GeorgiaTech
x
Studio Stool

Contributions: Ideation, User Research, Material & Manfacturing Exploration, Concept Development, CAD, Physical Prototyping

GeorgiaTech x Studio Stool

This project centered around designing a stool that aligned with the core values and aesthetics of Georgia Tech's College of Design while also prioritized sustainability by repurposing retired firehose as a recycled material. This project exemplified Georgia Tech’s commitment to sustainability, pushing the boundaries of creative reuse while maintaining a modern design in line with the College's aesthetic values.

Design Services

Concept Sketching and Ideation, Rapid Prototyping, CAD, Physical Prototyping

Year

Project Scope

2022

8 Weeks

Group Project

Client

Georgia Institute of Technology

College of Design

Area of Opportunity

The environmental impact of discarded firehoses is a growing concern, as fire departments around the world continue to dispose of old, worn-out hoses, many of which are made from materials that are difficult to recycle or repurpose.

Firehose Materials

Firehoses are typically made from durable, synthetic materials designed to withstand high pressures, abrasion, and extreme weather conditions. These materials are not biodegradable, making discarded firehoses a long-term environmental problem.

Environmental Pollution

The primary environmental impact of discarded firehoses is their contribution to landfill waste, which leads to: Long-term waste, adding to the accumulation of plastic and synthetic waste and Toxicity from chemicals leaching into surrounding soil and water, potentially contaiminating ecosystems.

Waste Generation

Retired firehoses often end up in landfills after use and the number of firehoses discarded annually is significant. Some estimates suggest that a large fire department might retire several hundred feet of hose each year.

Challenges in Recycling

Recycling firehoses is challenging due to Mixed Materials which complicate the recycling process, Contamination due to exposure to chemicals, oils, & other hazardous materials, which render them unsuitable for recycling, & Lack of Infrastructure as many fire departments lack the resources to properly dispose hoses sustainably.

Concept Development

Using retired firehose as a main component of the product's design to promote sustainability, our team ideated and developed concepts that best suited the aesthetics and core values of the College of Design. Following a consultation with our client, our team proceeded with concept refinements and 3D modeling.

Physical Prototyping

Rounds of concepts were followed by physical prototying using tools and design techniques such as laser cutters, CNC machines, band saws, 3D printing, thermo-vacuuming, fabric dyeing, and more.

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Final Design

This project was driven by a desire to create a sustainable stool that both honored the core values of Georgia Tech's College of Design and embraced the use of recycled materials. Drawing inspiration from the raw, unfinished materials found throughout the College’s architecture, the stool incorporated retired firehose, a discarded resource, to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. The unique texture and durability of firehose were skillfully integrated into the design, creating a product that was both functional and visually striking. This innovative approach to upcycling perfectly aligned with the College’s commitment to sustainability, modern design, and the creative use of materials.