The concept for this lounge was the idea of the arctic glacier, and LAVA developed a methodology to virtually design arctic furniture and print it into the real. It was a virtual exercise with physical form as outcome that cut new ground for realising and materialising a usable product. Using precise digital tools the design for the furniture was sent digitally to one of Europe's leading CNC-milling-engineering providers, to be shaped from off-cut foam-blocks. It was then coated with a glossy paint and gradient to enhance the artic concept and ambience.
The stretched membrane umbrellas were crafted in a similar fashion from computer directly to manufacturers. The aluminum framing was developed to exact measurements and produced the filigree, self-supported aluminum-construction in CNC-technique. Media projections on the umbrellas contributed to the atmosphere and gave information to visitors.
The lounge seats were carved from off-cuts of industrial products and. Each lounge seat weighed 6kg, much less compared to the weight of a standard office chair, the lounge is therefore easily and environmentally friendly to transport.
Although the exercise required being custom-crafted by CNC milling machines and special laser cut membrane fabric, the cost can be optimised as all the different components lend themselves to standardising and mass production. The whole lounge can be completely reused for a diverse range of products, including packaging and fill material, and modified for any purpose. The umbrella frame was crafted by 100% recyclable aluminum, and the light weight stretchable membrane minimises the material usage.
