Portable Lap Desk Installation No.1

Multi-functional desk

The inspiration for this design came from the desire to create a distraction-free work space. By keeping the size of the desk small, the user can only keep essential items on the desk, helping them concentrate better. Subsequently, the designer, Liyang Liu, came up with the wall-mounting solution, which gives it a distinctive minimalist styling and allows it to be removable.

The desk is made with eco-friendly 3 ply solid bamboo, cut by CNC to the required dimensions, and then sanded and oiled by hand. The metal brackets are made from steel and then powder coated. The bamboo desk itself measures 56cmx35cmx2cm, while the metal brackets use 26.9mm diameter mild steel tubes with lengths of 260mm and 400mm. The packaging uses heavy-duty cardboard.

When the desk is set up on the wall, it can be used as a normal desk. The user can easily remove the desk from the brackets and use it anywhere else in the home. When finished using the desk, the user can store it flat against the wall on its brackets.

This project started in May 2014 and finished in December 2014 in Nottingham. During the research stage, the design team looked into different styles of working on a desk to establish the size of the desk, which needed to be big enough for working and small enough to be portable. Studies were also carried out to establish the position of the phone stand, resulting in a groove across the entire desk top so that both left-handed and right-handed users can use it with ease.

The biggest challenge in designing this desk was to make it portable while also functioning as a traditional desk. Both the wall bracket and the desk had to be strong enough to support the weight. The result is a unique and innovative design that combines functionality, portability, and a minimalist aesthetic.

This Portable Lap Desk Installation No.1 was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2015. The Silver A' Design Award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This design showcases a remarkable level of excellence and introduces positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.