Cardboard furniture the future for Unis?

Cardboard furniture the future for Unis?

A University of Wolverhampton student is hoping to take the world of design by storm with his new line in furniture – made of cardboard.

David Chidlow, who has just completed his final year in Product Design (Furniture), has designed recyclable, flat pack furnishings that could revolutionise university residences.

The set of drawers is made of corrugated cardboard, with plastic fixings, and could be decorated by students to individualise them. The shelves also act as a lid for the drawers, creating three boxes which could be sent out in flat pack form to students before they start university.

David, from Worcester, recently exhibited his prototype at the Degree Show exhibition at the School of Art and Design.

The 21-year-old student is hoping that a business sponsor might be prepared to take on his idea and make it a success.

He said he came up with the idea as a means or personalising furniture for students leaving home for the first time. “It would be like having new furniture for each student, and cardboard is cheap, recyclable and sustainable,” David said.

“You can print directly onto it, apply digital images or perhaps city maps or useful contacts information, or leave it completely blank and decorate it yourself and have a totally individual piece of furniture. At the end of the year the cardboard could just be recycled.”

David added the drawers were light-weight and sturdy, and special coatings could be added to make them water and flame proof. He has looked into the possibility of making a wardrobe using the same principles.

If you are interested in David’s idea, email him at contact@davidchidlowdesigns.co.uk.