DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
CATB : Inspired by the changing needs of a new generation living independently as a multi functional and flexible unit that works with modern lifestyles.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
CATB : I wanted to design a contemporary room statement that could be the focus for a younger generation of home owners who's interests are likely to change and grow. The aim was to design a unit that would serve a wide variety of functions by accomodating modules for specific needs. This was to ensure flexibility and changes in taste.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
CATB : I hope to take the design to full prototype and secure the interest of a furniture manufacturer
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
CATB : I worked on this design for 3 months alongside other projects.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
CATB : The design is quite indulgent and was the result of pursuing a personal interest.
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?
CATB : The design remains as an initial concept at the moment, but I would hope that a manufacturer would recognize the potential and I would be happy to sell the design on.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
CATB : Working with students on a similar brief I was analysing research and could see that their was an design opportunity for a niche market area.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
CATB : My interest in design is pretty eclectic but this work is entirely my own inspiration.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
CATB : Young home owners.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
CATB : I have not seen a piece of furniture that can be used and developed in this way.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
CATB : The name suggests the idea of a room centre around which day to day activity can focus.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
CATB : I started with freehand sketching as I do with all my designs, before developing the concept through CAD modelling. I then tested the ergonomics with simple foam mock-ups.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
CATB : It is designed to make a contemporary room statement but with the flexibility for the user to personalise a range of function options to suit their individual needs and preferences. The modular nature of the components allows the user to change and adapt the unit extending its potential lifespan.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
CATB : I developed this design entirely on my own, relying on my own skills and knowledge of materials and manufacture.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
CATB : The design relies on well established technologies for it's production, particular those associated with the manufacture of plastics with Laser cutting, strip bending and injection moulding being the predominant technologies.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
CATB : I had access to a focus group of 18-30 year olds in their first homes. Their interests were largely fashion and lifestyle driven but subject to change as a result.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
CATB : The design was always intended to have a global appeal and this design competition seemed an ideal way to get the work seen.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
CATB : I gained a useful understanding of a very particular target user group, their tastes and lifestyles and how this affects what they buy.
