The need for humanity to lessen its impact on the ecologies we’re a part of is becoming increasingly clear.  While there are many technically advanced solutions in the makings, one of the most straightforward ones is to simply use the objects we surround ourselves with longer. We can make them more durable and repairable but what happens when the needs of the user changes? How can we really know what needs the future will bring?

I’m searching for a design approach that embraces this unknown. A process where the designer doesn’t have to be the enlightened figure that knows everything in advance. Because if we accept the complexity of the social and ecological reality where our objects end up, we never can be. I want to make objects that can grow and change with the user. A fertile soil for future needs.

I’ve used the design process of three different objects to develop these thoughts. 

An open ended loom for the weaver Vega Määttä Siltberg, a table made with designer Julie Amira that is disassemblable without tools, and lastly a piece of furniture that changes function without moving parts.

The goal of this project is not to produce a solution to a specific problem or to create an object that communicates an idea as well as possible. Rather it’s the reverse. By the process of designing and building I’ve been able to explore the questions that my project is composed of. The thoughts expressed here come from this experience.