PlyFlax (working title)

Material research in experimental chair designs and prototypes for international exhibition This project extends and concludes a body of practice-based research and design supported by material studies and experimentation in plywood design. Investigation into natural fibres and their potential for reinforcement in flexible plywood laminations follows from my expertise in this field (chair designs for the Finnish manufacturer Avarte and experiments with flexible composite structures 1994 – 2003, Masterclass ‘Plywood Innovation’ in collaboration with Prof Masayo Ave, Tallinn-Berlin, 2009) and my continuing international visibility in materials and ecological design (EcoDesign 2009-11, www.ecodesign.fi). This concentrated period of development started in March 2012 with a submission of the project theme to the organisers of the EcoDesign 2012 – an exhibition of ecological design to be held as part of the Helsinki: World Design Capital events in September 2012. Experimental pieces and prototypes from the project will be disseminated through the EcoDesign exhibition.