During my research on transformable object I realized that there are different ways to change thing on how it can be use:
- By folding
- Twist & turn
- Modular pieces for you to play around
- Unpack and reform into another different object
- Make use of the shape
- Expansion
Folding- EXOCET
This is Exocet, a new concept chair by Montreal-based designer Stephane Leathead. A chair that can be used in a variety of positions. The key to the versatility is the identical slats on the rotating cylinder, allowing the user to change the chair’s shape easily when the moment strikes.
Link: http://quikdesign.co.uk/QuikPost/exocet-chair-stephane-leathead/
Folding – SeesawSEAT
Beside normal furniture, kids furniture was also one of the common things that I found while searching for transformable object. This is seesawSEAT bench by Dirk Ploos van Amstel. The bench is creatively deigned that not only to be a seesaw but also can easily be transformed into a space-saving outdoor bench that is perfect for relaxing in with a glass of wine at the close of a summer’s day. But this is still a prototype.
The bench folds in the middle, by folding over one side the feet are joined in the “new” middle to create the pivot. Handles for both extremities are folded into the bench surface and can be pulled out to seesaw.
It’s a SEESAWseat and when transformed into a bench, it becomes a seesawSEAT. Even the name is transformable
. I still feel that this furniture is the unpack and reform kind of transformable furniture although i put it under the folding category as the description mention it “folds” into another object.
Link: http://www.dirkploosvanamstel.nl/en/portfolio/seesawseat/
Twist & Turn – Blandito
Blandito is a transformable furniture pad for lazy living, designed by Oradaria Design. The name sounds like KFC’s “Bandito” to me 
. Anyway, this pillow could be folded, wrapped, twisted, you can turn Blandito into a cozy bed, sofa, a chair or a toy for kids. And it is 360° useful. The fuzzy mattress features a flexible frame, so there’s absolutely nothing in it that can cause discomfort. The cover can be taken off and is machine washable. This is a very interesting piece, and I am very impress by what it can be transform into as I would never imagine a simple round pad can be make into so many shapes and being use in many ways.
Link: http://alldaychic.com/blandito-transformable-pad-for-lazy-living/
Modular pieces – Moon
The Moon chaise longue, designed by LINA a Slovenian brand. The Moon element is composed of two separate parts that fit together tightly forming a block. Moon can be transformed into an easy-chair simply by shifting the upper part in the position of a backrest. You can also combine two or more Moon elements and form different compositions, such as a sofa, a combination of a table with one or more sitting elements, or a combination of four functioning as a bed. Arranging and re-arranging is quick and easy. The Moon elements are upholstered with a removable and washable fabric and can be kept clean even if children are using them as swings.
Unpack and reform – Sosia Sofa
This is what I meant of unpacking and reform into another different object. Found this interesting furniture from a furniture web store, Emanuele Magini’s nutty “Sosia” sofa, produced by Campeggi. It is a bit of a sofa, a bit of armchair a bit of a bed, a bit of a zen place. It is a kind of multifaceted concept that the piece can transform into two armchairs, combine into 1 sofa bed and transform into a private intimate relax place. A modern sofa bed which transforms easily ad let you save space in your room. Design plays with metamorphosis to unite, separate blend and surprise. It is made of expanded polyurethane foam and covering in lycra fabric.
The shape of this furniture interests me the most as when the cloth is covered up it looks like the baby crib from Leander. It gives me the thought that as a baby crib, the material is not restricted to wood only and with flexible material, it can be easily transformable.
Make use of the shape – GRO^
This is a simple kids furniture designed by Christian Troels and Michael Knap. It made of U-shaped veneers that can be used as different type of furniture based on your kids’ age. It can be transformed into a crib, rocking horse and balance board. This is very similar to my concept, furniture that can grow with the kid. But the maximum age is until 6 years old which I think there can still be more possibilities in using it longer as the piece is very unique.
KRYPPEN^
0 -10 months
GRO^ is not just a piece of furniture, but more a frame that is following the child in the early years of its life. The first step is the crib to the newborns. It is hung on the frame, and allows the opportunity to rock the baby in two axes.
SKIBET^
2 – 4 years.
When the child is around 2 years old, you can put up a seat in the frame. This makes a simple rocking horse, that have a very aesthetics graphic.
BØLGEN^
3 – 6 years.
The third option you have is to buckle a balance board in the bottom of the frame. This gives a little more challenge and fun for the older children.
Link: http://www.marvelbuilding.com/simple-kids-furniture transformable-kids-grow-gro.html
Make use of the shape – YiAhn
YiAhn (pronounced “e-ahn”) is not just ordinary bassinet. It can adapt to keep pace the changing needs of a growing child. Designed by Kang Chul Min, as a gift for his new born, this bassinet was designed to meet the needs of each growth phase of the baby. When the baby outgrows the bassinet, YiAhn can be reused as entirely different products after a simple process of transformation.
Due to the fast growth of the baby, a bassinet itself can only be used only for three months. However, this bassinet can be reused as storage equipment (for example, as a toy bin and a mini bookshelf with drawers) once the first need (bassinet) is outgrown. As the toddler becomes a child, it can also be converted into a chair and table set for children. It is very easy to change the shape of the furniture; simple folding, with no use of tools, allows the piece of furniture to transform into new products.
Link: http://www.tuvie.com/search/table+transformable
Expansion – Fan table
This is an unique transformable table designed by Mauricio Affonso, inspired by a hand fan. It made of over 400 birch slats and can be transformed into an array of different shapes and sizes so you can use it in many situations. You can expand it or transform it into circular table. The table’s adaptability gives users — especially those who live in small spaces, for example — the ability to modify the table to fit a particular occasion.
Link: http://www.marvelbuilding.com/unique-transformable-table-inspired-fan-fan-table.html