University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Odense, Denmark
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) recently embarked on an exciting journey to enhance their new campus facilities with sustainable and functional furniture. Using a democratic approach, the university’s carpenters, cleaners, movers, employees, and students were invited to give constructive criticism of the furniture under consideration.
At the newly built Faculty of Health Sciences, the goal was to create a modern, welcoming environment that catered to the needs of students, staff, and visitors. Central to this project was the selection of the N02™ Recycle chairs, chosen for their blend of sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Carina Blichfeldt, the building constructor for the SDU project, explained the complexities involved in selecting the right furniture. "We wanted a selection of furniture for physical inspection from the pre-qualified suppliers. We involved various users in the decision-making process, including carpenters, cleaners, movers, employees, and students, to ensure comprehensive feedback.
Carina Blichfeldt, the building constructor for the SDU project, explained the complexities involved in selecting the right furniture. "We wanted a selection of furniture for physical inspection from the pre-qualified suppliers. We involved various users in the decision-making process, including carpenters, cleaners, movers, employees, and students, to ensure comprehensive feedback.
4 Key Considerations
Sustainability: One of the standout features of the N02™ Recycle is its use of recycled plastic. This aligns with SDU's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Durability: The N02™ Recycle chair boasts a durable shell, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas. "The chair's strong shell was a significant factor in our decision," Carina noted.
Aesthetics: The beautiful shell colours of the N02™ Recycle chair added a touch of elegance to the university's spaces. "We were impressed by the variety of shell colours, which allowed us to match the chairs to different interior designs seamlessly.
Versatility: The N02™ Recycle chair's adaptability was another crucial factor. "The possibility of using the same shell on different bases was a big advantage. It means you can recognise the chair design, whether it's a regular height or a high chair," Carina explained.
Practicality vs. Cleaning
A unique aspect of the selection process was balancing practicality with ease of cleaning. While the cleaning staff preferred chairs with a handle or opening in the back for easier movement, practicality won out. "Our movers and carpenters are challenged by furniture that moves around too quickly. So, the fact that the N02™ Recycle chairs stay in place was a huge plus," said Carina. The decision to prioritise stability over ease of movement has proven beneficial. "We can see that the furniture doesn't move around much but stays with the tables," Carina concluded.Embracing Sustainable Design
The N02™ Recycle chairs have proven to be a successful addition to the University of Southern Denmark, meeting the diverse needs of the campus community and adding aesthetic value while upholding values of sustainability and durability.About the N02™ Recycle
The N02™ Recycle is a multi-use chair designed in collaboration with Tokyo-based design studio, nendo. The chair is made using upcycled plastic household waste that can be recycled again. The crease in the chair’s back is inspired by a folded piece of paper on the designer’s studio table and provides extra support for the upper and lower back. Seven colour options are inspired by Scandinavian nature and, along with multiple base options, make N02 Recycle particularly applicable for offices, public spaces, meeting, and dining arrangements.Inspirational images from the case
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