Glamping, a fusion of glamour and camping, often remains financially inaccessible for many. Qing Yan, however, has sought to democratize this experience with "Elves," a camping accessory set that elevates the outdoor experience through diversified activities. The set encourages communal gathering around the campfire and dinner table, satisfying the fundamental human need for belonging.
"Elves" stands out for its sustainable design solutions. It caters to users who are conscientious about their carbon footprint and environmental impacts. The centerpiece of the set is a reimagined fireplace that runs on solar energy, designed to provide a new experience, complete with an area to roast marshmallows. This approach ensures a positive camping experience in nature without contributing to CO2 emissions.
The set, made from oak wood, steel, and PLA, includes a S’more Pit, dish, bowl, drip coffee brewer, and multifunctional light. The S’more Pit, in open mode, measures 22.5 x 22.5 x 30 inches, and in closed mode, 5 x 5 x 37 inches. The dish is 15.5 x 15.5 x 2.5 inches, the bowl 5.5 x 5.5 x 4 inches, the drip coffee brewer 5.5 x 5.5 x 12.5 inches, and the multifunctional light 3.75 x 3.75 x 7.5 inches.
Embedded lights in the S’more Pit, Coffee Brewer, Tableware, and Hanging Light create a strong ambiance in nature, replacing the table cloth through decorative light patterns. This feature was inspired by Yan's research, which revealed that lighting is essential to a campground and that people value photogenic experiences for social media sharing.
Striking a balance between the simplicity of camping gear and the romantic ambiance lighting was a challenge. However, Yan successfully overcame this, resulting in "Elves" being awarded Silver in A' Camping Gear and Outdoor Equipment Design Award in 2021. This prestigious accolade is rewarded to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.
In conclusion, Qing Yan's "Elves" represents a significant step forward in sustainable and luxurious outdoor living. By reimagining the camping experience, Yan has created a product that not only respects the environment but also enhances the joy of communal outdoor activities. It's a shining example of how design can transform experiences and make luxury accessible to all.
Project Designers: Qing Yan
Image Credits: Qing Yan
Project Team Members: Instructor:Fridolin Beisert
Project Name: Elves
Project Client: Qing Yan