"The ergonomics of paella"
Basic information
Project Title
"The ergonomics of paella"
Full project title
A furniture collection that celebrates the quintessential Valencian dish: paella.
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
Our collection aims to highlight everything that represents us as Valencians, in addition to advocating for the social function of furniture as a host that helps to build an inclusive, cohesive, tolerant, and diverse society.
We have studied the distance between a diner's utensils and the paella to extract the perfect measurements that all elements should have.
Our intention is to convey, through design, the deep respect we have for what we hold dear: our roots.
We have studied the distance between a diner's utensils and the paella to extract the perfect measurements that all elements should have.
Our intention is to convey, through design, the deep respect we have for what we hold dear: our roots.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Starting with a self-imposed briefing, through team meetings, we conceptualized the design of our collection. Inspired by current trends with an artisanal touch and capturing the essence of our land, we proposed the representation of a Valencian living room, implementing different pieces of furniture. A central table, stools, and a pendant light; which we materialized through an initial model and prototyped through production processes like laser-cut wood, 3D printing, and final finishes.
The overall project objective is to reclaim our roots through our most representative dish: paella, giving it a prominent position and enhancing its role as a unifying and belonging element. The ultimate goal is to advocate for and promote the Valencian tradition of bringing people of different backgrounds together around a paella, thus helping to increase social cohesion and build a more inclusive society.
The project was showcased in the Nude Generation space at the Hábitat Valencia fair and received very positive reviews from visitors, press, and industry companies.
Our ideal target audience is anyone who wants to include in their dining space furniture rooted in genuine cultural background, as well as restaurants specializing in this type of gastronomy.
Thanks to our proposal, we have rekindled the sense of belonging among Valencians, fostering social gatherings that revolve around the act of enjoying a paella, with a focus on our traditions.
A next phase of the project will involve creating an outdoor version that can be placed in recreational areas, parks, and locations accessible to everyone, thereby increasing the design's impact to achieve the described objectives.
The overall project objective is to reclaim our roots through our most representative dish: paella, giving it a prominent position and enhancing its role as a unifying and belonging element. The ultimate goal is to advocate for and promote the Valencian tradition of bringing people of different backgrounds together around a paella, thus helping to increase social cohesion and build a more inclusive society.
The project was showcased in the Nude Generation space at the Hábitat Valencia fair and received very positive reviews from visitors, press, and industry companies.
Our ideal target audience is anyone who wants to include in their dining space furniture rooted in genuine cultural background, as well as restaurants specializing in this type of gastronomy.
Thanks to our proposal, we have rekindled the sense of belonging among Valencians, fostering social gatherings that revolve around the act of enjoying a paella, with a focus on our traditions.
A next phase of the project will involve creating an outdoor version that can be placed in recreational areas, parks, and locations accessible to everyone, thereby increasing the design's impact to achieve the described objectives.
Key objectives for sustainability
Our prototypes are crafted with locally sourced noble materials. We wanted to emphasize the value of proximity materials, which is why the wood used is pine, and the ABS used in 3D printing is recycled. If our project were to go into production, we would like the 3D printed parts in the prototype to be made of artisanal ceramics.
Paella, like few other dishes, embodies sustainable development by using locally sourced products in its preparation. Vegetables, meats, and rice are cultivated or raised in the region. It is a dish cooked throughout the Valencian Community, but in each area, the traditional recipe has slight variations to adapt to what is grown or raised locally.
Although there is a tendency toward standardization of the paella recipe, traditionally, it also depended on the season in which it was cooked. At each moment, products that are in season in the area are used for its preparation, thus avoiding the need to bring them from other places (with the carbon footprint that transportation entails) or having to preserve them (avoiding the carbon footprint generated by refrigeration, packaging, freezing, etc.).
Therefore, promoting paella is synonymous with promoting a diet that is committed to sustainable development.
Paella, like few other dishes, embodies sustainable development by using locally sourced products in its preparation. Vegetables, meats, and rice are cultivated or raised in the region. It is a dish cooked throughout the Valencian Community, but in each area, the traditional recipe has slight variations to adapt to what is grown or raised locally.
Although there is a tendency toward standardization of the paella recipe, traditionally, it also depended on the season in which it was cooked. At each moment, products that are in season in the area are used for its preparation, thus avoiding the need to bring them from other places (with the carbon footprint that transportation entails) or having to preserve them (avoiding the carbon footprint generated by refrigeration, packaging, freezing, etc.).
Therefore, promoting paella is synonymous with promoting a diet that is committed to sustainable development.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Our goal was to achieve maximum comfort for diners when enjoying paella. We have developed a dining collection that invites you to eat with your loved ones in a comfortable and close manner. After conducting an ergonomic study of paella to determine the optimal distance between the diner and the paella, we concluded that the table should be smaller than a conventional dining table. We added an upper platform to the table that elevates, achieving three key aspects.
Firstly, from a functional perspective, elevating the paella allows us to gain additional usable space underneath, which reduces the diameter of the table. This directly ties into the ergonomic aspect, as the extra space gained allows the table to have a smaller diameter, enabling diners to eat comfortably.
