LAYER
Overview:
The Canopy Collection is the result of a unique and extended collaboration between the experience design agency, LAYER, and the sustainable fashion studio, RÆBURN. The project represents a fusion of innovative thinking from both the industrial design and fashion worlds, culminating in a limited edition range of furniture that is both experimental and expressive. This collection includes four rocking chairs and two screens, all crafted from welded steel frames and upholstered with recycled parachute material. The project’s objective was to push the boundaries of sustainable design while showcasing the capabilities of both partners.
Approach:
The collaboration between LAYER and RÆBURN centred around the use of recycled materials and a commitment to sustainable design practices. The design teams adopted a multidisciplinary approach, blending industrial design techniques with principles drawn from fashion design. This cross-pollination of ideas enabled the creation of a collection that uses the strict geometry of steel frames as a foundation for innovative experimentation with parachute upholstery. Each piece in the Canopy Collection was designed to emphasise the recycled textile as the most expressive element, using the simple steel structures as a "blank canvas."
Services:
Concept Development and Design: LAYER worked closely with RÆBURN to conceptualise the furniture pieces, incorporating both functionality and aesthetics. The team developed design concepts that embraced the unique qualities of recycled parachute material.
Material Experimentation: The project involved extensive research and experimentation with recycled parachute fabric to explore its potential in furniture design. Different qualities of the fabric were tested to achieve a variety of expressions, from highly controlled and simple to raw and sculptural.
Industrial Design and Prototyping: Leveraging their expertise in industrial design, LAYER developed the steel frames that serve as the foundation for the collection. Each frame was crafted to reflect the character of the upholstery, ranging from polished and refined to raw and unfinished.
Production Oversight: LAYER oversaw the production process, ensuring that the design vision was executed faithfully. This included managing the welding and finishing of the steel frames and coordinating with RÆBURN on the upholstery process.
Conclusion:
The Canopy Collection is a testament to the power of collaboration between different disciplines to push the boundaries of sustainable design. By merging the innovative thinking of LAYER’s industrial design expertise with RÆBURN’s sustainable fashion approach, the project delivered a unique range of furniture that celebrates both form and materiality. The collection’s success lies in its ability to highlight the beauty of recycled materials through creative expression and thoughtful design. This collaboration not only resulted in a striking furniture collection but also set a new standard for sustainable practices in design.
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