Behind the furniture: Exploring designs that shape personal spaces

Abstract

The lack of space in urban environments, particularly in small flats, compromises the privacy individuals need in their daily lives. As a designer facing this same challenge, this research explores solutions to this issue through the design of furniture that creates personal spaces within limited environments. The focus of the project is on designing for small spaces, though the final outcome extends beyond just small environments.

The design process includes extensive exploration of materials, such as plywood and fabric, and integrates modular elements to enhance adaptability. The final design is a practical response to the challenge of balancing functionality with emotional comfort, using principles of modularity and spatial efficiency.

The research methodology is grounded in practice-led design, involving hands-on prototyping, user feedback, and iterative testing. The chosen materials and construction methods, including simple joinery and modular components, align to create a design that is both efficient and adaptable. The outcome of this research is a prototype of a space-making piece of furniture.

Beyond the physical prototypes, the final concept holds significant value, as it embodies the core principles of the design. The paper provides a detailed account of the design process, from initial sketches to the final prototype, analyzing key decision-making moments and the evolution of the concept. With further development, this concept has great potential to address privacy concerns in urban living and could be expanded for broader applications in interior design.