A fundamental element of this arrangement is the proximity and facing position of the diners, which facilitates better communication among everyone and, in turn, creates an experience that helps achieve one of the main objectives of this project: enhancing the traditional role of paella as a unifying and belonging element, which will, in turn, contribute to building a more inclusive, cohesive, and tolerant society.
Finally, the poetic aspect of the design gives paella a prominent position, elevated as if levitating, almost like a piece in a museum.
Firstly, from a functional perspective, elevating the paella allows us to gain additional usable space underneath, which reduces the diameter of the table. This directly ties into the ergonomic aspect, as the extra space gained allows the table to have a smaller diameter, enabling diners to eat comfortably.
A fundamental element of this arrangement is the proximity and facing position of the diners, which facilitates better communication among everyone and, in turn, creates an experience that helps achieve one of the main objectives of this project: enhancing the traditional role of paella as a unifying and belonging element, which will, in turn, contribute to building a more inclusive, cohesive, and tolerant society.
Finally, the poetic aspect of the design gives paella a prominent position, elevated as if levitating, almost like a piece in a museum.
Key objectives for inclusion
On one hand, the project aims to achieve the democratization of design, by providing an easy and intuitive assembly process for the user. The only assembly involved is the internal structure of the furniture.
Additionally, we intend to highlight craftsmanship and promote this type of production by incorporating it into industrial processes.
As mentioned in the previous question, our design will promote the tradition of gathering around a paella. It is common in our region that when participating in this tradition, which has become almost a celebration, we often encounter people we don't know. This helps expand our network of contacts and, in turn, improves our support system for a better life. The design that allows diners to face each other and engage in a single conversation maximizes the effect described above. In modern life, this sense of communal gathering is diminishing, especially in cities, and society is becoming increasingly individualistic. Our furniture will act as a catalyst for the socializing function, which is a unifying and belonging element that paella represents, and in turn, it will help create a more inclusive, cohesive, and tolerant society. The next phase of the project, which involves developing an outdoor version to install our furniture in recreational areas, parks, picnic areas, will further enhance the described effect.
Additionally, we intend to highlight craftsmanship and promote this type of production by incorporating it into industrial processes.
As mentioned in the previous question, our design will promote the tradition of gathering around a paella. It is common in our region that when participating in this tradition, which has become almost a celebration, we often encounter people we don't know. This helps expand our network of contacts and, in turn, improves our support system for a better life. The design that allows diners to face each other and engage in a single conversation maximizes the effect described above. In modern life, this sense of communal gathering is diminishing, especially in cities, and society is becoming increasingly individualistic. Our furniture will act as a catalyst for the socializing function, which is a unifying and belonging element that paella represents, and in turn, it will help create a more inclusive, cohesive, and tolerant society. The next phase of the project, which involves developing an outdoor version to install our furniture in recreational areas, parks, picnic areas, will further enhance the described effect.
How Citizens benefit
Regarding the enriching value of the project, apart from achieving a suitable collection for mealtime, we wanted to convey the beauty if noble, transparent, and sincere materials. For us, placing the paella in the center signifies that it’s one more element in the social gathering that revolves around it, the most important one, the common bond, and the reason for it all. The table functions as the perfect host, bringing everyone together around it: the stools invite diners to sit and feel comfortable, and the lamp illuminates and harmonizes the environment, giving it a very cozy appearance.
On the subject of sustainability, we aimed to promote the use of natural local materials, on one hand, to reduce emissions in the process and, on the other, to contribute to sustainable development. That’s why we used pine wood and we would like to use artisanal ceramics in the serial production.
Finally, concerning inclusivity, we fostered conscious dialogue among people of different ages, genders, and generations who come together and during a family event, all these aspects take a back seat during a social gathering; everyone seats equally, simultaneously, and from the same container. The paella is the unifying element, the link and the connection.
On the subject of sustainability, we aimed to promote the use of natural local materials, on one hand, to reduce emissions in the process and, on the other, to contribute to sustainable development. That’s why we used pine wood and we would like to use artisanal ceramics in the serial production.
Finally, concerning inclusivity, we fostered conscious dialogue among people of different ages, genders, and generations who come together and during a family event, all these aspects take a back seat during a social gathering; everyone seats equally, simultaneously, and from the same container. The paella is the unifying element, the link and the connection.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Our proposal goes beyond merely accompanying users during their meal; it invites them to share and be in contact with each other. This is a distinguishing feature compared to the conventional furniture typically used.
It connects diners with Valencian roots, our culture, language, land, and gastronomy, through the act of enjoying paella in each other's company.
It helps users awaken their sense of belonging, recover traditions, and reinvent them, creating moments of unity and connection.
It connects diners with Valencian roots, our culture, language, land, and gastronomy, through the act of enjoying paella in each other's company.
It helps users awaken their sense of belonging, recover traditions, and reinvent them, creating moments of unity and connection.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
- Project planning: We autonomously developed the project schedule, including various work sessions, their content, deadlines, and meeting minutes.
