Wellington
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Here’s an example of a simple idea being good, and a good idea being simple.
It’s also pretty green in the scheme of these things as well as being a “why didn’t I thinkof that.”
‘Flexibition’ is the brainchild of Wellington designer Juliet Cooke. (
She was showing what has been designed as a packaway exhibition system made from entirelysustainable materials at, somewhat appropriately, the
Flexibition is based on a lightweight bamboo framework and various fabric panels. These panelsinclude recyclable polyester, jute (recycled coffee sacks) and recycled dacron sails.
Cooke’s got a background in designing for various types of display in exhibitions and museumsand other tricky spaces, so is well aware of the collapsible aluminium stands that are readilyavailable.
After a request from a couple of organic-oriented clients (Mary Kelleher of
This packs into a 2.1m x 200mm diameter carry bag (jute of course!) weighing eight kilograms. Itcosts $1700 + GST, plus another $500 for printing. This compares to its aluminium/plastic poorrelation which start at about $2100 + GST.
Upcoming developments include a single pop-up stand designed for airline travel which willprobably cost less than the two-panel version.
Cooke is a 3D designer, specialising in exhibitions – and this often involves designingfurniture, sometimes of a pack down variety for touring shows. Part of her sustainable productrepertoire is a collapsible seat, using simple panels held together by rubber straps. This is allthe better to allow exhibition-goers a green seating option, with the ultimate plan being to jointhese together to make various modular structures such as tables and a bench seat.
She says it isn’t worthwhile trying protect the intellectual property or design, but thatthere’s enough tricky elements in creating a sturdy simple structure that will make imitationsdifficult.
“The joining method is probably pretty easily imitated, but the supply of materials andcraftsmanship for the stand is harder to come by,” she says. “I’m still investigating theviability of various methods of production for the box seat, including getting it made out ofrecycled material at Trash Palace [Wellington dump’s ‘treasure trove’], and helping torehabilitate mental health patients. There’s a bit of social sustainability and saving materialfrom the landfill.”
It is early days for a new side of Cooke’s enterprise with the stand being about 12 months indevelopment, and the box seat a much more recent addition to the Flexibition range.
“I’ve got other sustainable product ideas up my sleeve, including a collapsible vase that canfit in a car for funeral flower arrangements,” she says. “Of course though, all this has to bejuggled with museum exhibition design contracts and my family’s needs.”