Yourself: Customized Furniture for Personalized Living Spaces

Creating Unique and Functional Furniture to Suit Your Needs

Yourself is not just a piece of furniture; it is a customizable experience. With different functional attributes, it can transform into a crib, a sofa, or a bookshelf. By allowing users to personalize the design, Yourself ensures that each piece fits perfectly in its space and matches the user's style. Moreover, Yourself offers a sustainable option, as it allows users to obtain different kinds of furniture from a single product. Users can assemble their own furniture according to their specific needs, reducing waste and promoting a more environmentally friendly approach.

The realization of Yourself is made possible through the use of high-quality materials such as teak and aluminum alloy. Teak, known for its stability and resistance to wear, is an ideal choice for multifunctional furniture. On the other hand, aluminum alloys provide strength and durability while being lightweight, making them perfect for assembly products. Additionally, aluminum alloys are 100% recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for both manufacturers and consumers.

The specifications of Yourself are as follows: length 130cm x Width 44cm x Height 180cm. These dimensions ensure that the furniture can fit seamlessly into various living spaces, providing functionality without compromising on style.

When it comes to interaction, Yourself consists of a wood core and aluminum alloy sticks. The wood core determines the function, while the aluminum alloy sticks define the frame. To use Yourself, users first decide what kind of furniture they need. The metal sticks are then assembled into brackets that correspond to the desired furniture, which are attached with screws. Finally, the wood core is placed on the stand and secured with screws. This simple process allows Yourself to transform into different products such as cabinets, cribs, bookcases, coffee tables, and more.

The Yourself project began in September 2022 in Milan and was completed in February 2023. It was exhibited in China in February 2023, showcasing its innovative design and customizable features to a wider audience.

Extensive research went into the development of Yourself, focusing on the motivations and outcomes of customizing furniture for residential spaces. This research aimed to understand why consumers choose to customize their furniture, the benefits they perceive, and the challenges they face in the process. The findings of this research contribute to a better understanding of the customization trend and provide insights for both consumers and industry professionals.

The Yourself project faced various challenges, both creative and technical. Creatively, the challenge was to design a unique and functional piece that could be customized to meet individual needs and preferences. Incorporating the latest design trends and technologies into the customization process was also a priority. From a technical standpoint, understanding the various functions, finishes, and manufacturing techniques available to create customized furniture was crucial. Additionally, measuring the impact of customized furniture on the overall sustainability of the industry was a significant research challenge.

Inspired by DIY furniture, Yourself offers users the freedom to define and design their own furniture according to their preferences. With its wood core and aluminum alloy sticks, users can assemble the furniture themselves, creating a sense of ownership and personalization. Whether it's a cabinet, bookcase, baby crib, or coffee table, Yourself adapts to the user's needs and desires.

The Yourself project was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, the Iron A' Design Award acknowledges the fulfillment and positive impact that Yourself brings to the world of furniture design.