Andrea Kim: Assignment 2 Design for a Living World

Organic Wool Rug Tiles by Christien Meindertsma

Organic Wool Rug Tiles by Christien Meindertsma
The Organic Wool Rug Tiles designed by Christien Meindertsma is essentially a sheep rug. A flock of sheep is translated into her design by linking together different patterns of knitted wool creating a small herd of carpet patches. She uses a traditional method of knitting but uses oversized needles to create giant tiles featuring different styles. The material itself is a renewable resource and is similar to making handmade natural felt. The concern of this product is around its location, which is based in Lava Lake Ranch, Idaho.

Ranches are at risk of unplanned development primarily around the Rocky Mountains. Commercial sheep production in the Western region relies heavily on the use of public land for the herding of sheep. If unplanned development takes place, the ranch will have to shut down, or forced to move elsewhere. Meindertsma’s product is simple yet beautiful embracing handcraft and the use of self-sustaining materials. If taken further, her product could help support Lava Lake Ranch and its need to inhibit unplanned development.

Cocoa Grater by Yves Behar

The Cocoa Grater designed Yves Behar is a tool used to grate bits of cocoa patty to be stirred into a drink. Behar took the traditional activity of drinking cocoa, which is grown in Costa Rica to address his concern about the tropical region. Costa Rica contains the most pristine tropical forests in Central America and most cocoa is grown on small farms. Threats of development, harmful agricultural activities, and things like unregulated hunting affect similar areas. In general, rainforest woods are becoming scarce and endangered, which affect the biological diversity for creatures that need the shelter to live. Cutting things like the cocoa tree affects other trees. Each tree provides a protective awning over one another to shelter from the elements. The small community that thrives off the area will be affected. Women of native Bribri community form a cooperative to keep an economic stability in one of the poorest areas of Costa Rica. Typically, cocoa is the family's main source of income. If this product is produced on a mass scale, the profits could be devoted to preserving areas in Costa Rica, perhaps the community, or to help raise more awareness.

Comparative Summaries of Designers:
Both designers address issues about land being taken over, whether it is from development or demanding crop. The land is very important for the community that lives there. Both designers took a native object from the land and turned it into a beautiful object. Both products do not seem to solve any of the problems; they only address what can be done with the sustainable source provided.

For a successful product in terms of waste, Meindertsma’s product is far more successful. Not only does it use a material created locally, it also does not require any chemicals, any other materials in combination, most likely does not require machinery in its production of felt/yarn, and can be thrown away to decompose due to its organic qualities. Behar’s product requires two different materials, steel and wood. To source the wood and steel is most likely not difficult, but it takes more time and resources. Both materials can be recycled if taken apart, but in comparison to its easy disposal with the sheep rug, it is more complicated.

Each product and its inspirations are different, but the outcomes are similar. They are both very functional objects. If produced on a mass scale, proceeds could be devoted to the preservation of lands. Its production could be the income of communities that need them. To get the product out on a larger scale would bring more awareness to areas where things of this nature are not taught. These products will not solve anything, but these products can bring a new sense of understanding.


Revised Diagram: