Israel’s Itay Kirshenbaum Grows Backyard Furniture

What is up with Israeli designers? On the whole, they’re an eco-conscious group that use their creative genius to churn out groundbreaking designs, but two young students seem to be heading in the wrong direction.

We recently featured Yariv Goldfarb’s Bezalel graduation project with 3d printing technology called “Play with Poop.”

In order to deviate from social norms, Goldfarb 3D printed plastic molds to sculpt dog poop into a variety of geometric shapes. He then took the resulting shapes into the heart of Tel Aviv and arranged them to look like major landmarks throughout the city.

His intentions are in the right place, since he is trying to encourage Israelis to be more aware of their surroundings, but his methods are a bit absurd. Sort of like Yael Mer’s Evacuation dress to escape climate change. How about finding a way to slow climate change by working with more ecologically sound ideas? Rather than an every man for himself?

Itay Kirshenbaum’s design, on other hand, has no redeeming social or environmental value at all.

For his final project at Haddasah College, Kirshenbaum designed a furniture collection that grows itself – the first backyard furniture set we know of with this curious skill.

Comprised of different colored canvas sacks, the furniture initially looks like jackets lying on the ground. But when a sprinkling of water interacts with the concrete powder that fills them, the sacks spring to life.

Wire pulls allow the user to mold the canvas bags as seats and within 24 hours of drying, they can be used as chairs and tables.

Don’t get me wrong. I think the concept is clever. But the material choice is disappointing. How can this idea be done better? Maybe using an idea of furniture or buildings to come to life for refugees. See these 10 shelters for refugees that top our list.

As for Goldfarb. Should we tell you that concrete has the highest embodied footprint of just about any other material commonly used today. Which means that using it – whether in construction projects, homes or DIY furniture, is irresponsible.

It’s also unnecessary. Many Israeli designers who are working with more earth-friendly materials that biodegrade that have virtually no environmental impact. Or this

It’s time to step up to the times, boys. Luckily, you still have the chance.

Other slightly insane Israeli design ideas:

3D printed guns breaches Israeli parliament

Stickystains by Shay Alkalay

Yael Mer’s Flood Skirt to Escape Climate Change