Dublin-based designer Cara Campos, driven by a profound interest in structural design and material endurance, has unveiled an innovative furniture collection titled 'Objects from Frames' (OFF). This unique series reinterprets the function of everyday items by meticulously crafting furniture from reclaimed bicycle parts. Campos, who transitioned from fashion to industrial design, focuses on components that have completed their initial purpose but still possess structural integrity, transforming them into new domestic pieces.
A core principle of Campos' 'OFF' collection is the deliberate integration of the bicycles' original characteristics into the final furniture designs. Each piece, whether a chair, table, or lamp, is shaped by the inherent geometry of the salvaged frames. The manufacturing process involves minimal new materials, with existing frames being carefully cut, repositioned, and stabilized. Visible welds, original tube diameters, and even the natural wear and tear from previous use are intentionally preserved, allowing the furniture to tell the story of its origins.
Far from merely upcycling, Campos' vision is to pay homage to the bicycles' former lives. The furniture maintains the original weight, scale, and material density, creating a robust and honest aesthetic. By leaving surface imperfections and attachment points unconcealed, the collection celebrates the raw, functional beauty of the steel frames, offering a straightforward physical presence that highlights the journey of each component from a vehicle to a piece of artful, sustainable furnishing.
This innovative approach not only promotes environmental responsibility through material reuse but also challenges traditional notions of beauty and value in design. By embracing the imperfections and histories embedded in discarded objects, Campos inspires us to see potential in the overlooked and to appreciate the enduring stories that materials can tell, fostering a more mindful and sustainable relationship with the products around us.