na balkon! – furniture and accessory set for urban balconies

PROJECT: Helena Wierzbowska, Agnieszka Cieszanowska

Poland

make me! 2020

3rd Paradyż Award (ex aequo) 10.000 PLN funded by Ceramika Paradyż

na balkon! is a set of furniture and accessories dedicated for balconies in the city. The set includes: a folding table, two seats: a stool and a chair (with fabric cushions), pots in two sizes, a watering can, an ashtray, a pouffe and two elements used for storage — for larger and smaller spaces — a table with a tray and a basket and a cabinet (with a top for transplanting plants). It was created for people living in the cities, in apartments with balconies, who appreciate functionality and are open to modern styles and haven’t found solutions dedicated to small, outdoor spaces on the market. In order to understand the needs of potential users, the authors of the project conducted: quantitative (an online survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) research. Analyzing them and using their own observations and experiences, the designers decided to design better forms of existing solutions and create new amenities. This set should rather be understood as a catalog of elements from which you can create small configurations corresponding to the specific needs of people, tailored to the specifics of each balcony.

On the basis of the research, the personalities of several characteristic users with their balconies were developed. For their needs, interests, ways of spending free time and space, the designers chose matching and needed furniture from the set. Six months after the defense of the diploma project, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. In the event of a threat that affected almost all of humanity, the importance of home space increased, and balconies played and continue to play a special role in it. ” Despite the fact that the reality surrounding us is heartbreaking, we feel very positive that our work proved so important.” the designers say.