Circular Economy is a concept that is based on the continual reuse, recycling and repurposing of materials that in return cuts down the demand for virgin material usage. This concept has started to be integrated into industries slowly over the last couple of decades, with the furniture industry being slow in particular. 

Current integrations of circular economy concepts follow the traditional route of recycling, reusing, and reducing, slowly with more investment into recovering, redesigning and remanufacturing products. Whilst this can be effective, research found that there was little investment into the concepts of modularity and multi-generational use. These concepts look at the designing products for multi-purpose and creating engagement and attachment to the product, generating emotional durability. 

This poses the question, “Can a modular, multi-generational design approach be applied to children’s furniture to improve the circular economy in the industry?”    Evolve aims to be a furniture piece that can create engagement and attachment with users as young as 6 years old, and with that attachment and multi-purpose design, last the user up to when they are 18 years old and beyond. Evolve can be used as a chair or flipped over to be used as a desk or tabletop, with the opportunity for constant storage. Evolve can change height manually on telescopic arms and automatically using linear actuators to suit the growing anthropometrics of the child. The changing height enhances the usability of the module when used in conjunction with other Evolve modules, allowing for different configurations from study desks, to craft tables and storage units. Evolve creates its attachment through customisation of components. From interchangeable seat cushions varying in material, pattern, colour and foam density, to the option of colours and graphics on the telescopic arms and actuator sleeves. All features encourage the user to make Evolve their own.