maison & objet 09: padded board by françois azambourg / creative grants VIA 2009

‘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.