DesignLab 2024: Sam Klemick and Play Station

In the ever-evolving world of design, staying ahead of the curve means embracing change, fostering creativity, and committing to sustainability. Haworth DesignLab embodies these principles, bringing together a talented team of designers and artists to produce surprising, emotive, and immersive experiences that push the boundaries of the design field. This year, the central theme is circular design, showcasing Haworth’s firm commitment to sustainability by aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote the recycling of materials.

For DesignLab 2024, Haworth has chosen Sam Klemick as one of the artists, an inspired choice that aligns perfectly with their sustainability goals.

Studio Sam Klemick

Sam Klemick is a furniture designer and woodworker driven by imagination and guided by circular principles. With a background in clothing design, specializing in knitwear, Klemick conceived her studio after observing the wasteful “fast” practices within the fashion industry. Her expertise with textiles, proportion and scale inspires her concept and mission—to reimagine and transform that which already exists.

Based in Los Angeles, Studio Sam Klemick, utilizes salvaged materials and leftover "deadstock" textiles from manufacturers, bringing new life to discarded items. Klemick's work is characterized by a sense of lightness, symmetry, and geometry, reflecting her heritage—generations of quilters and sewers on her maternal side and a paternal grandfather who worked as a carpenter.

After 15 years in fashion, Klemick’s transition to furniture design is a testament to her versatility and innovative spirit. Her experience in designing clothes has deeply influenced her approach to furniture and hard objects, allowing her to blend soft and hard materials seamlessly.

DesignLab Project: Play Station

For DesignLab 2024, Sam Klemick introduces Play Station a modular communal seating structure. This innovative project reimagines seating by combining geometric shapes and unconventional postures to invite users into a dreamlike state of ultimate comfort. Sam describes the concept: “Imagine duvet-like blankets draping over these geometric shapes, inviting people to sit, nap, or daydream.” This multi-use communal seating structure encourages relaxation and creativity, embodying the very essence of circular design.

Inspired by playground elements and a play on proportions, Play Station features simple frames made from Douglas fir lumber salvaged from construction sites around Los Angeles. The upholstery utilizes deadstock fabrics and salvaged materials, emphasizing circular design principles. The structure uses unconventional tethering elements for quick disassembly, and at the end of its life, it can be thrown into a wood chipper, highlighting its sustainable nature.

Nurturing the Future of Design

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.

Haworth DesignLab’s collaboration with Sam Klemick exemplifies our dedication to innovative and sustainable design. Klemick's work for DesignLab not only showcases her creative prowess but also underscores the importance of reimagining and transforming existing materials. As we look to the future, Haworth DesignLab continues to pave the way for sustainable practices in the design industry, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and environmental responsibility.