A Study on Spatial Modularization Characteristics of Bouroullecs’Furniture Design

Abstract

(Research Background and Purpose) The Bouroullec brothers are a designer duo representing France and gaining a global presence. They drew attention to their new orientation toward the boundary between objects and space and their sustainable design, and the design method they used for this was modularization. The purpose of this study is to present the possibility and significance of mutually interconnected development by specifying the relationship between furniture and space by analyzing the characteristics and methods of expression of territoriality among the spatial characteristics contained in the modular furniture designs of the Bouroullec brothers. (Research method) In the theoretical review in Chapter 2, we understand the basic concept of a module and identify its extended meaning and use area. After that, the definition of modular furniture used in this study is clarified, and 5 characteristics of modular furniture design are derived based on the analysis of previous studies. In Chapter 3, after understanding the background and philosophy of Bouroullec Design, we classify the modular furniture design types. In Chapter 4, the relevant case is selected, and the case analysis of Bouroullec modular furniture design is carried out based on the analysis frame, and the results are synthesized. (Research Results) Spatial modular furniture design types that appeared in Bouroullec furniture design were divided into four types: physical boundary formation, cognitive domain creation, repetition of the same module, and functional diversification. First, the physical boundary formation type has low variability and functional diversity, while the economic efficiency and interconnectivity of modularization are high, and can be flexibly arranged and assembled according to environmental conditions. Second, the type of cognitive domain formation used mediating factors that help recognition, such as light and shadow. It revealed high variability and flexibility to be installed flexibly depending on the module's combination method. Third, the same-module repetition type is a representative modular furniture type of Bhuulek's design. In order to differentiate each design, diversification of the combination method, materials, properties, color arrangement, pattern, etc. were used as variables. Infinite expansion of scale and form is possible. Installation economical is high. Fourth, the functional diversification type can form a single functional zone or area by varying the combination of functional modules depending on what purpose or plan is used, and shows flexibility and high economic feasibility at the same time. (Conclusion) The spatial design of the rapidly changing modern society must be able to change according to the change pattern and speed. The Bouroullec brothers suggested the possibility of actively coping with the changes in various ways through the modularization of furniture design. It is expected that the modularization method will have the meaning as a direction for the development of space and furniture design.