Project Summary
This semester-long project from KFI Studios involved designing essential office furniture that we would enjoy using, focusing on creating new concepts or improving existing designs.
Research
Individuals in the workplace seek furniture pieces that are not only functional and easy to navigate but also customizable and creatively designed.
Problem Statement
Office room dividers are typically plain and often lack artistic and cultural richness, posing a challenge for creating inspiring workspaces.
Alaya
Alaya translates to “abode” or “home of consiousness” in Sanskrit. It petrains to the Alaya-vinjnana, often referred to as “storehouse consciousness”. It represents the space where experiences and thoughts are formed.
Typography
The Seasons
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Alaya
Cooper Hewitt
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Designed to Inspire
Color palette
I explored function and customization by experimenting with rotating panels, 3D artwork, customizable fabrics, and texture.
Tried to integrate cultural storytelling into the design process.
Alaya
An innovative room divider boosts office creativity with movable, customizable panels that function as an inspiration canvas and whiteboard.
Alaya creates separation while combining visual expression and function. One side displays artwork, while the other functions as a magnetic whiteboard.
Rotating panels allow users to display different visuals or magnetic whiteboards for functionality.
Lightweight structure with wheels allows the divider to be easily repositioned.
Alaya features a wood frame with aluminum panels and pivot joints, combined with magnetic whiteboard panels, customizable fabric panels, organic-wood stoppers, and acoustic fabric to provide both privacy and functionality.
Alaya comes in two sizes: 6.5 ft and 4.5 ft. The larger size works well for meetings and collaborative spaces, while the smaller version fits comfortably in dorm rooms or apartments.
This allows Alaya to adapt to different environments and uses.
A Family of Products
This divider offers customizable features, allowing to select heights of either 6.5 feet or 4.5 feet. Users can also choose between 3 or 5 panels, along with a variety of color options.
The user can choose between four different colors, allowing them to personalize Alaya and make it uniquely their own, adding a personal touch to the experience.
