Jan Animals: A Playful and Ergonomic Kids Furniture Collection

A Collection Inspired by Animals and Children's Imagination

Jan Animals is a collection of kids furniture that goes beyond the ordinary. Designed with the aim of sparking children's imagination, this collection takes inspiration from different animal characters and cartoons. The designer, David Carrasco Barcelo, wanted to create furniture that he would have loved to have in his own classroom as a child.

The collection is named Jan, which means "kid" in the Catalan language, reflecting its focus on children. Each piece in the collection is designed with the child's ergonomics in mind, ensuring comfort and safety. The simple shapes of the furniture pieces are easily recognizable by children, allowing them to complete the animal in their imagination.

Jan Animals consists of three chairs and a table. Each chair has a different animal shape, adding personality to the collection. The table integrates a pencil pot and a surface where kids can draw, which can be easily erased thanks to the laminate surface. The chairs and table are stackable, making storage and transportation convenient.

The collection is made using plastic injection, specifically polypropylene, which is recyclable. The use of a single mold for all three chair shapes reduces production costs and material waste. The chairs and table come in two sizes, T1 for kids aged 3 to 5 years and T2 for kids aged 5 to 7 years, meeting the necessary ergonomic regulations for children's furniture.

Jan Animals was developed by David Carrasco Barcelo and his design studio, Carrasco Barcelo. The project was completed in Barcelona, Spain, during 2016 and 2017 for the client RESOL under their label "Barcelona Dd." The collection was presented at the Spoga Fair in Cologne in September 2017.

The design process involved extensive research on current trends in children's entertainment, including movies, toys, and cartoons. The aim was to create furniture that not only functions as seating but also interacts with children. The animal shapes were chosen to create a bond between kids and the furniture, as children often have a natural affinity for animals.

One of the biggest challenges in the design process was ensuring that the furniture met strict regulations for ergonomics and safety. Given that the collection is intended for use by children, these considerations were of utmost importance. The design team had to strike a balance between the animal shapes, general proportions, and ergonomic requirements.

The Jan Animals collection has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2018. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

Jan Animals is a testament to the power of design to create functional and engaging furniture for children. With its playful animal shapes, ergonomic design, and focus on children's imagination, this collection is sure to bring joy and inspiration to any space.