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Upcycling project: New folding tables are the way forward
The TecLab in Burgdorf is used by a diverse group of people of all ages, ranging from children to adults. With a view to meeting the various requirements this entails, old, heavy school desks were transformed into modern, flexible pieces that can be adapted to a range of needs.
The TecLab is an initiative of the Bern University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with various organisations. The aim is to provide schools with an in-depth offering that focusses on technology and sustainability issues, in the hope of tackling the shortage of young talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and promoting sustainable economic activity.
The new concept set about reconsidering the usage of existing furniture, which was over 30 years old, heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. In collaboration with designer Björn Ischi, a series of workshops resulted in the idea to use the existing laboratory tables as the basic material for new rollable, stackable and height-adjustable folding tables.
The TecLab's furniture transformation has helped to provide a modern, adaptable and sustainable learning environment.
Edges were added to the tabletops in their original size, and the undersides were adapted using milling tools.
It is locked in place by a grid and fixed by means of a transverse perforated rail, which is fixed to a screw head.
TecLab staff can adjust the tables to the required height and arrange them as needed before the event begins.
A new folding metal frame made using parts from the old frames allows the table to be adjusted to different working heights, and locked in place with a pin in one of a series of holes based on the corresponding height.
Location
TecLab, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Burgdorf, Switzerland
Design
Björn Ischi, Designform, Lyss
Work carried out
Workshops and material analysis, metal construction using old frame parts, painting, milling the underside of the tabletops and attaching new edges, development of folding lock, new castor locking mechanism
Images
Daniel Kuhn / Girsberger
