Empty Pillow high-res images
Empty Pillows
The Empty pillow collection is a series of hollow pillows where soft cushioning is achieved through engineered thermoplastics rather than traditional stuffing. The case study is the result of a design charrette sponsored by Dupont and Core77 to find new approaches in existing product applications where thermoplastics have not been explored.
To achieve the level of comfort required in a soft home application, the Empty pillows are injection-molded from Hytrel, a thermoplastic whose flexibility combined with its warm tactile properties may allow it to replace conventional foam/spring construction in upholstery and cushions. The designs push the properties of plastics to their limits, offering a balance between structure and flex, human ergonomics and tactility. By using plastic, rather than the delicate fabrics and foams used in conventional pillows, the Empty Pillows gain unique properties: indoor/outdoor use (all seasons), breathable, stain resistant, and dishwasher safe.
To fit comfortably in the context of the home environment. the designs reference forms and ideas associated with home comfort. The Weave pillow, pictured in white and green, combines the progressive use of plastic with traditional woven construction. The pillow is woven into a pattern before the assembly of the two halves. The Doily pillow, pictured in white/red, makes a direct reference to a doily pattern, in this case it is laser cut into the pillow after molding, allowing for seasonal changes to the pattern. The FlipFlap pillow, pictured in green/yellow and blue, incorporates large cutouts which reveal the internal structure that provides the cushion's engineered flex.
As a thermoplastic elastomer, Hytrel has the potential to remain safely in a closed-loop system of manufacture, recovery, and reuse. Though no system is currently in place, when we imagine the material applied to mass-produced, high profile items, it becomes feasible to trace and collect it for recycling. As Hytrel is intended to be used in high volumes, now is the time to create a closed-loop recycling infrastructure. Imagine a redemption value to be redeemed towards the purchase of your next product at your favorite store.
Press Contacts:
Maaike Evers
Mike and Maaike Inc.
(415) 831-1404
maaike@mikeandmaaike.com
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All images copyright Mike and Maaike Inc. Images are for editorial use by press only. Mike and Maaike shall remain the sole and exclusive owner of the Image. If used for publication, design/s will be credited “Mike and Maaike“. If noted, photographer will also be credited. If published on the web, a link shall be included to http://www.mikeandmaaike.com.
Empty Weave 01
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536k
Empty Weave 02
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1mb
Empty Weave 03
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804k
Empty Weave 04
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440k
Empty Weave 05
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1.1mb
Empty Doily 01
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1mb
Empty Doily 02
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1.8mb
Empty Doily 03
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1.7mb
Empty Doily 04
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1.7mb
Empty Flipflap 01
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848k
Empty Flipflap 02
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724k
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mike and maaike inc.