Forest - a dynamic display and storing cabinet
The global shift towards more flexible work arrangements has fundamentally changed how we use our homes. The distinction between workspaces and living spaces has blurred, creating new challenges, especially for those living in smaller urban apartments with families. As people adapt to these changes, it becomes crucial to design furniture that can seamlessly transition between different functions and ambiences, such as work or leisure. This project aims to address this need by developing a storage and display cabinet that facilitates an easy switch between various settings within the same space. It comprises fixed storage compartments and rotating display compartments that can be styled differently to create various ambiences or to showcase different personalities using them.
In an era characterized by material and informational overload, having a space where one can retreat and reaffirm one’s identity has become increasingly important. The arrangement of shelving, the selection of items for display, and the resulting personal aesthetic collectively function as reflective mediums through which individuals reaffirm and communicate their sense of self, both internally and to external observers. Therefore an additional consideration emerges regarding the adaptability of the space, which may fluctuate not only in accordance with its designated function but also in response to the distinct personalities of its occupants.
Interviews and surveys reveal a demand for furniture that transitions easily between functions, offering both accessibility and organization. By the same token, research indicates that in a home environment, users prefer spending time in general living areas even when they are working, while rooms allocated for specific activities are used marginally and remain vacant most of the time. Thus, this project explores how, through minimalistic and functional design, both general living areas and smaller areas of a home can be transformed into spaces of great dignity and align with environmental sustainability by promoting efficient space utilization.