FÖRA
A socio and ecological redesign of Ikea’s Jäll laundry hamper. Made 100% out of recycled fabric, FÖRA hangs from your wall, and can be thrown right into the wash with your clothes, helping those with mobility issues in the home. Made out of one material for ease of recycling, repair, and material sourcing.
Completed while on student exchange in Rotterdam, NL.
Upcycled fabric
Sketches & Accesibility
I not only was concerned with how the JÄLL could be improved ecologically, but also sociologically. I began sketching how the JÄLL could be more accessible for people with mobility issues who struggle with daily tasks around the home.
Prototyping
In these prototypes I explored different methods of weaving, knotting, and fastening to build up structure with the recycled fabric.
Concept Development & Lifecycle Assesment
I began this project by taking the original product apart to assess all of the parts it’s made of. The JÄLL is composed of over 10 different materials. Why so complicated?
Production
Through prototyping I discovered that sewing the fabric into long individual strips held the strongest or stiffest form, so I began production by sewing many of these long strips to make a grid.
Material Exploarations
Following my sketches, I began exploring different materials to be used as the single material in my design. I began with flax rope, as it was easily accessible in Rotterdam and could eaily be grown locally and sourced. I finally landed on recycled fabric, as it also could be sourced locally as well as thrown in the wash.
