consolatio
context
CONSOLATIO was developed in Introduction to Design Studio II as an industrial design project exploring comfort through material experimentation. The brief focused on creating a functional object using sustainable materials.
The project was later exhibited at the Milan Design Week 2023 as part of the Parentesi Cinema exhibition during the DOPO? design festival.
concept
CONSOLATIO explores comfort as something adaptable and personal rather than fixed. Instead of designing a static object, the project proposes a customizable inflatable landscape that adjusts to different bodies and environments.
The use of air as structure allows the object to remain flexible, lightweight, and responsive to the user.
process
Researched comfort in relation to posture and environment
Selected recycled PLA plastic as a sustainable material
Developed an inflatable system using a valve mechanism
Experimented with form to create a surface that adapts to the body
Refined the design to balance softness, structure, and usability
key decisions:
Using inflation to allow adaptability and portability
Choosing recycled PLA to align with sustainability goals
Designing the object as a landscape rather than a single form
Prioritizing flexibility to accommodate different resting positions
outcome
A customizable inflatable pillow that enhances comfort in various settings. The project combines material experimentation with functional design, resulting in a lightweight and adaptable object that responds to user needs.
Its selection for exhibition at Milan Design Week highlights its relevance within contemporary design conversations around sustainability and functionality.
reflection
This project taught me how to design for variability rather than fixed use. I learned how material behavior, especially air and flexible plastics, can define the experience of an object. It also showed me how experimental design can translate into real-world contexts, from prototyping to exhibition.
Find more about the exibit at:
