Grow Up: A Multifunctional Chair for Sustainable Living

Yong Zhang and Ya-nan Shi's Award-Winning Design Combines Functionality and Sustainability

The inspiration for "Grow Up" came from a common problem faced by many parents. Children's furniture, often used for a short period, becomes redundant as the child grows, leading to unnecessary waste. To combat this issue, Zhang and Shi designed a chair that can be used both by children and adults, effectively extending its lifespan and reducing waste.

"Grow Up" is unique in its dual functionality. The chair can be flipped to serve as either a children's dining chair or an adult chair. This transformation not only prolongs the chair's usefulness but also symbolizes the parental journey from nurturing a child to seeing them grow into an adult.

The chair is made from sustainable materials such as wood or bamboo, combined with hemp. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also abundant in China, making the chair a testament to sustainable and local production.

The chair measures 640 mm x 640 mm x 820 mm and can be easily flipped to change its function. This simple yet innovative design has earned Zhang and Shi the Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade given to designs that showcase outstanding expertise and innovation.

Through "Grow Up", Zhang and Shi have not only created a practical and multifunctional piece of furniture but also made a statement about the importance of sustainability and thoughtful design in our everyday lives. Their design serves as an inspiration for others to consider the lifespan of products and the potential for reducing waste through innovative design.