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created for HARD
presented by Calum Hurley

HARD 2023 asked exhibitors to utilise their surroundings by integrating found materials into a new work representative of their current practice. From all corners of the design community, HARD presented new work by sculptors, musicians, ceramic and glass artists, interior and furniture designers.

Button is a concept piece which utilises found and recycled materials. The concept was inspired by the upholstery from Melbourne trams. I came across some old Public Transport Victoria fabric that was being thrown away. The fabric pattern is known on sight by Victorians, whether loved or loathed.

The body of the stool is a PVC cylinder, the internal seat structure is constructed from composite board, timber garden stakes and metal rods. This structure is woven in blue ethernet cabling and the legs are PVC pipe offcuts with their ends plugged with timber from a broken pallet. The foam for the upholstered seat I found shoved under a dumpster.

Button takes recognisable (but undesirable) elements and uses them in a way that elevates them beyond how they are often perceived by the public; to create a clean, modern piece of furniture which completely embodies the phrase "greater than the sum of its parts".