Explore more of Nikolaj’s work

Minimalism over experimenting

Nikolaj is designing a lighting product, where he focuses on minimalism. This is because the electric parts are mandatory and thus the additional material must be able to sustain the heat and light.

My solution in this project is to create a simple product where material consumption and number of elements are minimized. I want it to be flat-packed and it is also designed for disassembly.”

With his design, Nikolaj is working to create a calming and balancing effect in the room, and he wants the product to have a sculptural purpose.

To reduce the impact of his design, Nikolaj has chosen to work with only two materials – besides the electric parts – that are recyclable and that can be made very slim.

Changing the industry

But Nikolaj’s work with reduction expands beyond the product. He has designed the product measurements to be flat packed in cardboard boxes that fit the measurements of standard euro pallets. Furthermore, he has selected materials that do not need much processing to gain the visual expression and functions, he wants.

“To me, it is not only about choosing more responsible materials but also efficient production techniques. If we wish to make an impact on the green agenda, we must design products that sell. And for a product to sell, it needs to be profitable for the company who sells it, meaning it must not be too expensive. As a designer, you cannot ignore this”

Nikolaj thinks that designers are capable of putting some pressure on the manufacturers and of designing in a certain direction. And he does encounter a will amongst manufacturers to take a more responsible approach. According to Nikolaj, the production techniques might be one way forward.

As a designer, I cannot decide alone whether my designs will be made from virgin or recycled material, but I might be able to design for a visual expression that requires less processing and a specific production technique that requires less energy. And the more material-oriented we make our designs, the greater the chance that the manufacturers will follow our wishes. It takes two to make the right decisions.”

Nikolaj’s focus has first and foremost been on developing a durable concept, thus he hasn’t used the Målbar tool very much at the beginning of his design process. Nevertheless, it has been at the back of his mind the whole time and he feels that the cooperation with Målbar in general has influenced his design approach and made him work very seriously with the reduction theme.

“I think reduction of environmental impact should be part of all new designs”

Stay tuned..

When the design has been revealed at ORGATEC on October 22nd, this article will be updated with photos of the final design and more insights from the designer. The climate emission number will also be shared here along with an explanation of how the design choices have influenced the emissions.