TU Dublin GradX 2023

IWIN were delighted to be asked to evaluate students' work at GradX, the Graduate Exhibition of TU Dublin School of Art and Design, BA Interior / Furniture Design programme (TU975). On behalf of IWIN, a panel of four judges arrived at GradX to view and discuss the work of the students. The panel were: Enda McGonigle from Sofa Source; Joe Friel from WoodConnect; Gareth Sherry from IWIN and Sean Philips from OVVO. All four were extremely impressed with the quality and variety of work on display. In particular, the noted the quality of concepts and engagement with very current issue for the furniture, design and production industries. The panel were tasked to award under two broad categories (1) Innovation and (2) Commerciality. The panel were unanimous that more than two projects deserved recognition. Two awards were presented in each category with each recipient receiving a 100 Euro one-for-all voucher and a one year membership of IWIN. All the projects and eight others will be featured on the TU Dublin & IWIN stand at the IFHS show from 2nd to 4th July.

GradX is the highlight of the academic year for students and staff and affords students the opportunity to showcase their imagination, hard work and creativity. IWIN are very keen to build connections and relationships between our industry and education institutes. Linking the future drivers of our industry is so important towards our members' long-term success.

Pictured above L-R are: Enda McGonigle from Sofa Source; Joe Friel of WoodConnect; Laura McSweeney - most innovative project / sustainability - (Design for disassembly); Carmina Smali - most innovative project / materials and technology - (Minim Range); Gareth Sherry of IWIN and Sean Phillips of OVVO.

The other winners were Eoin Colfer and Cara Brennan in the category of most commercial potential. Our huge thanks to Peter McCann, Lecturer interior and Furniture Design at TU Dublin for his warm welcome.

Pictured below L-R are:

1. Minim - Carmina Smali. Minim is a project that researches the principle of modernism with the aim of creating simple, interesting, functional and, above all sustainable products. Designers are responsible for what they produce and the decisions they make. Precisely for this reason, having a product that performs multiple functions and, at the same time, takes the environment into consideration, can be considered one more step towards a more sustainable future. Minim offers a series of lamps that will illuminate your home. Lamps that are different from each other, but which have the common task of lasting longer, having simple and natural materials such as wood, or the possibility of reusing components or washing them. The different shapes and appearances of the lamps thus offer a variety for every taste to the customer. Minim is a project that minimises forms but maximises functionality.
2. Design for Disassembly - Laura MacSweeney. This collection of furniture was designed as take-apart technology. The collection consists of three individual materials. This material can be manipulated in multiple ways creating surfaces and texture. For structural purposes, waste mild steel, also known as conduit, was used as well as locally sourced ash hardwood allowing for repetition of curved edges throughout the collection. Where fixing was required, mechanical fasteners known a rivet or mild steel pins were used. The rivets are countersunk mild steel so can easily be recycled amongst the mild steel used. This allows for disassembly and transportation of large products.
3. A Set of Self Assembly Furniture - Eoin Colfer. The tension bench and sideboard have been designed to be simple and intuitive to assemble and disassemble for use in contemporary domestic interiors. The legs of the bench can be slotted into position without the need for glue, screws, nails or any joinery. The bench is held together by weight and the addition of tension. A rope runs over the top of the furniture and looping through the legs, using the tensioner mechanism underneath the user can tighten the bench twisting the mechanism clockwise. Using tension the piece of furniture becomes solid. With the straight forward instructions both the bench and sideboard can be assembled and taken apart in minutes.
4. Chameleon Unit - Cara Brennan. The product designed is a modular storage system consisting of small cubic modules. The modules can be used singularly or can be combined to create storage systems or units. The product is offered in 2 depth options, while the width and height are dictated by the number of combined modules, making its size variable and specific to the needs of the user. The modules can be undivided, have a singular dividing shelf or two drawers. The main aspect of the design is the varied options for the finished aesthetic. Custom sized exterior panels are attached to the sides, top and bottom of the storage unit. The panels are available in varied styles, such as modern, art deco, Victorian and more. The panels can simply be detached and replaced with new panels in a different style. This allows the user to keep this piece of furniture throughout any interior décor changes. The option for the modules to have doors is also available and there are a range of additional elements to accentuate the furniture in each style such as varied leg and handle options. These features make the design flexible and increases the life of the furniture, thereby making this a sustainable and consumer customisable product.