Silver Furniture Design · 2021
Tango Multifunctional Pouf
- A' Design Award 2021 Silver Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Ryszard Manczak
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 29,510
- Verification code A74A8C9809 · Verify this award
About Tango Multifunctional Pouf
Two poufs of the same size which can be transformed into a portable mattress, a stool or a couch. Tango takes two to tango so it needs two of the same elements which can be transformed into a functional portable and playful furniture. Multifunctional poufs are made of soft recycled foam or seagrass covered with coconut layer, decorated with natural wool fabric in several colors with the possibility of sitting, lying down and sleeping. Available in two options: indoors and outdoors.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Two poufs with the same dimensions which can be transformed into a portable mattress, stool or a couch. Tango takes two to tango ,so you need two of the same elements from which you can build functional mobile and ecologic furniture.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Size of the first sitting – 500 x 500 x 950 mm,
Size of the second sitting – 750 x 330 x 950 mm,
Size of the sleeping bed – 2120 x 250 x 950 mm,
Chaise lounge size – 1900 x 500 x 950 mm, - Tags
- Pouf Tango, multifunctional Tango pouf, multifunctional furniture, Design, Ryszard Manczak, Idea design, Indoor and Outdoor, Pouf, Mattress, Bed, Chaise longue, Polish design, Small room, Youth room, Living room, Terrace, Garden, Nomad, Hotel extra bed, Beach, Pool, Relax, Fun, Recycling, Economy, Ecology, Ergonomics, Glamping.
- Production Technology
- Multifunctional poufs made of soft recycled foam or seagrass covered with coconut layer, decorated with natural wool fabric in several colors, with the possibility of sitting, lying down and sleeping in two versions, for indoors and outdoors.
- Design Challenge
- During the project a prototype was made which made possible to determine the proportion, size, the application of the relevant product density foam for sitting and lying down, highlighting the nature of the fabric of furniture, zippers for increased resistance to tearing and how to sew fabric. A major challenge was to sew the cover in such a way that it can be freely pulled out from the inside of the foam for replacement or cleaning the fabric. Therefore I designed a special triangular shape of zippers emphasizing the character of the furniture, which further completed the shape of the triangle when its formed in the seat. In addition, a simple form was highlighted by a slight inclination of the triangular sides emphasizing the “teeth” on the side of the folded or unfolded mattress, chair or sofa.
- Project Duration
- The project started in 2011. In 2012, the prototype was presented at an exhibition in Milan at the Temporary Museum for New Design. Since then, it has been modified and improved. In 2014 he was presented in New York during NYCxDESIGN and the Arena Design in Poznan. Currently finished work on a collection of complementary.
- Operation Flow
- The solution is aimed at all those who have a small house and are looking for versatile solutions. The poufs will create in your interiors a new meaning. Depending on the situation and the needs of the room it can become a bedroom, a living room, leisure or free space dedicated to having fun. In this way, we can decide about our space and become the director of our own imagination.
- Research
- Design of the pouf is based on the solution present in bionics. Through an analysis of the construction of the secondary section of the stem and the construction of the scheme I created a form referring to the shape of triangles that occur at the appropriate stage of its growth. They were closed (wrapped) inside the stem that was covering them with its soft top layer. After this analysis I started to build a miniature model of the stem. The cardboard formed a long bar with a triangle section which I tagged with linen fabric combining them with each other. In this way I obtained a mobile form that allowed shaping according to my intention. I limited number of bars to four in a series, which allowed folding two functional seating shapes. Seeking other solutions I made the same form. So additionally this allowed overlapping with each other. The interaction between them allowed me to supplement and select two other shapes, but this time to lie down and sleep.
- Inspiration
- The project is a response to the increasingly smaller living space on the Earth. The increase in population needs a more economical approach to designing and utilizing limited living space. This project allows you to organize your space and also creates the possibility of a comfortable stay, the use of different solutions in an active way. The basic simple form of the poufs allows for convenient and easy storage , transportation, packaging, and low waste materials used in manufacturing.
- Image Credits
- Ryszard Mańczak
- Patents
- Ryszard Mańczak
Colors of Tango Multifunctional Pouf
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Multifunctional Furniture Design Services
We specialize in transformable furniture design that maximizes small spaces through intelligent bionic principles. Our award-winning approach combines sustainable materials with multifunctional solutions, creating custom pieces that adapt to your evolving needs.
G0E23 ShopGrand Interview about Tango Multifunctional Pouf
I believe my early education had a significant impact on my interpretation of reality. My high school mathematics and physics curriculum shaped my analytical thinking. Therefore, the Bionics in Design Department perfectly complemented my understanding of geometric structures found in nature. So, because I strive to solve our interior design demands in my design, I created the Tango Pouf project. The idea for a multifunctional piece of furniture for small living spaces, which I named Tango.
