It is the conventional understanding of the notion of ‘device’ that has led Pli to carry out an investigation into alternative approaches to LCA. The traditional perception defines this ‘device’ as an operational tool, whether physical or electronic (i.e. software), used mainly to calculate input and output, therefore inevitably focused solely on manufacturing. Instead, during the productive time of my internship at Pli, we strived to develop a method that could embrace as many sides as possible to a product development process.

Now the initial findings of this investigation have been gathered in a white paper format, and is here for everyone to review (click here).

LCA representation of the Reee chair concept

There are other examples of this kind of thinking.

In his book The Revenge of Gaia, James Lovelock talks about the planet-cooling quality of aerosols—an unheard-of fact about a group of gases which are normally famous for causing acid rain. He posits that, in the case of a possible ban on aerosols, the planet may go into an exponential warming rate, since the offsetting element has been taken away instantly.

A recent research argues that LCD TVs, well-regarded for their eco-friendliness, actually emit greenhouse gases that are more harmful than carbon dioxide.

These two chunks of sophisticated inquisition show us that every step along the way to an environmentally-committed product/service is a coin that still has the other side to be observed. Pli’s product-management oriented-approach to LCA attempts to do this.

Reee Chair

The venue is the bar on the ground floor at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe’s London head office on Great Marlborough Street, just off Oxford Circus. There will be some drinks and a bite to eat, some information about the chair development project and a sneak preview of a new table we have been working on. The bar is a great place - there are even some PlayStations built in.

Invitations are going out at the start of next week and if you would like to be included on the guest list, please send us a message through our contact form and mention ‘Reee launch’ in the message.

Here’s how Architonic describes itself…

About

Even for large firms of architects it is difficult to keep track of the current wealth of materials, furnishings and fittings on the market, not to mention the constant flow of new designs. For private property owners and design enthusiasts it is all the more difficult.
Architonic provides the solution to this problem by constantly monitoring the worldwide market with its team of architects and designers, making it quick and easy for you to find the products selected by the team.

Our aim: the best products, materials, designs and concepts for the best in architecture - always up to date, impartial, selective.
The result: more than 45,000 products from 4,500 designers and 1,400 manufacturers. Every single month more than 230,000 people visit the Architonic site, of whom 68% are architects, interior architects, and planners. About 60% of the visitors come from Europe, 20% from the USA and 20% from Asia and the Middle East.

Architonic AG, which has its head office in Zurich is an internationally-based network consisting of architects, designers, IT experts and marketing professionals. With its contents and concepts Architonic focuses on the generation and distribution of knowledge and information among architects, designers, research and industry.

We chose Tim for this project due to his experience in sustainable packaging. He developed a strong concept for a sustainable Heinz Ketchup bottle. Have a look at that and some more of his work on his Coroflot portfolio page

If you’re lucky enough to live in Chelsea, Battersea, Islington, West Hampstead, Greenwich, Clerkenwell or Docklands you might receive a copy through your door soon. You can subscribe or download past editions of the magazine from the website (click the cover image).

The text of the article on our chair is here…

Eray’s central point — as I understand it — is that the Utility Furniture scheme applied austerity measures not only to material supply and manufacturing processes, but also to the creative freedom and experimental curiosity of designers in that period (1942 - 1952). Imagine being constrained for 10 years of your working life by design committees staffed by bureauctratic appointees.

Are we risking our liberty to explore and develop new designs, materials and processes as British designers of the 1930s had done, unwittingly? If design professionals won’t moderate their own environmental impact, who will do it for them? Would it be possible for restraints to be applied centrally by governments or trade authorities to limit our work for the benefit of a low-carbon economy in the future?

Importantly, Eray has also spotted opportunities that arose from the Utility scheme, particularly for small local manufacturers who benefitted from a shortened supply and distribution network. They picked up the business that was previously aggregated by the big producers in High Wycombe and London’s East End. Will we increasingly make a virtue of local supply and short journeys?

You can download Eray’s presentation directly here. We’ll be podcasting the audio and slides in the next few days, once Eray has settled back in Istanbul.

If you want to follow up on the research into Utility Furniture and its application to new resource-efficient manufacturing business models, contact Pli or comment here and we’ll pick up the conversation with you.

Eray has travelled from Istanbul to share his research and ideas at this seminar. If you will be in London and you have an interest in sustainable design, I highly recommend his presentation.

Note: you need to register to attend but there are some places left. Click the London Remade logo to register.

Here are the details:
Date: 18 June 2008
Time: 4 — 7pm
Venue: Rich Mix Centre 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road,
London E1 6LA

Eray will be talking about Utility furniture. He’ll be comparing the design and product development trends of the 1940s with our own situation. I guarantee you’ll think differently about your priorities, opportunities and risks as a designer once you have heard what Eray has to say about his studies in mid 20th Century design.

The Green and Thrifty event has been put together by London Remade. There’ll be a panel of speakers talking about thrifty design and thrifty business. There’ll be an exhibition on site, featuring [re]design and others. There will be drinks and things to eat. There will be a rag and bone cart, so bring your electronics waste for recycling. There will be lots of interesting people to meet.

Green and Thrifty is part of the Love London festival, running from 1–21 June. Click on the image to go to the Love London website…

Here’s London Remade’s description of Green and Thrifty…

As part of the Love London Festival, London Remade is hosting a free event for businesses interested in reducing costs and waste by becoming more thrifty. The event will highlight how old- fashioned values can be incorporated into modern day business practises and purchases.

This event will include interactive and inspiring exhibits to inspire a shift to resource efficiency and highlight the lessons we can learn from the past.

Experts will be on hand to provide practical advice on implementing change including reducing waste, reusing items and saving energy.

The Grass media table is designed for modern home interiors. It combines sleek good looks with simply sustainable materials and an affordable price. Grab a bargain.