Take a Seat
Circular strategies for the hospitality industry
Take A Seat develops sustainable strategies for restaurant furniture. Material options such as wood, polypropylene recyclate, form fleece, and pulp are combined with a durable aluminum connector. The modular design makes components easy to swap out and allows them to be reused, repaired, or recycled depending on the material. The furniture is leased and returned to the manufacturer after use, creating an efficient circular system.
| student: | Marvin Kasper |
| mentored by: | Prof. Mareike Gast |
| year: | 2024 |
| level: | Master Thesis |
Take a Seat addresses this question. Following the principles of the circular economy, a system was developed that is modular, repairable, and recyclable. A key part of this system was the selection and combination of various materials with sustainability strategies (Reuse, Repair, Recycle): Solid wood was chosen for its long lifespan, achievable through sanding and oiling. Upholstered furniture was designed to be flexible and recyclable with interchangeable covers and TPE foams. Form fleece is excellent for recycling.
Recycled Polypropylene can be thermically formed, and pulp is ideal for shorter-lived furniture due to its short lifespan and easy recyclability.
The use of pure, separable materials allows for easier recycling of the furniture at the end of its life cycle. A die-cast aluminum part serves as a durable connector and can accommodate various frames and bodies. This also increases the variety for the restaurateur, who can choose from a wide range of material and form combinations.