The design branch of the creative agency Mother releases the Bliss sofa design concept, which is a floating seating solution with an integrated paddle and emergency features. It was shown as a part of New York Design Week as a playful approach to critiquing climate change complacency.
The conceptual piece is able to turn into a life raft with cushions that are upholstered in the same orange fabric that is used to create life jackets. Founder of Mother Paul Malmstrom explains to Dezeen that "We noticed that, if there's a catastrophe like flooding due to sea levels rising, if you have the means you are usually fine. So this is for a high-net-worth individual who wants to just sit back, relax and just float away when the water comes."
Flood-Proof Raft-Inspired Sofas
Mother Releases the Bliss Soda for New York Design Week
Trend Themes
1. Floating Furniture - Designing furniture with the capability to float and function as life rafts presents a disruptive opportunity for the furniture industry to cater to disaster-prone areas.
2. Emergency Furniture - Creating furniture with integrated features for emergencies, such as paddles and cushions that double as life jackets, presents a disruptive opportunity for furniture design and manufacturing.
3. Climate Change-related Design - Incorporating climate change awareness into the design of products presents a disruptive opportunity for industries to develop environmentally conscious solutions that are both functional and practical.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - The development of floating furniture concepts creates a disruptive opportunity for furniture manufacturers to expand their product offerings and cater to consumers who live in disaster-prone areas.
2. Recreational Boating - Functional furniture with paddles that double as life rafts presents a disruptive opportunity for the recreational boating industry to integrate safety features and offer more versatile products.
3. Environmental Awareness - Incorporating climate change awareness into product design presents a disruptive opportunity for industries to develop solutions that are both functional and environmentally conscious, with the potential to appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainability.