Benchmark

Benchmark was designed in conjunction with a brief set by the Audi design foundation in the designs of substance competition. 500 students from 5 universities were tasked to design an object for the township of Mdancany in South Africa, with the option of 3 design briefs. The brief i chose was to design an item for a teacher or student to help with either teaching or learning which makes education a better or easier experience.

Benchmark was a finalist in the competition meaning i was able to present my design to a panel of judges in the One Aldwych hotel London.

Benchmark is a multi functional piece of classroom furniture. An individual Benchmark can be used as either seating or work surface. Multiple units are able to fulfill three of the basic school requirements:
Seating
Workspace
Shelving / Storage
Each unit has holes that are used in the construction of more complex pieces. The Benchmark could be linked with a nut and bolt, tied with rope or pegged with a found object. Coloured fabric or similar could be used to identify a team group introducing a competitive learning environment. When enough Benchmark units are stacked and linked together large shelving systems can be assembled. Benchmarks stacking function allow it excellent storage. Its repeating shape means Benchmark can be broken many times and still be functional. The simple form allows for easy manufacture and repair. Benchmarks multi functionality and versatility for user make it an ideal solution to Mdancanies classrooms problems. The simple form of the design leaves it open to customisation, allowing an opportunity for local industry involvement. Additions such as cushions could be added produced by family or school. Benchmark could be manufactured in either recycled metals, plywood - veneer, wooden paneling, recycled wooden sheets or if manufactured in the west a polypropylene compound would be suited. A Benchmark is around three meters in length this has its inconveniences but is a huge benefit against theft. The anthropometrics are suitable for an 8-12 year old 12+ simply stack another unit to increase height.