Creating beauty from ‘waste’
Brighton Faculty of Arts MA in Architecture and Urban Studies graduate, Julio Thomas, was chosen to exhibit his work under the title Emerging Brands at a major, international design show last month.
Thomas, completed his masters in 2011, established his Form In Void atelier a year later. His work is based on the philosophy that waste is: “material without an assigned application”, and he rejects the idea that “unimaginatively consigns usable materials to landfill”. His designs transform waste cardboard tubes and waxed plywood into the structural design elements of beautiful and useful items of furniture. To date, these have included the stackable Secco stool, the Waynee bench, a chair, a desk and a table. These functional items are easy to assemble and require no screws or glue, and components can be replaced and recycled. They are stackable, making them ideal for use in small spaces.
Commenting at the 100% Design Show, held at London’s Earls Court, Thomas said: "My pieces were developed just in time to be entered into this year's show, and I am extremely honoured to be among those exhibiting. The 100% Design Show gives new designers like myself a platform to show what we can really do. I fervently hope that there are others out there who share a few of my ideas about ecology, sustainability and style."
Thomas now plans to continue his work in the field of architecture as well as designing smaller objects.
100% Design is the largest and most prestigious single-site design event in the UK and is seen as one of the world’s most important design trade events. The show attracts around 40,000 exhibitors, visitors, designers and press from around the world.