More than half of the people in the world already live in cities, and urban populations are multiplying fast. Specially developed for balconies in city flats, the Disc outdoor furniture addresses this growing segment of consumers. It was conceived for simple handling and robust stability – without compromising on appearance. Right from the outset, the designer’s intention was to construct an innovative new folding mechanism that would facilitate intuitive operation without visible screws. The seating area also needed to provide sufficient legroom, which took the design in the direction of a practical tripod setup. Building on this, the novel concept assumed concrete form within a few weeks, and the first small-scale prototypes looked promising. The designer consulted a blacksmith with experience in bicycle construction when the first 1:1 model was built. After 18 months of further development and several prototypes, Disc was finally ready for the reveal. Cleverly positioned swivel mechanisms make it possible to effortlessly adjust the tabletops and seats vertically, and the legs fold together in parallel. In their collapsed state the furniture pieces are flat enough for convenient and space-saving storage. Powder-coated steel, the material chosen for this furniture, is perfect for outdoor use. The thin tabletops and seats, which almost seem to float on the slender legs, provide a sense of lightness, yet the intelligent design nevertheless delivers astounding stability, noted the judges: “We liked the Disc’s typical minimalist Scandinavian design, as well as the excellent workmanship. It also has a clever construction that is surprisingly robust. There are no weak points and the weight is perfectly balanced. The product is also completely self-explanatory – and very well thought out.” Disc’s working title was “Urban Open Spaces” and this furniture range indeed provides a relaxed seating area in a compact space – even if a surprise visitor stops by.
