Fírpąnk

This project intends to challenge our ability to generate and realise a final prototype of a product design project, in the context of the semester topic.

Following the assignment, we had to create new product with a transfer from something already existing, something from the past or just from another field of usage. One of the goals of this design project was to make use of the visual archive assembled during our field-trips to Palermo and Dietenheim, both as reference and source material for inspiration.

Fírpąnk is a modular bench that is inspired by rotating benches in Tyrolean parlors. Stuben were the only heatable rooms in a farm, which is why they were used as work rooms and as accommodation for the sick people. Rooms in buildings are usually located in a south-easterly direction, as the sun’s rays in the morning heat the room in addition to the warmth of the stove. Each room had at least three or four windows that let in the sun and light. The essence of the room rests on two pillars: one is the stove, the other the table. Like all other free walls, the table is hemmed in by the circulating bench. It was always attached to at least two walls to give the people lying on it the opportunity to take full advantage of the sun’s rays falling on it. The surrounding bank was a popular berth for young and old. Living rooms nowadays do not have as much space available for benches of this size and with the same size to accommodate the function. Firpank brings the warm and cozy feeling of a Stube into the contemporary living room. The transfer consists in turning the circulation bench into a modular fírpąnk that can be assembled as required. Fírpąnk consists of four elements, two benches and two stools, which undergo the transfer from the static parlor bench belonging to the paneling to a more modern modular bench. Fírpąnk maintains its function of lying down on it and enjoying the falling and moving sun rays. Thanks to its modularity, it is now possible to set up the bench as the space and the rest of the furnishings allow. A single bench can be expanded so that it can be extended by a further bench and the stools along a straight wall and can be put together as a corner bench.