Shapes of Sweden

Lilian van Daal won the Volvo Design Challenge with a project that investigated whether the car seat could make way for a recyclable alternative of natural, non-scarce materials.

Using technology to apply nature-based knowledge to a contemporary Volvo.

Following this principle, Lilian van Daal investigated whether the conventional car seat (composed of materials such as metals, plastics and foam) could make way for a recyclable alternative of natural, non-scarce materials. She conducted materials and forms research and experimented with 3D printing techniques that enable natural structures to be reproduced in great detail. She then designed a car seat made of pinewood – a material that turned out to have all the right properties and which is plentifully available in Sweden. The prototype has been made in collaboration with 3D Systems Benelux.

With her project Lilian van Daal was able to capture three topical developments: biomimicry (an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies), 3D printing and the use of natural materials. Her work is innovatory, aesthetic and provides perspective for the industry.

For that reason the jury members choosen van Daal as the winner of the Volvo Design Challenge 2015, the annual competition for design talent.

During the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven (17–25 October 2015) the work of all the Volvo Design Challenge participants will be on show for nine days in a single overview exhibition in the Klokgebouw.