Australian Design Awards Review - Pebble Modular Ottoman

 

The Pebble Modular Ottoman designed by Schamburg + Alvisse Design are Eco designed seating which come in 3 sizes, inspired by the Australian landscape being that of “a series of geometric river stones worn and rounded with time” . They have been credited for “GECA rated, Green Building Council Australia compliant (100% green star points), and FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified”. This design was awarded ‘Good Design’ because of it’s creditability for being green wash and independently environmental.

Whilst studying this one design, it displayed an array of pros and cons.

Pros:

• It is to innovative in its form and ability to shape up to be a furniture piece.
• It is a well thought and positive contributor to furniture design.
• It is aesthetically pleasing through is proportional’s and minimalism structure.
• It s five sided geometry is seen to be a natural ordering and thus sees that Australian inspiration within the shape.
• Handcrafted touch stitching rather that the mass-produced and outsourcing manufacturing relates to its value and quality trust.
• It’s geometrical structured communicates sturdiness and durability whilst complying with the Australian standards.
• The usability of the fabric – leather has added a roundness and softness welcoming to the ottoman seating. Thus hinting its comfortableness and purpose of relaxed furniture whilst being user friendly.
• It is able to pursue playfulness through the rearrangement of the piece and childish playfulness.
• Its shape and size highlights its proportional balance, strength and natural smooth memory.
• ECO FRIENDLY – “uses less carbon, local manufacture, and chiefly renewable resources (100% FSC certified timber).”
• Its production includes “water based glues, FSC certified timber, and GECA approved foams.” And no need for metal construction thus reducing the co2 footprint and degradability through the productivity process.
• It is recommended that PEBBLE is 100% ‘eco preferable status’.

Cons:

• Is the use of the 5 sided geometrical shape economical compared to a four sided shape?
• Could the use of its Eco productivity plans be used for a 4 sided ottoman?
• Through the inspiration of the Australian landscape doesn’t fit with majority of the marketing sector as not all homes have the same contemporary decor.
• Its large size of a 5 piece set constraints the usability within the room.
• Its ability not to line use straight may cause discomfort and cluster within a room.
• The solid shape could provide more purpose than just to sit on but to keep that contemporary visual appeal this could be embedded within the design.

 Suggested improvements:
 Idea 1: It exhibiting how the idea of a stone being eroded by the river flow of water can be more economical as a 4 sided shape. It demonstrates below how one shape can be versatile (turn up side down) to create the dynamic Australian water flow of a river. It creates the possibility of the shape to be lined up and more space saving through its fit in structure  in a smaller area. As shown and annotated below images the possibilities this shape explores keeping its original Eco structure and inspiration.

This is the inspiration for the below improvements:
(Noting that the colours for the Ottoman are deep reds, brown and white)

Idea 2: This idea articulates how every rock erosion is different, there is no identical rock. Through devising 3 different shapes which can be placed together to create a connecting Ottoman which keeping the context. IT can be seen from the below drawings the multiple variations on collating the shapes together. Seeing these possibilities it is assumed that the possibility of adding repetitious shapes is possible. I have tried to resolved more compactability for a smaller space whilst keeping that organic natural vibe the ottoman brings with the assistance of the colours being variations of red, brown, black and white.

This is the inspiration for the below improvements: