Portable Living: Exploring the Intersection of Design and Lifestyle

Unleashing Creativity through Everyday Objects

In a world where mobility and adaptability have become essential, one designer has taken the concept of portable living to a whole new level. Through a combination of art, architecture, and design, this innovative project reimagines everyday objects as functional living spaces. Inspired by architecture, lego toys, and consumerism, the designer has created a collection of suitcases, lunchboxes, drawers, and containers that contain fully-furnished living spaces inside.

What sets this design apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate form and function. The use of legos, typically associated with architectural forms, adds a playful yet practical element to the design. The incorporation of fluorescent plexiglas creates a mesmerizing glow, reminiscent of neon lighting, without the need for electricity. The result is a series of structures that not only serve as storage solutions but also double as artistic installations.

Each piece in the collection showcases the designer's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to pushing boundaries. The semi-translucent white and fluorescent plexiglas, combined with mirrored surfaces and intricate interior patterns, create a visually captivating experience. The optical variations both inside and outside the structures add depth and intrigue, blurring the lines between art and functionality.

From the Diner Lunchbox, which evokes the charm of a rural restaurant, to the Highrise II suitcase, featuring 144 lego windows, every design in this collection tells a unique story. The Containers, resembling consumer products commonly found in container stores, offer a glimpse into hidden interiors through strategically placed windows and doors. The Green Room Drawer and Mounted House Drawer provide practical storage solutions while also serving as artistic expressions of space and form.

Utilizing a combination of legos, fluorescent plexiglas, semi-translucent white plexiglas, and stainless steel, the realization of these designs is a testament to the designer's technical prowess. Laser-cutting and precise plastics adhesive techniques ensure the seamless integration of materials, resulting in visually stunning and functional pieces.

With dimensions ranging from the compact Diner Lunchbox to the towering Containers, this collection caters to various lifestyles and spatial needs. The technical properties of each design have been carefully considered to provide both practicality and aesthetic appeal. The lego windows, for example, offer different views depending on whether they are opened or closed, allowing viewers to experience the transformation of space.

While the Portable Living collection is a testament to the designer's creativity and technical skills, it also poses exciting possibilities for the future. The designer envisions expanding the range of shapes beyond the rectangular and square forms, exploring deformed or irregular cubic shapes and even round structures. This ambitious goal would require the creation of molds, opening up new avenues for experimentation and innovation.

Recognized for its ingenuity and artistic merit, the Portable Living collection was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2011. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that are not only visually appealing but also practical and innovative. By seamlessly blending industry best practices with artistic vision, this collection contributes to a better world by reimagining the way we interact with everyday objects.

With its ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, Portable Living challenges our perception of design and lifestyle. By integrating art, architecture, and functionality, this collection invites us to rethink the way we inhabit and understand spaces. Whether it's a lunchbox that doubles as a sculpture or a drawer that becomes a mounted house, Portable Living offers a glimpse into a world where creativity knows no bounds.