Against Consumption. Set of furniture S’ploty

DESIGN: Ewelina Lekka

Poland

make me! 2020

The S’ploty furniture set is a design that defies unrestrained consumption and overproduction of non-recyclable waste, including – above all – soft polyurethane foam used on a large scale on upholstered seats. The project uses natural, Polish materials that do not pose a threat to the environment. The furniture is also designed for a service that offers long-term furniture rental in a subscription model. Its business assumptions result from the behaviors that according to the research will gradually appear among young generations over the next several years. Younger generations do not feel obliged to settle in a given place quickly. They are open to learning about the world, nomadic life or frequent changes of residence.

The S’ploty furniture set is designed to be used in shared spaces or modular apartments, where these products will be conducive to casual, informal meetings and conversations. Observation of my own work in furniture renovation and problems resulting from the overproduction of rubbish in the furniture industry prompted me to analyze the market. Due to the leading position of Poland in the world furniture market, manufacturers and designers must take into account the disposal of manufactured items. The use of only artificial materials or highly saturated chemicals prevents the reuse of raw materials and leads to the generation of further non-degradable waste. That is why the designed set of S’ploty furniture, which includes seats, a table and a screen to divide the space, have a durable, solid beech structure, to which modular elements woven from natural wicker material are added. This allows for a quick replacement of the surface damaged during use and after removal these elements do not pose a threat to the environment. Also thanks to this local, small industry and craftsmanship is involved. The ability to repair furniture and the use of natural materials are a protest against furniture made of perishable materials that fuel harmful consumerism. #AgainstConsumption