The Ruderal project presents easy-to-assemble modular system for creating variable temporary spaces for education and relaxation for people in need. The aim is to support communities of people affected by war, natural disaster or other adversity. The atypical morphology and diverse color solutions of the modules made of recycled materials aim to bring playfulness and aesthetics to otherwise visually daunting environments. The target communities are involved in the co-creation of the furniture.
Regional
Czechia
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Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): Balance is Motion Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Eliška Last name of representative: Novák Knotková Gender: Female Nationality: Czechia Function: Chief executive officer Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Banskobystricka 43 Town: Brno Postal code: 62100 Country: Czechia Direct Tel:+420 736 441 982 E-mail:eliska@balanceismotion.com Website:https://www.balanceismotion.com
The Ruderal project points to a parallel between the so-called pioneer species that inhabit inhospitable wastelands and gradually transform them into places teeming with diverse life, and people who are thrown into a similar process by war, natural disaster and other circumstances. They too must show incredible resilience, perseverance, and modesty to transform seemingly unliveable areas into environments where new life can take root. At Balance is Motion we feel the need to support this process. The Ruderal modular furniture collection presents easy-to-assemble elements for creating temporary spaces for education and relaxation, for both children and adults. Atypical modules can be used to create seating elements, tables, benches, as well as a climbing frame for children, or an acoustic cell providing silence and privacy for phone calls or reading and many other products. The aim of the project is to involve the target communities in the assembly of the final products, which should support their relationship with them and therefore extend their lifespan, while supporting the specific needs of the community. At the same time, the products are easy to repair - just remove and replace the damaged module. Different variants of the material solution are offered; using molds, we can utilize materials from recycled plastics to recycled concrete and geopolymers. The soft seating parts are designed from recycled foam. The atypical morphology of the modules aim to bring playfulness and aesthetics to otherwise (not only) visually daunting environments. However, the main function is to create dignified conditions for the development, education, and relaxation of people in need. By connecting the principles of the circular economy with the social dimension of the project, we push our ecodesign boundary a little further, towards the balance between different aspects of sustainability.
ecodesign
circular economy
education
modular furniture
co-creation
The Ruderal modular furniture collection demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainability by balancing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Exemplary is the data-driven approach enabled by the use of the Life Cycle Assessment method.
Involvement of target communities in assembly: The furniture collection is designed to be easily assembled by the target communities, strengthening their connection to the products and extending its lifespan.
Easy repair: The modular design of the furniture collection makes it easy to repair by removing and replacing damaged parts thus preventing the production of unnecessary waste and the consumption of an excessive amount of raw materials.
Use of recycled materials: The collection includes different material solutions, ranging from recycled plastics to recycled concrete, and soft seating parts are made from recycled foam.
Compared to similar initiatives, the project stands out by combining several principles of the circular economy in an effort to achieve the maximum reduction of the product's environmental impact. The entire design and development process will also be supported by the life cycle assessment method, which will make it possible to make data-driven decisions, to assess not only the carbon footprint of the proposed solution, but also other environmental indicators. This method will also become a source of information for the final selection of materials.
The key objectives of the Ruderal project are to provide dignified and aesthetically pleasing spaces for education and relaxation through easy-to-assemble modular furniture. The distinctive design of the modular system with its diverse colors and unusual shapes aims to bring playfulness and aesthetics to otherwise daunting environments, while still fulfilling its main function of creating a comfortable space for education, relaxation, and development. The project strives to balance different aspects of sustainability by combining the principles of circular economy with social dimensions. By doing so, the Ruderal project sets an example of how design can positively impact people's lives and the environment.
The Ruderal project has the potential to enrich and uplift the lives of the people who will use it in several ways:
Community involvement: By involving the target communities in the assembly process of the modular furniture, it creates a sense of ownership and pride, which can contribute to a better overall experience.
Improved living conditions: The provision of temporary spaces for education and relaxation can help improve living conditions in areas affected by war, natural disasters etc.
Education and development: Project aims to help facilitate learning and personal development, especially for children, in areas where the environment and conditions are not ideal.
Comfort and relaxation: The soft seating parts designed from recycled foam provide comfort and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The acoustic cells provide silence and privacy for phone calls or reading, allowing for quiet time and solitude.
Ruderal project is inclusive as it aims to provide a dignified environment for development and education to a wide range of people in different locations and contexts. It is usable across age groups, genders, nationalities and religions.
Co-design: - the project presents the modular system and shows its various possibilities, but users can come up with their own ideas and adapt the furniture according to their needs, which change over time.
Affordability: Using recycled materials and involving target communities in the assembly of the final products helps keep costs low.
- By using molds for production, larger quantities of modular elements can be produced more efficiently, which results in lower costs.
- The modular design of the Ruderal furniture allows for easy replacement of damaged parts, reducing the need for complete replacement and the associated waste and costs.
Accessibility: Easy-to-assemble design of the furniture makes it accessible to a wider range of people from children to elderly - for example, it is easy to change and adapt the height of the seats in the seating elements or the height of the tables.
