LATEX, LATEX, LATEX
Graduation Project at Design Academy Eindhoven
This project explores the versatile, noble, and sustainable nature of latex, a material with the potential to replace environmentally harmful materials such as leather and plastics. While latex shares a similar visual appeal as plastics, it is predominantly associated with fetishism and fashion. The aim of this project is to challenge these associations and highlight latex’s potential in furniture design. The sheet form of latex subtly nods to its historical connections within the fetish and fashion world while pushing the boundaries of its application. The design came from experimenting and playing with the material, and viewing how it wanted to act on the frames.
The modular and woven approach, ensures extra strength and allows for easy disassembly, care, and maintenance. Buttons enable effortless replacement and care, thereby extending the lifespan of the furniture. Additionally, the use of recyclable stainless steel aligns with the sustainable ethos of the project, and latex foam adapts to the user’s body, maintaining the flexibility of the latex sheeting. By re-contextualizing latex within furniture design, this project challenges preconceived notions and opens up new aesthetic possibilities.