Interview about Tango Multifunctional Pouf, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2021
Two poufs of the same size which can be transformed into a portable mattress, a stool or a couch. Tango takes two to tango so it needs two of the same elements which can be transformed into a functional portable and playful furniture. Multifunctional poufs are made of soft recycled foam or seagrass covered with coconut layer, decorated with natural wool fabric in several colors with the possibility of sitting, lying down and sleeping. Available in two options: indoors and outdoors.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsI believe my early education had a significant impact on my interpretation of reality. My high school mathematics and physics curriculum shaped my analytical thinking. Therefore, the Bionics in Design Department perfectly complemented my understanding of geometric structures found in nature. So, because I strive to solve our interior design demands in my design, I created the Tango Pouf project. The idea for a multifunctional piece of furniture for small living spaces, which I named Tango.
I isolated the stem and divided it into growth stages. Nature itself demonstrated how stems change their structures during development. Within these structures, I identified a repeating shape in the form of a triangle. The outer flange surrounded four triangle-like shapes, so I considered this a perfect symbiosis. The resulting model consisted of four triangles mounted on an outer flange resembling a caterpillar. This created a movable linear shape that moved like a snake, allowing for folding and complementing each other. I achieved the best effect by using right-angled triangles, which allowed them to interlock perfectly. One set produced two usable shapes, and two sets combined produced two more. This resulted in a set of geometric, multi-functional seats that interact with each other and the surroundings.
Obtaining the correct zipper shape was a unique challenge, as the single geometric shape was very demanding, ensuring its pure form was not compromised. The primary goal was to enable easy removal and reinstallation of the cover during production and cleaning. This allowed for the use of zippers extending from two corners and connected by a gentle arc in the center, creating a triangular configuration. This design allowed for ideal access to the interior and the ability to correctly insert the zippers without unnecessary tension. The repetitive zipper arrangement created a geometric pattern that, depending on its position, always forms a triangle, emphasizing the furniture's character.
This multifunctional solution allows for the flexible connection of a selected number of triangular elements into a single unit. This allows you to create two types of seating with just four elements. Using two identical sets that interlock, you can create two additional mattress types. To emphasize the dynamics between the same segments, I introduced slightly inclined side walls and contrasting colors, creating a shark's teeth effect. This solution can be a form of educational play, teaching the basic principles of geometry.
Recycled foam gives materials a second life, allowing them to be reused. However, it also has the disadvantage of still not being a natural, biodegradable material. It provides an internal, flexible structure that allows for bonding with other materials. Therefore, in my solution, I used an outer layer of natural material such as coconut, felt, or seagrass. This allows for the creation of a natural layer that breathes and creates a proper microclimate for our bodies. All of this is covered with a natural wool fabric for the interior of buildings, and a fabric for the exterior, preventing water and dirt from entering. Because current technology allows for the cutting of entire blocks from uniform materials, the mattress's inner beams can also be made entirely from coconut and using a water-permeable fabric. This utilizes natural materials created as a byproduct of production. Such solutions contribute to sustainable development and the proper functioning of our planet's ecosystem.
The most important improvements concern the pouf's internal cross-section. Initially, it was made of ordinary polyurethane foam with a soft texture resembling the flesh of a stem. The use of readily available natural materials emphasizes the design, which originated from nature and perfectly fits its character. Therefore, the best direction for development is for the materials from which it can be made to come from renewable resources. And since technology allows for this, this is the ideal direction. The next planned step is to divide the individual track beams so that the Tango poufs can be personalized with colors. This also allows for the linear connection of any number of tines to create other geometric shapes.
I determined the proportions based on dimensions that are comfortable for a universal user. Additionally, I perfectly matched the external dimensions to the size of standard packaging designed for shipping options. This standard, symmetrical packaging simplifies storage and transport. I also designed a set of covers for the poufs, allowing for easy transport and storage at home.
The Tango Pouf's design evolved in stages, and was and remains dependent on production capabilities and technology.When the project was created, there were no such opportunities as there are now.The technology had to mature, in a sense, to properly implement my project. The goal was to achieve excellent quality in both workmanship and the use of appropriate materials. CNC cutting of large-volume materials according to CAD patterns allowed for repeatability, quality, and the correct shape of individual elements. Contrary to appearance, the simplest items are the most difficult to successfully complete because they require appropriate materials, which are developed with the market's technological awareness. Thus, the initial step was polyurethane foam filling, followed by the use of recycled foam and combining it with coconut mat, seagrass, or felt. Currently, it is possible to create entire inserts from coconut fiber, which is the most ecological and versatile material, but requires a comprehensive implementation process to properly utilize the advantages of this material in such a product. Furthermore, comfort is enhanced by natural Italian wool fabrics for living spaces, and on the outside, waterproof fabrics with OEKO-TEX certification and recycling. Another, but not the last, way of making my Tango pouf could be the use of 3D printing from PET bottles as openwork elements, which is possible thanks to the latest technology.
Tango, because it takes two to tango—two identical elements that fit together perfectly and create a unique harmony. My poufs are precisely this perfectly matched shape, which also interacts with each other, changing depending on our needs. That's why this name struck me as unique for this multifunctional set that offers a multitude of solutions.
I'm incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to shape trends in furniture design for multi-purpose furniture. Since Tango Pouf was created, the awareness of interior design has changed significantly. As a result, many designers have begun to recognize the need for changes in furniture designs to make them more functional. This can be applied to various types of furniture, from sofas for relaxing to shelves for storing clothes or books. This allows furniture to be adapted to various interiors with varying surface areas or heights. The use of appropriate, universal materials allows for greater functionality. Consequently, this also translates into appropriate sales and production methods. This solves many problems, increases the production of a single set without the need to produce additional interior furnishing. It eliminates the need for additional waste in the production of subsequent sets of furniture when the arrangement needs to be changed. I hope that we will continue to move towards universalism and modularity, making it possible to move together with basic equipment, just like Nomads. By minimizing the items we need to meet our existential needs, we provide maximum comfort in a minimal environment, respecting the environment and using what nature gives us as a gift.Thank you for your time.
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