Vietnamese Designer, Phuong Dao, incorporates Waste Materials into Her Construction and Design Work

Phuong Dao has a passion for repurposing waste materials, as she advocates for giving materials multiple uses and purposes

Waste Materials into Phuong Dao’s Design Work

Phuong Dao is a talented furniture designer from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She presents her collection named “Cà Ràng” which is a unique take on furniture design, incorporating waste materials in its creation. The collection is inspired by the Vietnamese cooking stove of the same name, which served as a gathering place for families to share stories and socialize. In today’s world, the living room has replaced the stove as the primary social space in most families, and Dao aims to bring back the essence of gathering with her coffee table and stools.

The use of waste materials in her designs is a conscious decision made by Dao, who believes that materials should have multiple purposes and should not be limited to one use. She encourages others to view waste materials as ordinary materials, instead of seeing them as trash. Dao believes that this shift in perception will bring comfort and allow individuals to truly experience the material.

The Cà Ràng coffee table and stools are made from waste paper, cardboard, and coffee grounds, capturing the essence of gathering around a fire. Dao’s playful and creative approach to design reflects in this collection, which advocates for sustainable practices in the furniture design industry. The environmental impact of industrialization has been significant, and Dao wants to contribute to a better future by designing beautiful and environmentally friendly products.

In her designs, Dao balances artistic expression with practicality and aims to use design as a driving factor in mass production. She feels a responsibility to contribute to her community and the environment through her work and is committed to building a sustainable furniture business that emphasizes good design and friendly materials.

Emerge @ FIND with Suzy Annetta (Design Anthology)

In the future, Dao expects to see a change in the way we view and utilize our living spaces. With smaller apartments becoming increasingly common in cities, it will be important to invest in multi-functional furniture. She predicts that Wabi-Sabi design, which seamlessly blends design and the beauty of imperfect craftsmanship, will continue to be popular.

Designers play a crucial role in any industry, and Dao is no exception. She brings creativity and innovation to the production process and techniques, and her ultimate goal is to build a sustainable furniture business that supports her community and the environment. With her passion for design and commitment to sustainability, Phuong Dao is poised to make a significant impact in the world of furniture design.

Sources: