Sa-Bang

furniture interior design Render visualization RECYCLED Sustainable Design ecodesign plastic recycledplastic ecofriendly

Sa-Bang (2023)

Preface-

The material itself, plastic, boasts high durability and serves us well, yet it has become a significant problem due to its overproduction and disposal.

Leemok's initial emotion during the first meeting with the collaboration partner, @4thplace.io, was one of irony in our current reality. We thought that with a little more care in the production of plastic products, it could become a more effective and reusable resource. However, in our present circumstances, this is not happening efficiently.

The recycled plastic boards used in this project were produced by @4thplace.io These plastic boards had undergone a rigorous process of cleaning, separation, and regeneration, breathing new life into them. We were determined not to let this hard-earned reborn plastic simply become artwork for display, only to lose its purpose and be discarded after some time.

For this reason, we set out to create something genuinely valuable and long-lasting from these rejuvenated plastic boards. We contemplated what could make a product timeless and extend its lifecycle, all while crafting something of value for our daily lives.

We aimed to discover a texture that is subtly unique and doesn't get tiresome even after extended exposure. To achieve this, we decided to grind black and white plastic into fine particles and blend them in just the right proportions

A making film by @4thplace.io

In contrast to the durability of plastic as a material, we are facing the pressing issue of plastic being produced and discarded too easily. To address this serious problem and rediscover the functionality and beauty of materials we consider as "waste," this project was initiated.

Our goal was to design objects with a long life cycle using reclaimed plastic boards, leading to the creation of Sa-Bang. The Sa-Bang design aims to produce products that can remain useful even after 100 years, much like the inherent durability of plastic materials.

At the same time, we question whether we truly have "100 years" left to us.

Designs that represent a particular era undergo changes over time, even when they possess enduring durability, as they may no longer fit the evolving ambiance of contemporary living spaces. To avoid becoming obsolete in modern society and to remain relevant today, we drew inspiration from the characteristics of traditional Korean furniture dating back to the Joseon era, which holds its relevance in our lives even a century later.

Our goal was to craft something timeless that could withstand the test of time in our evolving world. This philosophy gave birth to Sa-Bang. Sa-Bang places a strong emphasis on the core value of the product, incorporating minimalistic features and an aesthetic that embraces simplicity while seamlessly blending with its surroundings. This design ensures the product's versatility across various spaces and maintains its refined appearance for long-term use.

Sa-Bang is constructed with a flat-packing structure, reducing carbon emissions during transportation and occupying minimal space for storage or when moved to a different location. It also offers the advantage of easy part replacement and can be customized to meet the user's desired Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) preferences.

Additionally, we employed an interlocking structure where every component securely supports one another, making it highly resilient against wear and breakage over time

To eliminate the issue of furniture parts becoming disposable due to difficult repairs when damaged, we've designed every component as a modular unit, ensuring ease of partial repair or replacement.

This modularity allows for the use of a variety of materials that are available in the user's environment and even permits design alterations, thereby extending the product's lifespan.