BioStool is a project that combines bio-forms and a practical design approach to reduce material usage and waste. The result was a multifunctional cardboard stool inspired by beehive structures, coated with a paper mache mixture.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
The BioStool project addresses the need for sustainable, multifunctional furniture that reduces material waste and environmental impact. Traditional furniture production involves significant material waste and high energy use. This project offers a sustainable solution by using cardboard, a material that’s often discarded, while also repurposing its scraps to create a functional, durable stool. The stool is multifunctional and can serve as both a seating solution and side table. This approach promotes resource efficiency and a longer product life. The scrap cardboard that is produced, is repurposed into a paper mache mixture which covers the stool, minimizing waste and supporting a circular economy. The project promotes environmental responsibility, offering a zero-waste solution that can be easily recycled at the end of its life cycle.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
BioStool is inspired by structures that appear in nature, to be more precise, the cellular structures found in beehives, human bones, and natural sponges. This inspiration led to a design that maximizes strength while minimizing material usage, resulting in a lightweight yet durable stool made entirely from cardboard. The process begins with laser cutting cardboard into specific shapes, assembling them and creating a cellular like structure that ensures structural integrity. The leftover scraps are then repurposed into a paper mache mixture, which is applied to the stool, adding texture and enhancing durability. This method reduces waste and also adds to the stool’s unique aesthetic. The stool serves as both a place to seat and a side table, demonstrating multifunctionality.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
What sets the BioStool apart is its focus on rethinking everyday objects through a sustainable design lense, without compromising functionality. Unlike traditional furniture that is made from multiple materials, BioStool uses primarily cardboard, a recyclable and widely available material, and incorporates a structure, which optimizes strength while significantly reducing material usage. The creation process also utilizes a unique process that eliminates waste, through the recycling of the produced cardboard scraps into a paper mache mixture to enhance both durability and aesthetics. This contrasts with conventional production methods that generate significant waste and rely on nonrecyclable materials. The stool’s multifunctional use, serving as both a seating solution and side table, further adds to its versatility, reducing the need for multiple products.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
BioStool speaks directly to the values of young people, who are increasingly concerned about sustainability and the environment. It offers a solution for those living in smaller spaces, like students or young professionals, who need multifunctional furniture. The idea of repurposing materials and reducing waste resonates with newer generations that values eco-conscious choices through everyday life. It is also a hands on, creative design that encourages DIY culture, something many young people enjoy. The BioStool doesn’t just provide a product, it also represents a mindset, which shows that thoughtful, sustainable design can be stylish and functional.
