Oak. Simple as that, surprising as it is…
by Iulia Constantin
Modest, rectangular, traditional… at least that’s the initial impression the Oak. collection gives you at first sight. But step over the threshold of your reality’s margins and you will discover an emotional and well-considered series of furniture that both surprises and amuses.
Oak. represents the result of an extracurricular, collaborative activity between 18 students from Lund University, School of Industrial Design, Sweden. The whole idea began with a workshop held by Jonas Lindvall, one of Sweden’s most acclaimed designers, which intended to explore archetypes and stereotypes in the world of furniture.
Take into consideration the fact that the oak is the only used material. No matter how traditional and reminiscent of the past this collection can look, the pieces’ design is the thing that stands-out of the crowd.
Every single item of the Oak. collection deals with the design of the furniture piece with a hint of humor while considering, the function, the form and the usage of each of them.
The whopping cookie drawer with the tall legs, and a small drawer for its size tries to restrain us from our sugar-tooth temptations.
The bench, on the other hand invites the lonely, with the linear back seat, yet supports the many which can sit and share the bench.
The wardrobe is designed in such manner so that it leaves the clothes exposed, it allows each user to create his/her style and be inspired. The versatile wardrobe will change as the seasons change: the density of the wardrobe, the materials will be different, and so will the colors. It truly reflects the personality of its ‘master’.
The sideboard is defined by space and the context which it will enclose. More precisely, it includes a drawer, far too deep to reach its back. A metaphor of the classic traditional sideboard, the length that it presents when opened greatly limits its placement within a room.
The grandfather clock is there, overlooking upon us to remind us that time flies as the clock ticks and that we should make wise usage of it!
Last but not least, the small chair and the frame encased desk acts as the ‘framework’ for our thoughts and ideas.
The project was presented at Designersblock Milano 2011, Ventura Lambrate. All seven items of the Oak. collection are shaped of American oak sponsored by WBP Trading AB, finished with Herdins AV wax oil and executed by cabinetmaker Ali Atie.
The participants are
Amanda Österlin La Mont, DeeDee Kim, Elin Stavenow, Filip von Hauswolff, Gregory Hayter, Hanna Johansson, Jesper Nord, Karl Jönsson, Karl-Otto Saarman, Matthijs Braakman, Moses Kang, Mirko Ihrig, Olli Hirvonen, Patrik Eriksson, Piotr Szpryngwald, Rami Santala, Sandra Lundberg, Wang Huilong. Good job, all 18 of you!
Lund University, School of Industrial Design
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