Finding ways to "repurpose" materials was a strong theme at the 20th International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, May 17-20, 2008. Principals at the more than 600 companies in attendance developed second, third and even fourth generations for products, often sourcing abundant, easily regenerated natural substances such as bamboo.

Included among the exhibitors were students in the furniture, fiber and product design departments of top art schools. Among them was the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) who worked with Atlanta's Growing Hope Artisans Cooperative, an organization that provides programming for the homeless. On display was the easy-to-construct, portable bedding the students developed for the cooperative's clientele.

Above, SCAD students' sleeping platform that "create[s] sustainable bedding solutions for people in nontraditional living situations. The project addressed "the needs of three specific demographics within the Growing Hope Artisans Cooperative, a workshop within the city's Union Mission Shelter.

Above, Materials Matter seating made from Green Cell Biodegradable engineered foam, a joint venture between GLM and Material ConneXion, designed by 2x4, the creative team responsible for the ICFF campaign graphics.

An attendee takes a rest on California College of Arts' (CCA) student Nick DeMarco's "XS Trash Chair," a repurposed piece developed for the interdisciplinary production furniture/industrial design department's "Sustainable design for mass production."

Nick Crosbie of UK-based Inflate Designs' "Igloo," an easy-to-inflate, easy-to-deflate structure within a structure.

Originally published June 15, 2008