Grow up: A Multifunctional Crib Designed by Jiankun Sun

A Sustainable Solution for Child Development

Usually, cribs are only used until a child turns one, after which they become obsolete and are often discarded or given away as gifts. However, Jiankun Sun's innovative design, called Grow up, aims to change this. Inspired by the swings in parks, this multifunctional crib is made of wood and hemp rope, offering three different modes of use to meet the needs of a child's growth.

This unique crib is based on the concept of sustainable design. It provides three distinct usage modes throughout a child's development. The first mode is the infant bed, which is used during infancy. Hanging from the shelf, it offers a quieter and more comfortable sleeping experience for babies. The second mode transforms the crib into a children's desk. The top of the shelves can be used to suspend lamps and other objects, creating a functional workspace for older children. Finally, the third mode converts the crib into a hanger. It can hold a large amount of clothing, while the crib itself can be used as a basket to store toys and other items.

The Grow up crib is manufactured using a tenon process, eliminating the need for metal fittings. This not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances its environmental friendliness. The use of wood and hemp rope as materials makes it cost-effective and easy to process, allowing for efficient mass production. Additionally, the crib components are machined to increase productivity.

Measuring 1100mm x 650mm x 1500mm, the crib's flat packaging significantly reduces transportation and storage volume, resulting in cost savings. This design also allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it convenient for parents.

When it comes to functionality, the Grow up crib offers a unique interaction experience. Parents can easily shake the bed, thanks to its suspension by hemp rope. This eliminates friction noise and ensures a smooth rocking motion for the baby. As the child grows from 3 to 12 years old, the position of the bed can be adjusted by changing the position of the baffle and the length of the hemp rope, transforming it into a desk suitable for children. Finally, when the child outgrows the crib, it can be placed on the ground as a coat rack and toy basket.

The Grow up crib project took four months to complete and was developed in Wuhan. It is based on extensive research into sustainable design and aims to address the issue of cribs being discarded after a short period of use. By providing multiple usage modes, this design ensures that the crib remains useful throughout a child's growth, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

Jiankun Sun's Grow up crib has received recognition for its innovative and practical design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products Design category in 2018. This award recognizes designs that meet professional and industrial requirements while integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics. The Grow up crib stands out for its ability to provide fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Jiankun SUN
Image Credits: Jiankun Sun
Project Team Members: Jiankun Sun Kairui Wan Xi Cheng
Project Name: Grow up
Project Client: Jiankun SUN


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