Timber iQ August - September 2020 // Issue: 50 August - September 2020 | Page 7

NEWS
collate all the production data for each design to enable AHEC to model
its environmental life cycle impact (LCA).
The designers will record the design process and product development,
producing a series of video diaries to be shared on the project website
(www.connectedbydesign.online) and social media, using the project
hashtag (#connectedbydesign).
These diaries will also feed into a documentary-style film that will narrate
their individual journeys.
Once complete, the pieces will be displayed in the atrium of the Design
Museum and will feature both virtual and actual content as a way to
celebrate these new designs and mark an end to the isolation caused by
the virus.
PURELY DIGITAL PROCESSES AND A
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Sean Sutcliffe, founder of Benchmark Furniture, says: “It is pertinent at
this moment to explore new ways of working remotely – and of creating
at a distance. It’s by no means the first time we’ve developed furniture
using digital communication tools, but this will be the first time we’ve
developed pieces in a purely digital environment, without visits to our
workshops from designers. I’m interested to see what the lockdown
period has made designers think about in terms of product
development. How does working from home influence the furniture in
our home, and its functional requirements?”
As always, with Benchmark and AHEC, the message of sustainability is
at the core of the project.
AHEC’s European Director, David Venables, says: “We were faced with
designers across Europe being, to a greater or lesser degree, in
isolation, having to work alone. Connected will tap into their individual
creativity, but will also bring them together to work towards a common
goal. This material-driven project is all about three underused
hardwoods – red oak, maple and cherry – which combined account for
more than 40% of all standing hardwoods in the American forests. All
three are beautiful woods and we want the designers to discover their
aesthetic and performance potential. But our emphasis is also on the
environmental merits of making more use of what nature is growing.
Over-reliance on a narrow selection wood types must ultimately result in
supply stress. So, we have a responsibility to widen the choice.”
Justin McGuirk, Chief Curator at the Design
Museum, adds: “Commissioning nine designers to
make furniture from wood doesn't sound like a
particularly original brief. But these are not
ordinary times. We are all being over-exposed to
our homes and having to adapt to new patterns of
working. The pandemic has forced each designer
to approach their home-working set-up with a
completely fresh perspective – what do they really
need? The Connected project is a rare
opportunity for them to design for themselves, but
the key challenge is that they will have to rely
entirely on digital communication. It couldn’t be
more relevant and we look forward to hosting the
results at the Design Museum.”
The designers involved, from top left corner, clockwise: Ini Archibong; Sebastian Herkner;
Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara di Pinto (Studiopepe); Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick
Studio); Sabine Marcelis; Maria Jeglinska-Adamczewska; Alexander Groves (Studio
Swine); Maria Bruun; Jaime Hayon (centre).
Any non-wood elements to the designs will be
ethically sourced. Follow the progress at www.
connectedbydesign.online or social media
#connectedbydesign
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Local and international events
Due to the vast recent changes
to exhibition and conference
dates due to the requirements/
limitations of the international
COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting
regulations and social distancing
conditions, we recommend that you
check in with exhibition organisers
regularly for any change to ensure you
have the latest information and positive
exhibition or conference experience.
Some events have been moved and some will continue via online webinars:
INTERNATIONAL
WOODWORKING
MACHINERY AND
FURNITURE SUPPLY FAIR
www.iwfatlanta.com
NAMPO CAPE:
www.grainsa.co.za
WOODEX FOR AFRICA
www.woodexforafrica.com
HOUSE AND GARDEN SHOW
www.housegardenshow.co.za
HOUTPRO+
www.houtproplus.nl
www.timberiq.co.za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020 5