This Project navigates my journey as a Produktentwicklung at the invigorating Moorman studios as a part of my Graduation Project. On my arrival in Aschau, I was introduced to the vast repository of Nils Holger Moormann’s products, offering valuable insight into the Bavarian company’s design ethos characterised by “transparency, attitude, and consequence.” Moormann’s iconic FNP shelf, known for its rational construction and patented interlocking system, is the primary inspiration for this project.
The initial challenge was to harness the ingenious arrangement of elements to create a range of new product systems. However, when the existing components faced dynamic loading conditions, early limitations started to emerge. This prompted a rather profound exploration phase, resulting in some fundamental alterations to enhance versatility.
Ultimately, the seating system for public contexts emerged as the most promising application and thus became the focus of the project.
This project was conducted in the climate of the Ukrainian conflict and the costs of raw material was escalating; so, a deliberate decision was made to utilise locally abundant “tanne” wood, often used as firewood in Aschau. The bench design, with the DNA of the FNP shelf, then underwent few refinements in terms of materials and detail. Notably, a backrest that interlocks with the rails was also incorporated into the design.
The outcome is a modular seating system for public and semi-public spaces, crafted from sustainably sourced local wood. Further interestingly, it can be manufactured by Aschau’s skilled craftspersons, embodying Moormann’s values of collaboration with local communities and a commitment to using locally sourced materials.
