Student Work

  • Product Design (BFA)

    Maryam AlKhalifa


    The typical preschool classroom can be an overwhelming environment for students. All day the kids sit in chairs made of cold and rigid plastic or heavy wood and are surrounded by bright and colorful mass-manufactured objects. Corksi is a modular furniture system for preschool classrooms, specifically designed to alleviate students' discomfort. Students can assemble and reassemble the pieces according to their activities, and since chair heights can be extended to adult sizes, teachers can demonstrate easily. When not in use, the system can be broken down and stored away, decreasing the clutter in the classroom. The three-part modular system is composed solely of cork and has a variety of uses including seating, playscapes, and shelving. The natural material and adaptability of design creates a more welcoming environment for students, so that they can better focus on their tasks and enjoy their learning experience.