Design with data

That’s the thinking behind Tables 01, a collection that explores how design decisions can reduce carbon impact from the ground up. The project started with a question: how can furniture be made to last longer, use less, and leave a smaller footprint?

The answer came through testing a wide range of materials - from cork and recycled fabric board to mycelium, bamboo, and steel - each selected for its potential to lower CO₂ emissions and support circular design. 

Designers focused on how materials behave, how they’re sourced, and how they can be reused or repaired. The result is a series of tables that are not only functional but also built with transparency and longevity in mind.

Each material was assessed for its carbon footprint. Cork, for example, came in at 4.4kg CO₂e, while recycled fabric board was even lower at 3.5kg CO₂e. Steel, though recyclable, had a much higher impact at 32.3kg CO₂e. These figures helped guide design choices and highlight the trade-offs involved in material selection.

The tables were designed for self-assembly and future refresh. That means fewer fixings, smarter joins, and components that can be swapped or repaired without starting from scratch. It’s a practical approach to sustainability - one that puts usability and responsibility side by side. 

This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building better standards. By designing with data, the team has shown how furniture can be both beautiful and accountable. It’s a shift from designing for looks to designing for impact - and it’s a direction more studios are starting to take seriously.