Shapes of Sweden
This project was developed for the Volvo Design Challenge that Lilian won in 2015 and is acquired by the Centre Pompidou, Paris in 2017.
YEAR
2015
CLIENT
WINNER VOLVO DESIGN CHALLENGE NEDERLAND
TYPE OF WORK
BIOMIMICRY, RESEARCH
PRODCUTION
FINAL MODEL 3D PRINTED BY 3D SYSTEMS BENELUX
"A holistic design approach ensures that designs are efficient, resilient and in harmony with natural ecosystems."
Biomimicry-Inspired Car Seat Design with Swedish Roots
Lilian embraced the challenge of merging Sweden's natural environment and Volvo's brand values into an innovative car seat design. By integrating the biomimicry approach, she aimed to create an efficient seat with essential functions: flexibility, resilience, and stability, crafted from locally sourced and abundant materials.
Extensive research focused on bio-based materials native to Sweden, such as pine wood and pine resin. In collaboration with Yashwant Pathak, efforts were made to make these materials 3D-printable, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. The design itself drew inspiration from nature, utilizing structures found in Swedish landscapes. Tree branches, leaf vein patterns, and pine cone scales served as functional and aesthetic references, resulting in a car seat that embodies innovation, sustainability, and the beauty of Swedish nature.
JURY COMMENT AND MEMBERS
‘Lilian van Daal was able to capture three topical developments in her Shapes of Sweden: biomimicry (an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies), 3D printing and the use of natural materials. Not only does the concept have a clear vision on the future but also it shows its strong relation with the Volvo brand. Her work is innovatory, aesthetic and provides perspective for the industry.'
Niels van Eijk and Miriam van der Lubbe (designers Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe), Edwin Jacobs (director of Centraal Museum Utrecht), Willem van Roosmalen (editor-in-chief/founder of Fontanel), Koert van Mensvoort (philosopher/artist/scientist Next Nature), Mirjam van Coillie (chairman of the Design Management Network) and Corien Pompe (Future Lab & Innovation, manager at Volvo Car Corporation)