avner balachsan's luffa project explores consumerism, fashion and environmental values

how can we integrate consumerism and ecological values in functional products? avner balachsan examines the use of a new environmental material in functional furniture. the designer has chosen to work with luffa — a renewing plant that requires few resources, can be grown locally and does not take much time to grow and disintegrate.

luffa furniture family

industrial design student avner balachsan’s graduation project for the bezalel academy of art and design in jerusalem comprises of a series of indoor furniture, which is predominately made from luffa in a clean process that includes compression and dyeing with natural dyes. ‘I found the material by accident, while searching for a natural fabric.’ balachsan explains: ‘I tried many types of additives, until I found that the plant hold natural binders.’ the natural dyeing is a traditional process made by boiling natural materials such as cabbage, onions and spices, and the colors are then fixed with vinegar and salt. in this era, which is characterized by consumerism and rapid product cycle based on fads and accelerated lifestyle changes, it is important to look at materials that can meet this rapid product cycle and still protect environmental values.

luffa divider and lamp

in this project, avner balachsan wishes to explore the link between consumerism, fashion and the use of environmental materials, as complementary rather than clashing values. ‘in our modern lifestyle where people move apartments, relocate frequently and replace their furniture constantly, I saw an opportunity of making temporary and small footprint furniture.’, says the designer of ‘luffa: natural furniture’.

luffa lamp

luffa lamp

luffa divider

luffa divider

luffa divider

luffa sun lamp

luffa sun lamp

luffa heat press and natural dye process

luffa process

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom