Perspective Sustainable Futures: NEXT

Nov 06, 2023 By Jessica Jones

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The future of sustainable design lies in the hands of emerging designers through new materials, methods, and innovations

By Jessica Jones Nov 06, 2023

Published in Articles

Today’s design leaders and manufacturers are thinking of sustainability not just as a design solution, but also an integral part of the design process, and a means of prioritizing our collective future—globally and within the industry. The future of interior and product design is understanding how every decision made throughout the design process impacts not only the built environment and our human experience, but also our climate and planet. Take a look at these products made by the next generation of interior designers taking actionable steps towards a more sustainable design future.

OUT

Fels Stool

OUT’s Fels Stool combines nature and artistry as the designer transforms wood to borrow its shape from stone. OUT decided to treat wooden material as stone material to create this sleek, innovative design. The wood used was created from sustainable forestry by using forest scraps and other sculptural techniques. The stool comes in a variety of colors that allow the wooden texture to peek through, bringing nature into your home or office.

Fels Stool is made of ash wood.
Image courtesy of einrichten-design.com

Fels Stool's sleek finish is gives is a stone like look.
Image courtesy of einrichten-design.com

The Fels Stool is perfect for your home, office or business.
Image courtesy of einrichten-design.com

Interesting Times Gang

Kelp Collection

The Kelp Collection chair is a new and sustainable design made by 3D printing using material from recycled fishing nets. Interesting Times Gang created a chair with a curved and organic shape, with a vibrant green color that comes from the recycled fishing nets. Inspired by biomimicry, the collection is designed to imitate ocean vegetation and is used by the designers as a way to bring awareness to unsustainable fishing practices and rising ocean temperatures. The Kelp Collection chair can also be recycled and reused to create new objects and products.

Kelp Collection made through 3D printed materials like fishing nets.
Image courtesy of ITG Studio

The vibrant green color of the Kelp collection chair comes from the recycled fishing nets.
Image courtesy of ITG Studio

These fishing nets can be ground down to create new bio-materials that can be reused.
Image courtesy of ITG Studio

3form

Flek Pure

3form’s Flek Pure collection is a manufactured recycled material that mimics the effect of terrazzo. Products in this collection were made from recycled materials with some of 3form's in-house factory waste. Recycled resin products give Flek Pure its terrazzo look and feel—this product can be used to create privacy partitions, room dividers, accent pieces and exterior walls. With its translucent look, the silhouettes of objects behind it shine through.

Skopos

Gaia Recycled Upholstery

Created completely from recycled materials, Skopo’s Gaia Recycled Upholstery provides an environmentally responsible solution for product design. The textiles are made up of 73% recycled polypropylene from recycled textiles, and 27%recycled polyester from post-consumer waste. Gaia mimics a wool-like texture, giving any design a sophisticated and innovative style. With a range of 21 muted colors, Gaia offers variety for your hospitality and leisure settings.