Fișa disciplinei:

FI-M PID-182 Design circular in mobilier.pdf

Department:

Interior Design and Design

Course Leader:

lect. Mihaela Lăcraru

Learning outcomes:

Developing an integrated understanding of the circular economy – familiarizing students with the principles and strategies of circular economy as applied to furniture design.

Enhancing systemic thinking in the design process – acquiring the ability to analyze a product across its entire life cycle (from conception to disposal/recycling) and to formulate sustainable solutions.

Integrating sustainability into design methodology – learning how materials, technologies, and business models can be conceived in a circular and responsible manner.

Fostering innovation through circularity – encouraging experimentation with sustainable materials, upcycling processes, biodesign, and emerging technologies.

Cultivating a critical and responsible attitude – developing professional awareness focused on ethics, social impact, and environmental protection through design.

Acquiring communication and advocacy skills – preparing students to argue for and promote the principles of circular design in professional projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, and stakeholder presentations.

Content:

Course Structure – Circular Design in Furniture

Course 1. Introduction to Circular Design
This course presents the general context of circular design in furniture, explaining the differences between linear economy, recycling, and circular economy.

Course 2. Principles of the Circular Economy
Introduction to the R-strategies applied to furniture design (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, etc.).

Course 3. Sustainable and Renewable Materials
Exploration of alternative materials for furniture: reclaimed wood, mycelium, bioplastics, and natural textiles.

Course 4. Circular Technologies and Innovation
Analysis of emerging technologies (CNC, 3D printing, hybrid materials) as enablers of circularity in furniture design.

Course 5. From Sustainable Design to Biodesign and Regenerative Design
Conceptual exploration of the shift from sustainability to active collaboration with nature in furniture design.

Course 6. Modular and Disassemblable Furniture
Study of systems that allow for extension, repair, and reconfiguration of furniture components.

Course 7. Furniture Design for Disassembly and Recycling
Design criteria that enable complete recycling of furniture at the end of its life cycle.

Course 8. Multifunctional and Transformable Furniture
Investigation of furniture pieces that serve multiple functions simultaneously – a solution for material efficiency.

Course 9. Closed-Loop Furniture Design
Design of furniture pieces that can be entirely reintegrated into production cycles or natural systems.

Course 10. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Introduction to the LCA method as applied to furniture, focusing on raw materials and production processes.

Course 11. Circular Business Models
Exploration of alternative business models such as furniture leasing, product-as-a-service, and industrial-scale reuse.

Course 12. Policies, Regulations and Standards
Review of relevant certifications, eco-labels, and regulatory frameworks for circular furniture (e.g., FSC, Ecolabel, Cradle-to-Cradle).

Courses 13–14. Integrated Workshop – Final Project
Development of a circular furniture proposal in teams, based on one of three assigned scenarios:
• multifunctional furniture
• cardboard-based furniture
• furniture from renewable materials

Teaching Method:

Theoretical lectures and applied analysis based on digital examples during the course sessions, and debates, worksheets, sketches, and teamwork during the seminar sessions.

Assessment:

Active participation is mandatory – minimum 8 attendances out of 14 course sessions and at least 7 seminar attendances, representing 60% of the final grade.
Final project – developed in teams established during the seminar sessions, representing 40% of the final grade.

Bibliography:

Bibliography:

Miller, J. (2021). Furniture Design. Laurence King Publishing.

Vezzoli, C., Ceschin, F., Diehl, J. C., & Kohtala, C. (2018). Design for Sustainability: A Multi-level Framework. Routledge.

Fiell, C., & Fiell, P. (2012). 1000 Chairs. Taschen. (for the typological evolution of the chair)

Bechthold, M., & Weaver, J. (2017). Structures and Design: Modular Strategies in Architecture and Furniture. Harvard GSD.

Ashby, M., & Johnson, K. (2014). Materials and Design. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Myers, W. (2018). Bio Design: Nature, Science, Creativity. Thames & Hudson. (sections on furniture made from mycelium and bioplastics)

European Commission (2020). Circular Economy Action Plan. https://environment.ec.europa.eu

Additional references:
During the course, students will be provided with digital resources such as video links or documentation relevant to the topics discussed.

Notes:

Performance Standard
To be able to produce a schematic presentation (poster, graphic essay, or short written document) illustrating the principles of circular design as applied to a product.

Active participation in course activities and submission of a final project demonstrating the application of at least one circularity principle.

Ability to use basic technical terminology specific to the field.

Attendance of at least 8 course sessions.

Attendance of at least 7 seminar sessions, including mandatory participation in either Seminar 13 or 14