softwall : home
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How did this design improve life?:
The paper softwall dynamically partitions open plan space into more intimate and ephemeral surroundings, in a flexible and temporal way. softwall can be compressed and stored away if one wants a larger open space or it can be expanded to make smaller private spaces within the larger space.
The paper softwall dynamically partitions open plan space into more intimate and ephemeral surroundings, in a flexible and temporal way. softwall can be compressed and stored away if one wants a larger open space or it can be expanded to make smaller private spaces within the larger space.
Name of Designer(s):
Todd MacAllen, Stephanie Forsythe
Todd MacAllen, Stephanie Forsythe
Designers professional status:
Professional
Professional
Status of realization:
Realized
Realized
Kind of design:
Tangible
Tangible
Produced by:
molo
molo
Year of production, realization or publishing:
2004
2004
Designed in country:
Canada
Canada
Used on continents:
Entire World
Entire World
Short description of design:
At 2 m tall, above normal sight lines, this softwall can be used to literally transform a space by creating a dynamic partition, or sculptural backdrop. The wall is 30 cm wide, and can be expanded from a mere 3 cm to over 7.5 m. It weighs only 7.7 kg. For easy storage softwall can be compressed into a compact form of 1m by 30 cm by 10cm.
At 2 m tall, above normal sight lines, this softwall can be used to literally transform a space by creating a dynamic partition, or sculptural backdrop. The wall is 30 cm wide, and can be expanded from a mere 3 cm to over 7.5 m. It weighs only 7.7 kg. For easy storage softwall can be compressed into a compact form of 1m by 30 cm by 10cm.
Functionallity and use of design:
The paper softwall can be arranged into almost any shape, or easily compressed into a compact sheaf and stored away. softwall dampens sound and can both absorb and transmit light. The paper softwall is made from 400 layers of honeycombed translucent white, fire-retardant paper, bounded by natural wool felt ends. The thick felt ends fold to create handles when the wall is open, and form a casing for the softwall when it is compressed. softwall is modular, as the felt ends, with velcro fasteners can also be used to link walls together. softwall is 100% recyclable.
The paper softwall can be arranged into almost any shape, or easily compressed into a compact sheaf and stored away. softwall dampens sound and can both absorb and transmit light. The paper softwall is made from 400 layers of honeycombed translucent white, fire-retardant paper, bounded by natural wool felt ends. The thick felt ends fold to create handles when the wall is open, and form a casing for the softwall when it is compressed. softwall is modular, as the felt ends, with velcro fasteners can also be used to link walls together. softwall is 100% recyclable.
Drawbacks of life improvement:
It may be culturally difficult for some people to accept that a structure can be soft or made from paper. Paper is often thought of as fragile yet softwall's honeycomb design does make it surprisingly resilient to normal handling.
It may be culturally difficult for some people to accept that a structure can be soft or made from paper. Paper is often thought of as fragile yet softwall's honeycomb design does make it surprisingly resilient to normal handling.
Research and need:
We began this project looking for ways that people could maximize their living area in a small home by having an open plan which could transform, as needed, into smaller private spaces. We began by making accordion type structures with paper. Soon after we started to investigate honeycomb structures and we were intrigued by honeycomb structures made from soft materials and their abilities to expand, contract and be shaped into curves. We then started to make elongated honeycomb structures using paper. We were very pleased with how the paper could become rigid and also that such a small amount of material could create a large surface area. Our problem was that the structure would'nt stay open; it always wanted to spring back flat. We then discovered that if we added more layers, and hence more honeycombs, the added friction allowed the honeycomb to stay open. From here we added felt ends that create stiffening channels and handles and also serve to protect the paper wall when it is folded for storage. Our research with softwall continues as we investigate other forms of cell shape and other types of material. We are even working on a room version for a project which investigates ways of mediating homelessness.
We began this project looking for ways that people could maximize their living area in a small home by having an open plan which could transform, as needed, into smaller private spaces. We began by making accordion type structures with paper. Soon after we started to investigate honeycomb structures and we were intrigued by honeycomb structures made from soft materials and their abilities to expand, contract and be shaped into curves. We then started to make elongated honeycomb structures using paper. We were very pleased with how the paper could become rigid and also that such a small amount of material could create a large surface area. Our problem was that the structure would'nt stay open; it always wanted to spring back flat. We then discovered that if we added more layers, and hence more honeycombs, the added friction allowed the honeycomb to stay open. From here we added felt ends that create stiffening channels and handles and also serve to protect the paper wall when it is folded for storage. Our research with softwall continues as we investigate other forms of cell shape and other types of material. We are even working on a room version for a project which investigates ways of mediating homelessness.
