opendesk downloadable furniture at design museum london
all images courtesy of opendesk

 

 

 

opendesk is a collection of open source furniture, available on a non-traditional online marketplace, where all designs are digital files that can be downloaded for free through the creative commons licence. the brand approaches the creative community through the web, giving them the ability to acquire original work and have it produced by craftsmen in their area, or manufacture it personally. access to a CNC-machine allows for self-assembly, and opendesk’s growing network of local fabricators around the world are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make each product correctly and efficeintly. because the furniture originates from files, users can select the form in which they’d like to receive their table, stool, or desk and the degree in which they would want to be involved in the making process.

 

the set of pieces is currently exhibiting at design museum london for ‘the future is here’ exhibition. advancements in digital fabrication tools such as 3D-printers, laser-cutters and CNC-machines will significantly change the way everyday products are developed and manufactured. the internet is providing people with new ways of making, allowing creatives to share their work online and gather feedback, fostering social exchange during the creative process. the small team of architects and designers behind opendesk believe that the factory of the future is everywhere.
 

 

opendesk downloadable furniture at design museum london
a view of opendesk, beside wikihouse exhibited at design museum london

 

 

this revolution is at the essence of the ‘the future is here’, an exhibition currently showing at design museum london, where opendesk is featured alongside sister project wikihouse, an open source construction set for building homes. each product exhibited has been made by a different fabricator from around the world, from unique locally sourced materials, using the downloaded files available on opendesk. QR-codes on each piece can be scanned to see the specific timeline for each design — including photos and videos of assembly and information about the maker.

 

 

opendesk downloadable furniture at design museum london
each product has been made by a different fabricator from around the world

 

 

opendesk downloadable furniture at design museum london
an opendesk design that is ready for assembly

 

 

opendesk downloadable furniture at design museum london
parts of a product that will be made into a chair

 

 

opendesk downloadable furniture at design museum london
a detail from the underside of a stool

 

 

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