Inclusive design: Providing dignified conditions for education and relaxation for both children and adults, and offering a range of color solutions and materials, promotes inclusivity and supports the specific needs of the community.
The involvement of target groups in the creation of the project is absolutely essential. The goal of the project is co-design, i.e. co-creation of the final form in close cooperation with its future users. So far, the target groups have been included in the preparation of the project as follows:
Consultations and in-depth interviews with refugees from Ukraine who received asylum in the Czech Republic
Consultation and in-depth interview with a Syrian refugee who is currently in the process of applying for asylum in France (Marseille), who we have contact with
Consultation with individuals and organizations organizing assistance to people in need and refugees
Consultation with a former UNHCR worker who worked in a refugee camp on the island of Kos and now works for EUAA in Cyprus
These initial conversations gave rise to the ideas for creating the current form of the project. However, the involvement of the target communities in the further development of the project is key and will take place in the following way:
Testing and obtaining feedback from the target communities in the pilot phase through interviews and possibly also questionnaires. A workshop will also be part of the pilot testing where the target groups will learn how to assemble the modules together and they will also learn about the benefits of the circular economy (primarily low-tech principles such as reuse, repair, share, ...). They will be able to directly share their feedback on the proposed solution during the workshop.
The main preparation and coordination of the project is in charge of the ecodesign studio Balance is Motion, which is the author of the concept and design proposals. However, other stakeholders were also involved in the preparations. These were individuals from the target groups (people in need, refugees) who provided suggestions and feedback for the creation of the concept and the first drafts of the project. This cooperation was international, we communicated with people from the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Syria. Non-profit organizations that have long been involved in helping people in need were approached - Vesna (https://spolekvesna.cz), Bundesintegrationsrat (https://bzi-bundesintegrationsrat.de), Refugee Aid Organization (https://www. opu.cz/cs/), in order to obtain feedback on the project. The Vesna organization decided to participate in the next phases of the project and help to use the planned outputs in practice. Vesna provides help for refugees and people in need in general in Brno, in the Czech Republic. Immediately after the outbreak of war, Vesna began providing material and other assistance to refugees from Ukraine. A center was created in the area at Husová 18a, Brno, where women and children fleeing the war receive material assistance and information. 100 - 150 families pass through Vesna every day. Vesna became a key part of helping Ukrainians in Brno and the South Moravian region. Vesna organizes educational programs and other activities to support the integration of refugees. We believe that with its experience, Vesna will make a valuable contribution to the project's efforts in terms of consultation and help with implementation. Vesna has already expressed interest in utilizing the modular system in its buildings.
This is an overview of the knowledge fields that are key in the realization of the Ruderal project (and were used in the achieved stages):
Ecodesign - we are an eco design studio, therefore our know-how in this area makes it possible to design a modular solution that is not only functional, comfortable, affordable, but also beautiful and unusual. We know how to effectively balance these aspects of product design. We are also used to co-operating with target groups as part of co-design as well as with other experts.
Material expertise - in Balance is Motion we have many years of experience in material consulting focused on innovative materials, this allows us to choose suitable materials and find the best suppliers in terms of quality and affordability.
Circular economy - Balance is Motion is a member of the Czech Circular Hotspot which brings many contacts in the field that are key to the development of the project - manufacturers of recycled materials, companies developing progressive recycling technologies. Within the following phases of the project, these contacts will be further used for feasibility consultations.
Co-design - Co-design was used by involving end users, such as those who are living in temporary housing, in the design process. Together, we worked to identify the specific needs and requirements of the target users, such as adjustability and durability of the modules, as well as a range of products that can be assembled. This information was then used to inform the design of the Ruderal system. It is going to be tested and refined based on feedback from the co-design participants. This process helps us ensure that the final solution will be not only functional, but also meets the specific needs and preferences of the intended users.
Life Cycle Assessment - this method will be used by Balance is Motion for the selection of materials and measurement of the CO2 footprint and other environmental parameters of the proposed modular system.
The innovative nature of the project lies in the unique design, which visually and functionally differs from similar solutions. The project proves that it is not necessary to compromise on appearance and quality when designing for groups of people in need. The unusual, playful and even futuristic appearance of the modules aims to lift the mood and give hope for a better tomorrow to people who are in a difficult life situation. It also gives them the opportunity to be directly involved in the creative process, which promotes a sense of self-confidence and control over life.
Unique is the great variability and universality of the modular system, which allows to assemble a wide range of elements for the interior, from various forms of seating furniture, through tables, play elements for children to acoustic cells, providing silence for reading and studying. New forms will be continually invented directly by its users.
The project also stands out for its holistic approach to the environmental aspect of sustainability. It connects several principles of the circular economy (use of recycled materials, modularity, easy repairs, customization). Due to the use of an analytical method for assessing the life cycle of the proposed solution, the design process is data-driven. This will guarantee a real minimization of the environmental footprint and prevent greenwashing.
