Peel: A Cabinet That Breaks Convention

Leah K. S. Amick's Award-Winning Design Transforms Furniture Interaction

Leah K. S. Amick, the creative mind behind Peel, drew inspiration from the manipulation of surfaces. She sought to create a functional object that would inspire a moment of surprise and delight. The result is a freestanding cabinet that eschews the typical hinged door for one that peels open, creating a tactile and satisfying user experience.

The cabinet's unique properties lie in its door design. When the door is pulled, it breaks away in segments, folding back to reveal the cabinet's interior. As the cover is returned to its original position, each panel snaps back into place, creating a short melodic scale. This innovative design element not only adds a functional twist but also introduces an auditory component to the interaction.

Constructed from white oak, Peel stands on a lightly brushed, stainless steel base. The door comprises seven angular panels laminated onto a heavy canvas, creating a reverse effect of a tambour door. This design is held in place by a series of neodymium magnets embedded within the wood. The cabinet measures 460 mm in width, 68 mm in depth, and 1320 mm in height.

Amick's design process involved extensive research and experimentation with materials, mechanisms, and fabrication techniques. The tambour door and the iPad Smart Cover served as initial inspirations for the door's movement and interaction. Through multiple iterations and prototypes, Amick was able to fine-tune the size and shape of each door segment to ensure a satisfying interaction.

Despite the challenges encountered during the design process, including determining the correct interaction between the opening system and the user, Amick successfully created a piece that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The cabinet's door, being its main feature, required careful consideration of its configuration, size, and format. The placement of the magnets within the body and door was also crucial to the piece's success.

Peel is a testament to Amick's innovative approach to design, transforming a simple cabinet into a piece of interactive art. Its unique design and tactile interaction offer a fresh perspective on furniture design, proving that even the most common household items can be reimagined and reinvented.