Air

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Workshopped is a Sydney-based company that exhibits, manufactures and sells Australian design products. In partnership with high-profile supporters, including Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, Workshopped holds an annual exhibition that show cases new Australian design. In 2013, Chyon and Sadar were two of the 60-plus Australian and New Zealand designers selected for the 2013 exhibition. It was the showcase event of Sydney Design Festival 2013. Designers were asked to respond to the research question: How can design be future-proofed for a disposable society? 'Air', a mesh bowl, developed as a prototype for the event, responded to this question. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Air' is made of a single sheet of stainless steel woven mesh. Although stainless steel is a hard material, when drawn into a fibre and woven, it becomes a pliant textile. Air exhibits its textile-like qualities in both its structure and surface. Air transforms the possibilities of utilitarian mesh, both in terms of its image and its use. Its simple, yet unexpected form enables Air to be used as a longlasting multi-functional kitchen tool in a variety of cultures. Air is made in two sizes: large for a fruit bowl, and small for a strainer or individual serving dish. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Workshopped is Australia's biggest product design event. Since 2002, its exhibitons have attracted a total of 500,000 visitors and showcased the work of 200 designers. Workshopped 13 was reviewed in Green Magazine (http://www.greenmagazine.com.au/events/page/Workshopped_13_-_Designing_A_Modern_Heratige/aid/1249), 'Time Out Sydney' and featured on the Powerhouse website (http://www.sydneydesign.com.au/2013/event/workshopped13/. It was preview in the Sydney Morning Herald (24/08/13) and in several Sydney community newspapers.)