'padded board by françois azambourg'

part of VIA's annual design support program is the partnership project:
a new renewable composite material was developed by designer françois azambourg
and the DCS (design composite système) company.



the duo is engaged in research on renewable composite materials. linen was
chosen for its mechanical properties, such as resistance to torsion, its light weight
and low cost. plant fibers are used to form a panel – a basic component of the
furniture manufacturing industry. the fibers are overlaid in many directions
and interwoven with polyamide. the double-sided fabric thus woven is put
into a mold and shaped by heat-injection under pressure. this causes the
polyamide to melt, thus entering into fusion with the linen fibers in the manner
of a traditional composite. when it cools, the mix crystallizes to form a rigid
structure. the panel has unusual aesthetics, like a textile in three dimensions,
plus untold potential for textures and colors. françois azambourg and
frédéric morand (DCS) have applied the process in the fabrication of a table
top that demonstrates all its qualities: technical performance, economy, and
durability of an innovative material. the process was invented by
françois azambourg and is patented.



the VIA partnership project gives designers the opportunity to develop
a project in tandem with a manufacturer, using innovative technologies
and/or materials. the initiative aims at encouraging exchanges of know-how
and skills with an eye to experimenting new solutions for furnishing and
interior decorating.