I just googled “chair” and received “about 128,000,000 results in 0.45 seconds.” Phew! If I looked at each result for an average of 30 seconds, it would take me approximately 64 years to look at all of them, so right now, there are enough chairs on the market to last a lifetime of searching. So who needs another chair? That said, I fully intend on completing the design and execution of not only a chair, but a full line of furnishings, carpets and lighting and bring them to market.

I’ve come to realize, however, the need for a paradigm shift from furniture as it exists today and furniture better suited for 21st century lifestyles. As I mentioned in a previous post, as a society, we are object oriented: we relate to tangible items; things. From that standpoint, we move to a new house and fill the spaces with objects, mainly furniture. Stuff and more stuff to meet our everyday needs.

 

Let’s take the bedroom, for instance. Here’s a list of some items we likely need for it to function:

1. Bed

2. Nightstands

3. Table lamps

4. TV

5. TV stand

6. Dresser or some other kind of clothes storage (space permitting)

7. Chair or bench (space permitting)

8. Drapes or some other kind of window covering

9. Area Rug

10. Bookcases (eBooks are chipping away at the need for these, however)

11. Desk and chair

12. Decorative items and keepsakes

Given the trend towards downsizing, having all of those items in a small space leads to clutter and sensory overload. What if a more integrated approach existed, which addressed most of  what we surround ourselves in our bedrooms? (notice how even the name of the room refers to an object) The approach would be spatial and environmental, rather that object-oriented, which is what I propose.

The idea originated from a piece of furniture. A client asked for this bed.

 

We adapted the concept to the space it would occupy and had this built.

 

The bed, together with the wall paneling focuses on the space, rather than an object.

This evolved into the Sleeping Environment, taking the concept to the next level, as it takes into consideration much more of how we use the spaces where we sleep, with an emphasis on using space to maximum potential. Here are a few sketches of the product that is currently in the prototype stage.

 

The sleeping environment integrates all the functions and furnishings typically associated with a bedroom, including audiovisual and lighting. The cabinetry will incorporate functional storage space. All this in a tranquil environment.