Softwall

softwall is a flexible room divider designed by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen of molo.[1] Made from paper or nonwoven polyethylene, the walls use a structured honeycomb geometry to bend, curve, expand and contract.[2] The honeycomb structure also provides acoustic absorption.[3] Part of a modular system, each softwall can connect to another by magnetic end panels. The walls have been used to create booths for trade fairs, pop-up retail, sculptural art installations, backdrops for performances, as well as to divide space in living and working environments.[4][5]

softwall
DesignerStephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen
Date2003
Materialspaper or nonwoven polyethylene textile, magnets
Style / traditionModern
Sold bymolo (Canada)
Height6–10 ft (1.8–3.0 m)
Width15 ft (4.6 m)
Depth9–18 in (23–46 cm)

In 2003, softwall was welcomed into the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.[6] Two years later, it was presented with the INDEX Award for Design to Improve Life.[7]

Design

Forsythe and MacAllen first conceived softwall as a method for repurposing architectural shells to provide shelter for the homeless. The concept grew into a modular system of space partitions that could quickly and easily transform space to suit diverse uses, whether in small live/work studios or large scale environments.[8]

softwall reflects molo’s interest in sustainable building methods and flexible living. Both the paper and polyethylene textile used for the soft collection are 100% recyclable. These materials are paired with non-toxic fire retardants, adhesives, and inks. By organizing the paper or textile layers with a honeycomb structure, the material takes on strength to create freestanding partitions and the flexibility to adapt to or shape space. The pleated surface and interior cells, which facilitate movement, also absorb sound.[9]

References
  1. Woo, Andrea (25 March 2017). "Vancouver studio's flexible molo furniture suits small spaces". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  2. Adams, Tyler (2016). Sound Materials: A Compendium of Sound Absorbing Materials for Architecture and Design. Amsterdam: Frame Publishers. p. 211. ISBN 978-94-92311-01-6.
  3. Sanderson, Vicky (7 November 2014). "Creative ways to quiet down your condo". The Toronto Star. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  4. Wang, Lucy (23 November 2015). "Brilliant origami-like paper furniture creates portable rooms that can pop up anywhere". Inhabitat. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  5. de Boer-Schultz, Sarah; Moreno, Shonquis; Wales, Suzanne (2013). GOODS: Interior Products from Sketch to Use. Amsterdam: Frame Publishers. p. 364. ISBN 978-90-77174-46-3.
  6. Museum of Modern Art. "The Collection, Paper Softwall". Museum of Modern Art. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  7. Chloë Colchester (2007). Textiles Today: A Global Survey of Trends and Traditions. Thames & Hudson. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-500-51381-1. Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen studied architecture at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They formed their ... Molo Design was founded in 2003 and their design, Softwall, received the Index Award in 2005.
  8. 10x10: 100 Architects, 10 Critics. London: Phaidon Press Ltd. 2005. p. 119. ISBN 978-0-714-83922-6.
  9. Adams, Tyler (2016). Sound Materials: A Compendium of Sound Absorbing Materials for Architecture and Design. Amsterdam: Frame Publishers. p. 211. ISBN 978-94-92311-01-6.
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