06/11/2024 • 3 min read

Common Object's DesignLab Story

Exploring community and sustainability in design

by Haworth, Inc.

Haworth DesignLab is a group of skilled designers and artists dedicated to crafting surprising, emotive, and immersive experiences that redefine the limits of the furniture industry. This year, the primary focus is on circular design, underscoring Haworth’s steadfast commitment to sustainability through carbon emission reduction goals and the encouragement of material recycling.

Mentored by Studio Urquiola and the Haworth design studio, the concepts and solutions developed in DesignLab aim to build stronger communities and drive industry evolution.

For DesignLab 2024, Common Object was selected to participate for its unique voice, innovative approach, and commitment to sustainability through circular design.

Sustainable Product Development for Thriving Communities

Common Object—co-founded by 2 good friends, Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez—is a product development studio focused on sustainability and community building. Their vision is a world where people thrive, ecosystems are balanced, and objects are inherently good. The studio aims to propel organizations toward sustainability through scalable reinventions of systems, supply chains, and design outcomes. Their passion project, Okaterra, is an experiment in regenerative design.

Justin Beitzel, a Baltimore-based designer, brings a deep understanding of the intersection of sustainable agriculture and design to Common Object. His work ranges from collaborating with large furniture companies to individual farmers growing regenerative wool and hemp. Justin’s experimentation with materials and processes fuels his creativity and vision.

Fernando Ramirez, an environmental and product designer, explores the profound influences of community and sustainability on the design process. His work with urban communities has shaped his inclusive design philosophy, and his commitment to sustainability drives his exploration of regenerative thinking.

DesignLab Project Highlights

Common Object embraced the challenge by creating a 100% bio-based and biodegradable vibrant landscape for their DesignLab project titled Understory. Justin shared their endeavor: “We’re creating little stools and space dividers, seeing it as a challenge to make something 100% grown.”

Traditionally, materials in commercial screen products are made with fiberglass, plastics, and binders that can’t return to the earth. For this project, the bulk of the exploration focused on how to get structure in the dividers without adding elements that are harmful. To achieve this, Common Object landed on a combination of willow sticks and waste wool to create the internal structure and an exposed post made from wood destined for the landfill in Baltimore. “The materials we selected are from our local region and can be returned to the same grounds. We’re using wood destined for the landfill in Baltimore, waste wool, willow sticks, and hemp herd mixed with soda lime,” Justin Beitzel said.

We’re Working to Make the World Better

Find out more about Haworth’s commitment to sustainability and a circular economy in our latest Corporate Social Responsibility report.

Innovative Material Usage

An example of how Justin and Fernando have challenged the current ecosystem is in the application of the salvaged wool for the divider screens. They procured the waste wool from a local farmer who had been trying to sell the product for 3 years. Current practices deemed this type of wool, “waste” for various reasons such as staple length, coloring, or simply the wrong breed of sheep. Finding new ways to utilize these types of materials is just one way to rethink materiality and empower local communities.

Reflecting on the project, Fernando said, “This project has been fascinating because it allows us to dive deeper into our roots. We’re from the city but with a strong connection to farmland. It’s like someone from the city walking into the forest. We’re excited to see how these elements mingle together.”

Nurturing Designers for the Future

Haworth DesignLab goes beyond creating innovative products—it nurtures the next generation of designers. By bringing together experienced and emerging designers, Haworth fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge and inspiration flow freely. This initiative demonstrates Haworth’s commitment to giving back to the design community, ensuring that new talent is supported and developed.

DesignLab showcased these groundbreaking designs at NeoCon 2024. Common Object’s dedication to sustainability and community integration, combined with Haworth’s commitment to circular design, offers a refreshing perspective on furniture design. By supporting innovative projects that prioritize eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, we are working toward redefining the future of furniture.

We always say, if this thing fell off a truck, would the birds love it?

Justin Beitzel

Co-Founder & Designer, Common Object

More on Haworth’s Design Lab

Discover the design and innovation of the Haworth DesignLab, each of the artists, and their work.

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