Idle and hang around : foldable textile furnishing

Abstract: This thesis deals with foldable, portable and eco-friendly textile furnishing for students. Students move quite often and therefore big and heavy furniture is sometimes a problem. In this project prototypes of a hanging sofa called Idle and a hanging storage system called Hang Around are presented. These products can be pulled up to the ceiling when there is no use for them and taken down when needed. The idiom of the products communicates stability and security even though they are suitable for living in motion. The aim has been to create sustainable products that can help to maintain the feeling of home and security in the middle of a hectic and mobile life. The forms of the products and the textile patterns have been developed simultaneously. The inspiration for the pattern design comes from Northern forests. The patterns are digital printed on woollen fabric. The materials and techniques used in this project were chosen because of their limited environmental impacts. Idle and Hang Around are designed to suit the concept house Nestet, which is an eco-friendly exhibition house with solid wood construction. The house, where Idle and Hang Around appear, was built in the centre of Borås in June 2005.