BLOOM - An antifragile approach to designing long lasting furniture and embracing the aging of wood.

Abstract: The main goal of this project is to explore tools for consumers and designers when consuming or developing long lasting furniture and translating the results into a pro- duct. The short life span of today’s furniture is due to design and material choices hindering graceful aging. This contributes to fast furniture, discarded prematurely due to breaking or aesthetic downgrading. After a literature study and conversations with field experts, I utilized my acquired knowledge on physical models. For increased longevity, I used solid pine, design form language for graceful aging, easily maintained and repairable parts, and material thickness allowing for variation. These measures encourage care, emotional bonds and creating memories. Antifragility is incorporated through the preservation technique yakisugi and an empirical design process. The result is a comfortable lounge chair. Thoughtful design decisions create longer lasting and more sustainable furniture.