurethane foam with a polycarbonate or structural foam frame. As shown it is an upright "dining" chair or tipped on its back becomes a more relaxed "lounging" chair. |
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Sarah HayCarleton University
Dept. of Industrial Design |
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Hay's "Tooby" of soft tubular cushions upholstered in fleece was inspired by Jacob's ladder and woven bamboo placemats. The permutation of uses are endless, from laid out on the floor as a bed to piled and stacked as shown to create a unique seat. |
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Selene Yuen (left) and her partner John Saunders are principals in Selenium Creative, Toronto. While Yuen and Saunders work closely to bring new product to fruition, Saunders oversees the building and production while Yuen coordinates the sales and marketing of the company.
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© Value+Created Review, 2004 |
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