Lorna Smith: Design Portfolio: Urban Dining/Urban Growth November 2010

Sustainable Temporary Design

Collaborative group project working with Mercia Tawhiri-Kerr, Sarah Kirk and Brittany Morgan.

Close-up detail of the 'play pump'

Section through the worm farm

Overall perspective of Urban Dining/Urban Growth

Through the design of urban furniture pieces, we aimed to raise awareness about the process of growing, picking, preparing, cooking and eating fresh, local food and how to dispose of it properly afterwards. We felt that unwillingness to participate in energy-saving, carbon-reducing methods during the food process is due to lack of information, we aim to educate people through the use of this furniture intervention.
The iconic picnic bench is [re]designed, keeping its main characteristics to aid in the designs usability. The furniture aims to use a little as possible, we believe that little changes can make a big impact. Recycled materials were used for the construction, a worm farm for the disposal of the food and a rainwater catch system for the cleaning up process and the watering of plants.