Interlace Bamboo Room Divider. Bamboo plywood off cuts, steel. Development stage: full scale prototype.

Inspiration and design direction were dictated by the size of the material. The design process began with the procurement of the bamboo plywood off cuts, of which there was a limited supply. Large scale elements were not possible due to the small, odd sizes of the off cuts. The ideation phase involved brainstorming different ways to utilize the small, odd shaped pieces. It was necessary to think "outside the sheet" which led to highlighting the core (edges) which in bamboo plywood is quite interesting and aesthetically pleasing. This eventually led to the idea of cutting the pieces into strips as it was the most logical way to highlight the core and stretch the limited material supply. Plywood edges are often hidden so it seemed an excellent opportunity to highlight a different aspect of a common material.

Starting the design process after the material procurement created a specific set of parameters which posed an interesting challenge. In many instances materials are considered after a concept is developed, but in this case the material limitations guided the design direction. Coming at the design from a slightly different perspective enabled some creative problem solving and a unique direction to reveal itself. Hopefully this uncommon treatment will foster a greater appreciation for a common material.