Mark Visbeek Blog

This project is the final assignment that would serve as an examination project for the Bachelor-phase of my Industrial Design study.

The project was an individual project for Durner Architects, guided by founder Thomas Durner and Julia Garde from the University of Twente. The goal was to design an interior-related product that propagates the combined vision of both Durner Architects and the designer, and is aimed at improving the living quality of the modern consumer.

Early Ideation Concept

Numerous brainstorms and discussions led to the choice of designing a sofa that would have to improve living quality, provide sitting as well as sleeping functions and would fit the style and vision of the company and designer.

Seen above is the first draft of the idea that was elaborated into a detailed design and eventually led to the final design.

Ergonomics Research

Close attention was paid to ergonomics and proportions were defined to match the majority of the target-group consumers. Also, the functionality was improved and materials were defined.

Defining Global Functionality

Several scalemodels were made to further explore the character of the sofa and asymmetry was added to both provide extra functionality and a stronger character. Also, the different manufacturing concepts were tested in a full-sized proof-of-principle model.

Prototype Foam Scale Model

Full-size Functional Prototype

When the drafts were found suitable enough, the detailing and technical specifications were set up, which then could be converted to a CAD-model.

Conversion to CAD-model

The result is Flip, a modular sofa system that features loose pillows that are soft on one side and have an aluminium surface on the other. These pillows can be flipped to change their function and can also be used as a backrest. The armcushions are flippable as well to provide extra freedom of functionality.

Flip in Standard 'Work Sofa'-Configuration

When fully closed with the soft side up, the sofa can function as a single-person bed, and when fully opened it can be used as a three to four person sofa.

Flip in 'Table'-configuration

Furthermore, the sofa can be fully closed with the aluminium surfaces up, to create a table. One of the foots also contains an extra pillow that can be used as a footrest and the larger armcushion can be detached to serve as a small table or extra seat.

Flip in 'Full Sofa'-configuration

Flip was featured at the ‘Twents Design‘ exposition in ‘De Bijenkorf‘ department store, which ran from August 19th to September 17th, 2008. Following the exposition, the Flip was mentioned in local newspapers T.C. Tubantia and Typisch Enschede, and I was interviewed about the project on RTV Oost Radio.

'Twents Design' Exposition in De Bijenkorf

Client:
Durner Architects, Amsterdam
University of Twente – BSc. Examination Assignment

Assignment:
Design an interior-related product that propagates the combined vision of both Durner Architects and the student, and is aimed at improving the living quality of the modern consumer.

Date:
May 2007 – August 2007

Specifics:
Three month individual project, under supervision of company-founder Thomas Durner and Julia Garde from the University of Twente.