University of Houston: Prototype 2: Chairs

Design Within Reach (DWR) Houston Studio hosted Prototype 2, Bridging Design and Sustainability, an exhibition of lighting and chair design prototypes by students from University of Houston, School of Art, Senior Interior Design Studio. Lighting was presented previously. As promised, here are the chair prototypes from the DWR show.

Not emphasized in the posting on Lighting Prototypes is the concept of sustainability as it applies to design. Professor Cochran, of the Senior Studio, Interiors Program, School of Art, explains how Class of 2009 addressed that important aspect of design:

...In their words, this is how they collectively addressed sustainability.

"The prototypes are working study models of utilitarian objects such as the light and the chair. In the past, this project has been used as an exercise for the Senior Interior Design Studio at the University of Houston to understand matters of proportion and scale of objects in interior spaces. As the design community moves toward a more conscious effort to reduce our carbon footstep, this year's senior class has taken a more conscientious view and incorporated the principles of sustainability in the design development of our prototypes. We selected materials that were either renewable, recyclable, or environmentally friendly, such as organic cork, bamboo, recycled cardboard. Also the light prototypes were designed to be used with energy efficient light bulbs, such as LED light bars and fluorescent bulbs. We want to add our voice to the greater design community and demonstrate that sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing design. As future designers, we understand that it is our responsibility to create and promote eco-friendly environments and products that merge an aesthetic sensibility with sustainable practices. To stay abreast of a rapidly changing industry ingrained in innovation, we strive to create healthy and socially responsible designs that improve the quality of life and that serve the needs of society today and in the future."

Some wonderful Chair Prototypes not represented here, due to a glitch in this Blogger:

•  Crest by Dijana Handanovic
  
• Swell by Kristen Cochran
  
• Radius by Lam Nguyen
  

Click on each photo to enlarge and read design information.

Professor Catherine Cochran is with Design/Build firm Cochran and Cochran Architects.