‘The Bamboo’: RMUTT’s Designers Use Bamboo to Create New Products

‘The Bamboo’: RMUTT’s Designers Use Bamboo to Create New Products

Product design is not merely limited to large pieces. Using the principles of design, one can create products that have societal benefits, such as the ‘The Bamboo’ relaxation chair, made from industrial bamboo waste, taking into account the concept of environmental preservation.

‘The Bamboo’ was created by Mr. Thawatchai Chuangchot, a new generation product design student from the Art Design and Technology program, Department of Product Design, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at RMUTT.

“Industries often have a plethora of bamboo scraps leftover from the manufacturing process that are waiting to be disposed by burning, consequently posing negative weather impacts. Every time bamboo joints are burned, it will block the waterways until it becomes a mosquito breeding area, especially during the rainy season. This will, in turn, affect the health of people in the community. Numerous studies have shown that the edge of the bamboo joint is thick, sturdy, and can bear a heavy load, which led me to the idea of using bamboo as a raw material in producing the relaxation chair to help reduce the amount of bamboo waste while also adding value to bamboo” said Mr. Thawatchai.

‘The Bamboo’ prototype was inspired by the Abacus, which consists of a rectangular frame supported by a mainstay, with small beads that can be scrolled up and down. He took into account how comfortable and convenient ‘The Bamboo’ would be since he aspired to design a relaxation chair. A poorly designed chair may result in the user feeling uncomfortable.

Moreover, the structure of ‘The Bamboo’ is made of stainless steel material, which is durable, rarely becomes rusty, and may easily be molded and connected to other objects. Despite its relatively hefty price tag, it is well worth it in the long-run. The seat and backrest areas consist of bamboo that has been scrubbed to create curved corners, totaling 280 beads. The beads are aligned together vertically to form the structure of the chair.

‘The Bamboo’ was designed in accordance with standard ergonomics principles of a human’s sitting posture. “The Bamboo” is 120 cm long, has a height of 75 cm, and a horizontal backrest at a 110^o angle. One can select between natural colors and natural wood dyes for “The Bamboo” in order to retain bamboo’s natural state for a prolonged period of time.

Mr. Thawatchai studied how to design and manufacture the chair, with Prof. Thanapol Chorthananusak from RMUTT’s Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts as his advisor. He learned ways to develop the chair from entrepreneurs in the bamboo industry, furniture design and manufacturing experts, as well as general consumers, in order create ‘The Bamboo’ that is safe, meets consumers’ functional needs, and has a contemporary design.

Furthermore, Mr. Thawatchai said that he had a passion for product design and wanted to develop products that created value. He aims to create more variations of ‘The Bamboo’ that may actually be used beyond its prototype. “The Bamboo” is the first product he designed that is the most complete, as part of an art project.

Mr. Thawatchai participated in the recently organized 8^th Do I-DEA public art exhibition held at Zpell @ Future Park Rangsit to display his work and share his ideas. Being able to participate in this art exhibition gave him more inspiration and served as a guide for him to create more innovative products. This art exhibition was open to those who would like to design products professionally. Those that are interested in “The Bamboo” or would like further details may call 086-309-1935.