Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm showcases the innovative Workform project, the result of a collaboration between final-year Product Design students and three prominent Swedish furniture brands: Edsbyn, SAVO, and Svensson & Linnér. This program provides students with hands-on experience in designing furniture while navigating the challenges of real-world production demands. Focused on the theme of sitting, the initiative explores how furniture design can be inclusive, flexible, and multifunctional, addressing diverse user needs. This progressive showcase made its debut at Stockholm Design Week, highlighting the potential of the next generation of designers.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Furniture Designers: Beckmans College of Design Students
Collaborating Brands: Edsbyn, SAVO, Svensson & Linnér
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Among the standout designs is Pulse, created by Anna Nyman, Axel Peters, and Matarena Sjöberg in partnership with Svensson & Linnér. This chair offers three adjustable seat heights, catering to children, adults, and the elderly. Pulse breaks traditional boundaries in public space design by ensuring that often-overlooked groups, like kids and older individuals, can enjoy public seating. The design fosters intergenerational interaction and community engagement, breathing life into spaces that lacked inclusiveness. It echoes the function of public art, creating a heartbeat in environments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Another remarkable design is Hub, by Alva Jonasdotter, Love Persson, and Sara Lagerin, collaborating with Edsbyn. Hub brings a warm, home-like atmosphere to various environments. It employs a versatile base, available in two heights, complemented by interchangeable cushion designs. This adaptability allows Hub to transition seamlessly between office and home settings, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The design prioritizes the need for multifunctional solutions in modern living and working environments, allowing end-users to enjoy the flexibility in configuring their spaces.
JUUNI, designed by August Bällgren, Emelie Svensson, and Ellen Nilsson in collaboration with SAVO, offers an inventive seating solution that encourages activity. Featuring a slightly inclined seat with a footrest for half-resting moments, JUUNI promotes engagement and focus. Available in refined colorways with bursts of rusty orange, its elegant and minimalist appearance fits well in schools or offices. The chair places physical engagement at the forefront, gently reminding users to maintain an active posture while working or learning.
The design project also includes Heed, by Siri Lövén, Karin Forsberg, and Victoria Johansson, also in collaboration with SAVO. This piece offers a balanced experience with both active and passive seating positions, emphasizing ergonomic design. Heed is crafted to integrate into workplace or home office environments, promoting necessary breaks throughout the day. It combines functionality with an elegant aesthetic, responding to varying energy levels and supporting users’ wellbeing through intentional design.
The Workform initiative emphasizes the importance of using local materials and engaging students in all aspects of the furniture design process. This experience not only enriches their academic life but also fosters lasting professional relationships that ease the transition to post-graduation careers. As the design industry evolves, education must also adapt, providing a holistic perspective that prepares students for future challenges. Workform exemplifies this by merging academic learning with practical industry experience, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in a diverse and dynamic sector. Interested individuals can learn more about the initiative by visiting Beckmans College of Design’s website.
