As a part of this year's NYCxDesign festival, local designer Riley Hooker created the SIT(UATION) system which is installed in Creative Time HQ. It is a dynamic and playful seating system that is modular and twisted in form with a unique inflated structure. This is informed by 'slime mold' and the large space means to be a gathering place during a time of 'crisis.'
Designer Riley Hooker explains, "In times of crisis [slime molds] aggregate and form collective bodies, as a response to food shortage, that are capable of very sophisticated engineering, logistics, and spatial memory – despite having no brain. This behaviour is the core metaphor behind SIT(UATION), a place to commune with others, and collectively seek out narratives that are in short supply."
Inflatable Molded Collective Seating
Riley Hooker Presents the SIT(UATION) System by Slime Mold
Trend Themes
1. Modular Seating Solutions - Inflatable and modular seating systems that adapt to various environments offer innovative ways to utilize space efficiently and creatively.
2. Biomimicry Design - Utilizing principles from natural organisms such as slime molds can lead to the creation of dynamic structures with advanced functionality.
3. Crisis-inspired Innovation - Creating products that respond to societal crises can pave the way for solutions that address communal and logistical challenges.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Exploring unique and adaptable seating options in furniture design can revolutionize communal spaces.
2. Event Planning - Event planners can integrate multifunctional and adaptable furniture to enhance engagement and interaction in large gatherings.
3. Sustainable Architecture - Architects can draw inspiration from natural systems to design sustainable and innovative public spaces.