I isolated the stem and divided it into growth stages. Nature itself demonstrated how stems change their structures during development. Within these structures, I identified a repeating shape in the form of a triangle. The outer flange surrounded four triangle-like shapes, so I considered this a perfect symbiosis. The resulting model consisted of four triangles mounted on an outer flange resembling a caterpillar. This created a movable linear shape that moved like a snake, allowing for folding and complementing each other. I achieved the best effect by using right-angled triangles, which allowed them to interlock perfectly. One set produced two usable shapes, and two sets combined produced two more. This resulted in a set of geometric, multi-functional seats that interact with each other and the surroundings.
Obtaining the correct zipper shape was a unique challenge, as the single geometric shape was very demanding, ensuring its pure form was not compromised. The primary goal was to enable easy removal and reinstallation of the cover during production and cleaning. This allowed for the use of zippers extending from two corners and connected by a gentle arc in the center, creating a triangular configuration. This design allowed for ideal access to the interior and the ability to correctly insert the zippers without unnecessary tension. The repetitive zipper arrangement created a geometric pattern that, depending on its position, always forms a triangle, emphasizing the furniture's character.
This multifunctional solution allows for the flexible connection of a selected number of triangular elements into a single unit. This allows you to create two types of seating with just four elements. Using two identical sets that interlock, you can create two additional mattress types. To emphasize the dynamics between the same segments, I introduced slightly inclined side walls and contrasting colors, creating a shark's teeth effect. This solution can be a form of educational play, teaching the basic principles of geometry.
Recycled foam gives materials a second life, allowing them to be reused. However, it also has the disadvantage of still not being a natural, biodegradable material. It provides an internal, flexible structure that allows for bonding with other materials. Therefore, in my solution, I used an outer layer of natural material such as coconut, felt, or seagrass. This allows for the creation of a natural layer that breathes and creates a proper microclimate for our bodies. All of this is covered with a natural wool fabric for the interior of buildings, and a fabric for the exterior, preventing water and dirt from entering. Because current technology allows for the cutting of entire blocks from uniform materials, the mattress's inner beams can also be made entirely from coconut and using a water-permeable fabric. This utilizes natural materials created as a byproduct of production. Such solutions contribute to sustainable development and the proper functioning of our planet's ecosystem.
The most important improvements concern the pouf's internal cross-section. Initially, it was made of ordinary polyurethane foam with a soft texture resembling the flesh of a stem. The use of readily available natural materials emphasizes the design, which originated from nature and perfectly fits its character. Therefore, the best direction for development is for the materials from which it can be made to come from renewable resources. And since technology allows for this, this is the ideal direction. The next planned step is to divide the individual track beams so that the Tango poufs can be personalized with colors. This also allows for the linear connection of any number of tines to create other geometric shapes.
I determined the proportions based on dimensions that are comfortable for a universal user. Additionally, I perfectly matched the external dimensions to the size of standard packaging designed for shipping options. This standard, symmetrical packaging simplifies storage and transport. I also designed a set of covers for the poufs, allowing for easy transport and storage at home.
The Tango Pouf's design evolved in stages, and was and remains dependent on production capabilities and technology.When the project was created, there were no such opportunities as there are now.The technology had to mature, in a sense, to properly implement my project. The goal was to achieve excellent quality in both workmanship and the use of appropriate materials. CNC cutting of large-volume materials according to CAD patterns allowed for repeatability, quality, and the correct shape of individual elements. Contrary to appearance, the simplest items are the most difficult to successfully complete because they require appropriate materials, which are developed with the market's technological awareness. Thus, the initial step was polyurethane foam filling, followed by the use of recycled foam and combining it with coconut mat, seagrass, or felt. Currently, it is possible to create entire inserts from coconut fiber, which is the most ecological and versatile material, but requires a comprehensive implementation process to properly utilize the advantages of this material in such a product. Furthermore, comfort is enhanced by natural Italian wool fabrics for living spaces, and on the outside, waterproof fabrics with OEKO-TEX certification and recycling. Another, but not the last, way of making my Tango pouf could be the use of 3D printing from PET bottles as openwork elements, which is possible thanks to the latest technology.
Tango, because it takes two to tango—two identical elements that fit together perfectly and create a unique harmony. My poufs are precisely this perfectly matched shape, which also interacts with each other, changing depending on our needs. That's why this name struck me as unique for this multifunctional set that offers a multitude of solutions.
I'm incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to shape trends in furniture design for multi-purpose furniture. Since Tango Pouf was created, the awareness of interior design has changed significantly. As a result, many designers have begun to recognize the need for changes in furniture designs to make them more functional. This can be applied to various types of furniture, from sofas for relaxing to shelves for storing clothes or books. This allows furniture to be adapted to various interiors with varying surface areas or heights. The use of appropriate, universal materials allows for greater functionality. Consequently, this also translates into appropriate sales and production methods. This solves many problems, increases the production of a single set without the need to produce additional interior furnishing. It eliminates the need for additional waste in the production of subsequent sets of furniture when the arrangement needs to be changed. I hope that we will continue to move towards universalism and modularity, making it possible to move together with basic equipment, just like Nomads. By minimizing the items we need to meet our existential needs, we provide maximum comfort in a minimal environment, respecting the environment and using what nature gives us as a gift.Thank you for your time.