DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: My inspiration came from the Zig Zag Chair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld; however, I wanted to to create a more organic and flowing design that enticed the eye to follow its form. Paying homage to its name, The Ribbon Barstool mimics the soft flow and folding of a ribbon.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: I wanted to challenge the common design aesthetic of a barstool and create a form that visually defied the normal parameters of a seating structure. The continuous form needed to be elegant but also ergonomic, this was the focus of the design process.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: I would like to send it into production through a third-party.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: I designed this concept in school in 2009. The project only took a few months, but in the future prototyping phase refinements will be needed.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
: The Ribbon Barstool was a personal pursuit. It was part of a series of ribbon-flowing furniture that included a personal desk with storage unit, a conference table and a multiple workstation module.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
: It is not currently in production and I welcome any inquiries. Please contact me via email: danielle@danielletrofe.com
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
: I've always enjoyed the concept of a continual piece of furniture that creates visual movement while establishing stability effortlessly.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
: No, I created the concept and designed the piece myself.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
: Rhino and 3dsmax
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: Ergonomics and stability were the greatest challenges. Being able to make a seating unit both comfortable and visually appealing while still having to be able to structurally support the piece was a stimulating and difficult dance.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
: I received my Masters degree in Florence Italy for design. So I've always felt that Italy and many other countries outside of the U.S. are on the forefront of design and lead the rest of the world, especially in the furniture industry. So for me, international competitions are preferred because it allows me to compete against the best in the world and enable me to reach a larger audience.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
: The Ribbon Barstool has taught me that no project is ever completely realized, there is always room for improvement. This mentality has helped to refine my own design process and continue to strive to achieve high-quality, function-forward product design.