A follow up to our article about the requirements and information requested by the various Design Awards we have won recently. The A’ Design awards (Italian) wanted the most information from its entrants, but the Press Kit they produced based on the answers provided was quite astonishing.
To give an example of the amazing automated press kit that the A’ Design Awards pulls together from the plethora of material requested, please refer to the example below or this press release.
Pende Series Multifunctional Table by Harry Strouzas and Fiona McKenzie – Press Kit
DESIGN DETAILS
DESIGN NAME: Pende Series
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Multifunctional Table
INSPIRATION:
Our goal:To make improvements to the standard criss-cross table leg form. Such frames typically have 3-4 oversized legs connected via inelegant, wasteful, material (strength) removing, angled joints. We were determined to find a better way. We explored geometry and physics. We desired strength/rigidity without added weight or mass. Our solution exceeded expectations. Not only limited to tables or 5 legs. Any leg number (3+) is possible as too is the application; stool, lamp, coat stand, seat…
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Pende utilises physics to produce a unique table series. Minimal components interconnect to provide incredible rigidity. Clean uncluttered lines belie the complex interplay of a polygon bracket, straight legs and structural top. Self tightening without adhesives. Very light and flat packable. A connectable wooden bracket allows a globe to be fitted underneath thus producing a feature lamp. The design can be adapted to varying leg numbers and different structures, eg: stools, coat stands.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
Each Pende table is very easily assembled. Although the process is intuitive, it will nevertheless result in a much deeper appreciation of the design. The obvious research into the various forces & angles at play will become very evident when one examines the interplay between the legs, polygon bracket and top. The deceptively simple manner in which the Pende can be turned into a beautiful, freestanding lamp (all without tools) will further enhance the user’s affinity with this resolved design.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
A self driven project by PodMarket. We were determined to find a better way to create an eye catching, structural, criss-cross form, which did not use complicated joinery, large section material or heavy welding. Initial development began in early 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. The resolved design and prototypes were completed in early 2017, in Melbourne. Display: PodMarket showroom, Melbourne. Interest via by the German Design Council and certain manufacturers in Munich.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:
Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
The Pende series is perfectly suited to batch production. Totally flat packable. Materials: Legs: solid wood; Top: glass, wood or veneer board; Polygon bracket: stainless steel (welded) or chrome plated (cast) brass; Connectors: stainless steel. The patent pending bracket is the only form of fixing the solid legs require. The entire under-frame is self-tightening, self-supporting and very strong. No adhesive or any requirement for potentially complicated compound-angle jointing.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Pende Dining (square) 1100 x 1100 x 760mm / (round) 1100 Diameter x 760mm. Pende Low (square) 800 x 800 x 390mm / (round) 800 Diameter x 390mm. Pende Side (square) 450 x 450 x 610mm / (round) 450 Diameter x 610mm. Note: all sizes available with integrated light (optional).
TAGS:
table design, geometric, minimalist, contemporary design, lightweight, table lamp, multifunctional, coat stand
RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
We analysed forces attributable to furniture and examined how they’re absorbed, via physical testing/prototyping, computer modelling and discussion with engineers. We researched how structures disperse loads and noted that minimalist angular frames were consequently found in places where the forces too were minimal. Bigger tables always compensated by utilising heavy joinery techniques & sections. Geometry & engineering allowed us to utilise much smaller sections with minimal materials.
CHALLENGE:
The most challenging aspect was overcoming stubborn, non-suggestive feedback from experts when a particular proposal didn’t work. “There’s nothing else you can really do” or “I told you that wouldn’t work” was typically heard from during development. Managing different specialist knowledge was also difficult as one improvement in one aspect would often result in a negative production requirement later on. Really listening and absorbing the key issues was paramount in developing solutions.
TEAM MEMBERS (2) :
Harry Strouzas and Fiona McKenzie
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS:
Pende Patent Pending, Australia, Dec 2017 Application No: upon request. Design Registration, Australia, July 2017. Frame Assembly Registration No: 201710042 Bracket Registration No: 201710055 Design Patent Application, USA, July 2017. 5 Point Stand Application No: 29 609 619 Bracket Application No: 29 609 623 Design Registration, China, July 2017. Frame Assembly Registration No: 2017302887300 Bracket Registration No: 2017302891128 Design Registration, EU, June 2017. Support Structure Registration No: 004062511 839096
Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.podmarket.com.au/
CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS
NAME: PodMarket Pty Ltd
PROFILE:
PodMarket Pty Ltd is an Australian company owned and driven by Fiona McKenzie and Harry Strouzas. Harry (lead designer) has invented an original table frawework, and other innovative furniture pieces. The Pende series has emerged via research into geometry and physical forces, culminating in an structure that uses minimal materials, no glue or reinforcement of joints, and a flat pack approach to the ubiquitous criss-cross frame. The Pende symbolises the ethos of PodMarket, which eschews showy, decorative visual aspects and prefers an honest, sustainable approach to design. The intelligence in the PodMarket range is often found in connection details, often hidden from view. Hence an observer may walk past a piece such as the Pende, thinking “just another criss-cross table”. That observer may not realise the engineering and physics involved which has justified a patent application, asserting the Pende as more than a new visual design:an invention. Harry’s approach to furniture design is somewhat informed by his highly analytical mind. Initially a commerce graduate who worked in finance, he decided to follow his passion. He studied & worked as a furniture maker in Australia, and graduated with first class honours from Buckinghamshire New University in England with a BA, Furniture Design and Craftsmanship. His father (an engineer) trained Harry in problem solving in the field of mechanical engineering by taking him to countless manufacturing/production lines in and around Melbourne as part of his work. This strongly influenced Harry in his furniture design process, which often involves innovative engineering solutions using metal, solid wood, glass and plastics.