Robin Grasby, Homework
New Designer’s prize winner Robin Grasby won a complementary stand at this September’s 100% Design, where he showed his flexible office/studio desk Homework and Bench lounger. Graduating in 2009 with first class honours in 3D Design: Furniture and Product from Northumbria University, Robin Grasby aims to create rational, enduring, functional furniture for mass production.
Taking as his inspiration the trend for people, especially creatives, to work from home, Robin interviewed designers, architects, illustrators teachers and others to find out exactly how people used their desks and the space around it. His conclusions were that everyone has his/her own needs and requirements and that a desk was not only a work space, but also fulfilled the role of ‘thinking place.’ With these thoughts in mind, Robin created a piece that could be both mass-produced and also customised – a kit which people could adapt to their own needs.
Robin Grasby, Homework
The trestle framework allows for three different sizes of desk top. Onto the desktop, the surface is created from different interchangeable ’tiles’ that slide into place, in a range of materials and finishes, such as Formica and Desktop Lino. In addition, customers can add a built-in adjustable drawing board, as well as a grid-marked cutting matt and magnetic whiteboard tile for notes and quick sketches. Below the desktop, storage consists of a central drawer and an adaptable system either side of the desk, using slings and loops of felt. Finally, a wire frame surround keeps books in place and a slot across the back of the desk allows for a series of personalised accessories to be added in, such as stationery holders, picture frames or a vase.
Robin Grasby, Bench
Robin’s other piece of furniture on show was Bench – a two-seater lounger that again takes its starting point the need for functionality and mass production. The lounger is made up of three components – a solid beech wood frame and two upholstered pads – all of which can be produced rapidly and simultaneously. The three pieces are then just bolted together using a method devised by Robin that takes its reference from traditional Chesterfield upholstery.
Robin Grasby, Bench
