FLAT Room Divider is a minimalist room divider designed by Seoul-based practice SIBISIBI STUDIO. The FLAT collection employs 3D printed panels paired with metal to introduce a new era of crafted modularity in furniture design. The genesis of the FLAT series was a contemplation on the lifecycle of objects, specifically what becomes of them once they are deemed no longer useful. This led to the exploration of polylactic acid (PLA) combined with metal, materials chosen for their environmental credentials—PLA for its biodegradability and metal for its recyclability. The FLAT series is a testament to the studio’s commitment to sustainability, aiming to forge a path for furniture that not only boasts a recyclable profile but also embodies ease of disassembly post-use. Distinct from traditional approaches to 3D printing, which often focus on producing large, singular pieces, the FLAT series adopts a modular philosophy. This approach allows for the assembly of furniture from smaller, scalable panels that could potentially be applied to larger architectural structures.

A noteworthy innovation within the series is the internal bridge structure of the panels. This design not only enhances the strength of the panels but also optimizes the manufacturing process, enabling the production of robust panels in a reduced timeframe. The integration of metal provides a foundational structure, allowing the panels to support weight and expand as needed. Moreover, the FLAT series embodies the principles of circular design through its assembly method. Utilizing a bolted structure facilitates the disassembly and reassembly of pieces, reflecting the sustainable nature of PLA and underscoring the studio’s vision for furniture that is both aesthetic and functional. One of the standout pieces in the series, the FLAT room divider, incorporates a mechanism inspired by the Caesar hinge. This design choice emphasizes smooth unfolding and folding movements, showcasing the studio’s innovative approach to functionality and design elegance.