Only yesterday our Queen of Tech asked "Any more downloadable designs coming in the near future?" That is the term we give to a lot of flatpack designs that could easily be transmitted by computer, and to many cardboard and paper designs. Sure enough, this came down the pipes right after her request- a downloadable design that you can download right into.
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Dutch designer Joost van Bleiswijk designs everything from candelabras to wall units out of stainless steel, all laser cut and interlocking. "A combination of fireplace, altar and cabinet. This piece is as a conclusion of cabinet designs over centuries."
It is also extraordinarily heavy and over the top, but there is method in this madness. He describes his method of working in Dezeen:
We have prattled on about how new technologies will change mass production into mass customization, and how Unto this Last, a store/factory in London, is a prototype of things to come: Instead of driving the minivan off to IKEA, you walk down the street to your neighbourhood CNC equipped shop, choose the design that suits your needs, choose your plywood and size, and they cut them out on the spot.
Roy from Ponoko visited the London shop, and describes it:
I do go on about my fascination with downloadable designs, where ideas go from the designers computer to the production process without being shipped; where anyone, anywhere can order up a design and get it printed out at their local 3Dkinko or main street store like they do at London's Unto This Last.
We do love our flatpack furniture; cutting it out of plywood with a CNC machine and sliding it under a door reduces the amount of material used, the packaging, the shipping, everything is just more efficient. It can be fun too, as Dan Planko demonstrates with his new end table, which mixes traditional design elements with the latest manufacturing technologies, and even comes in its own canvas bag....
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