The whole concept of Ruderal project can be replicated in different locations and contexts. It does not represent a site-specific design, but rather a system that is highly variable and adaptable. In addition to the final shape of the furniture, the materials and production systems of the modules can also change depending on the location. The goal of the project is to create a decentralized module production system that can be applied on site or at least within the region where the furniture will be used. For example, construction debris created as a result of a war conflict or natural disaster could be used to produce modules from recycled concrete.
The methodological approach of our project could be described as ecodesign focused on connecting several principles of the circular economy in connection with co-design through in-depth interviews with target groups and their direct involvement in the creation of the final form of the project.
A brief methodology of the project is described below, a more detailed overview of all planned steps, including time requirements and chronological order, is given in the appendix "Project timeline"
Research: Conduct an analysis to understand the demand for modular furniture and the target communities' needs.
Conceptual Design: Develop concept designs based on the research findings and finalize the product design.
Material Pre-selection: Pre-select the possibly appropriate materials based on the current know-how of the team
(These first three steps have already been implemented)
Material Selection: select the appropriate materials based on environmental impact, durability, and cost.
Prototype Development: Develop prototypes and conduct testing to ensure the design is functional, ergonomic, and safe.
Community Engagement: Engage with the target communities to understand their needs and preferences for the furniture design and color solutions.
Production Planning: Develop a production plan, including the manufacturing process, supply chain management, and quality control.
Assembly Training: Train the target communities in assembly and maintenance of the furniture.
Implementation and Deployment: Deploy the modular furniture in the target communities and monitor its usage and performance.
Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Evaluate the project's impact and make any necessary improvements to ensure its sustainability and success.
This methodology focuses on involving the target communities in the development and deployment of the modular furniture, which would support their relationship with the furniture and extend its lifespan.
Global challenges that our project addresses through local solutions can best be expressed using Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The Ruderal modular furniture collection project fulfills the following SDGs:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being - The project aims to create dignified conditions for the development, education, and relaxation of children and adults, which can contribute to their health and well-being.
SDG 4: Quality Education - The project provides environments that can support education and learning activities.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - The project can create job opportunities in the manufacturing and deployment of the furniture, supporting economic growth.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - The project can improve the quality of life in communities by providing dignified and sustainable furniture solutions for education and relaxation.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - The project supports the circular economy by utilizing recycled materials, making it easy to repair and extending the lifespan of the furniture.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The project involves the target communities in the assembly and deployment of the furniture, promoting partnerships and cooperation towards sustainable development.
The project is currently at the stage where the concept has been created, the design of the modular system has been proposed, as well as examples of the possible form of furniture that can be assembled from the modules. a preselection of materials was also carried out. In-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of the target groups. Cooperation was established with the organization Vesna, which has been dealing with helping people in need and refugees for a long time. This organization has expressed interest in the results of the project and will assist with the implementation of the next phases of the project as described below.
TIMELINE OF THE RUDERAL PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
1. Establishing cooperation with production partners (e.g. recycling companies): 4-8 weeks
2. Price estimate determination (including moulds, materials, packaging, …): 2-3 weeks
3. Life Cycle Assessment: 5-6 weeks
4. Prototype development: 2-4 weeks
5. Interim online meeting with partner organizations: selection of the first location for pilot implementation, specification of the educational component of the project
6. Finding additional funding: 8+ weeks
7. Production of the first round of modules: 4-6 weeks
8. Preparation of the workshop: 3-6 weeks
9. Testing in practice and collecting feedback: 8-12 weeks
10. Interim online meeting - discussing outcomes from the development and testing phase
11. Incorporating feedback into the design: 1 week
12. Creating an amended prototype: 1-3 weeks
13. Second round of testing in practice and gathering additional feedback: 6-8 weeks
14. Second round of modifications: 1-2 weeks
15. Production of a tested design on a larger scale: to be specified based on previous steps
16. Distribution to all pre-agreed locations: to be specified based on previous steps
17. Final workshops and installation of information boards: to be specified based on previous steps
18. Plan for further dissemination of the project
We believe that practical experience is key to developing competences related to environmental sustainability. Not only will the project provide the target groups with direct experience of using products created according to the principles of the circular economy, but users will be able to directly participate in the creation of the final form of the project and thereby contribute to the realization of an environmentally friendly solution. The project development plan also includes a workshop that will introduce the target group to the topics of environmental sustainability, and using the practical example of the Ruderal modular system, will present the principles of the circular economy as a possible solution to the current crisis of the linear economy. In the spaces where the Ruderal system will be installed, an information board will also be placed, which will educate future users not only about the practical use of the modules, but also about the background of the project - why recycled materials were used, what are the benefits of the modularity, etc. The principle of co-creation aims to arouse the interest of people within the target group in the issue of environmental sustainability and to inspire them to actively participate in the solution, thereby contributing to the development of the competence "acting for sustainability (individual initiative)" and "embodying sustainability values (valuing sustainability)"