- Conceptual design: Through group dynamics, analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (ODS), market research, sector trends analysis, and storytelling, we designed the formal aspects of the collection, including shapes, colors, and materials.
- Initial modeling: We used SolidWorks to model the collection elements to visualize the initial measurements and technically develop all aspects related to the project's morphology.
- Technical development: We studied solutions for hardware, joints, and mechanisms.
- Ergonomic study: We determined the dimensions of the collection based on ergonomic parameters in regulations to ascertain the stool's size. Additionally, we experienced eating paella to determine the exact distance it should be from the diner, allowing us to size the table accordingly.
- Construction of preliminary models: We built 1:1 scale models using materials like cardboard to evaluate dimensions, ergonomics, and proportions, making adjustments as necessary.
- Final modeling: In these subsequent models, we finalized the design, from its formal aspects to the development of specific pieces, joints, machining, precise dimensions, and tolerances.
- Development of technical plans: Using AutoCAD, we created the plans to be sent to the laser cutter, as well as the pieces that would be 3D printed.
- Construction of the final prototype: This involved cutting rods, laser cutting, 3D printing, puttying, sanding, gluing...
- Graphic design: We developed the project's visual identity, including the logo, illustrations, flyers, stikers, Instagram posts, render images etc.
- Exhibition at a furniture fair: This encompassed setting up the booth (furniture, vinyl graphics, etc.) and attending to the public.
We invite you to visit our Instagram page @tresu_disseny, were you can see the process.
- Conceptual design: Through group dynamics, analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (ODS), market research, sector trends analysis, and storytelling, we designed the formal aspects of the collection, including shapes, colors, and materials.
- Initial modeling: We used SolidWorks to model the collection elements to visualize the initial measurements and technically develop all aspects related to the project's morphology.
- Technical development: We studied solutions for hardware, joints, and mechanisms.
- Ergonomic study: We determined the dimensions of the collection based on ergonomic parameters in regulations to ascertain the stool's size. Additionally, we experienced eating paella to determine the exact distance it should be from the diner, allowing us to size the table accordingly.
- Construction of preliminary models: We built 1:1 scale models using materials like cardboard to evaluate dimensions, ergonomics, and proportions, making adjustments as necessary.
- Final modeling: In these subsequent models, we finalized the design, from its formal aspects to the development of specific pieces, joints, machining, precise dimensions, and tolerances.
- Development of technical plans: Using AutoCAD, we created the plans to be sent to the laser cutter, as well as the pieces that would be 3D printed.
- Construction of the final prototype: This involved cutting rods, laser cutting, 3D printing, puttying, sanding, gluing...
- Graphic design: We developed the project's visual identity, including the logo, illustrations, flyers, stikers, Instagram posts, render images etc.
- Exhibition at a furniture fair: This encompassed setting up the booth (furniture, vinyl graphics, etc.) and attending to the public.
We invite you to visit our Instagram page @tresu_disseny, were you can see the process.
Methodology used
1. Definition of the problem and objectives: through a self-imposed briefing, the needs and values that we wanted to transmit were specified.
2. Research and analysis: we study current trends and best practices in relation to Valencian aesthetics and current design.
3. Ideation and conceptualization: generation of concepts to address and solve the problem and selection of the ideas with the most potential
4. Design and development: 3D modeling, planimetry, creation of initial mockups, perfecting the solution through iterations
5. Evaluation and testing: testing the solution to verify its usability and ergonomics
6. Implementation: creation of final prototypes, coordination with suppliers, workshops and manufacturers
7. Communication: development of visual identity and dissemination of the project on social networks
8. Documentation and presentation: detailed description of the design and documentation for its presentation to clients, stakeholders and other interested parties at the Hábitat fair in Valencia
We invite you to visit our page on Instagram @tresu_disseny, where you can find images, videos and documentation of each step of the process from January 2023 to September 2023.
2. Research and analysis: we study current trends and best practices in relation to Valencian aesthetics and current design.
3. Ideation and conceptualization: generation of concepts to address and solve the problem and selection of the ideas with the most potential
4. Design and development: 3D modeling, planimetry, creation of initial mockups, perfecting the solution through iterations
5. Evaluation and testing: testing the solution to verify its usability and ergonomics
6. Implementation: creation of final prototypes, coordination with suppliers, workshops and manufacturers
7. Communication: development of visual identity and dissemination of the project on social networks
8. Documentation and presentation: detailed description of the design and documentation for its presentation to clients, stakeholders and other interested parties at the Hábitat fair in Valencia
We invite you to visit our page on Instagram @tresu_disseny, where you can find images, videos and documentation of each step of the process from January 2023 to September 2023.
How stakeholders are engaged
In the first place, the IDC Chair, which funded our project, the professors who got involved, sharing their experience and knowledge, as well as their contacts to facilitate a smoother and more effective development. Then, our school, ETSID, provided the framework and setting for the project's development, offering facilities, literature, computer equipment, tools, and machinery needed for the design, construction of various models and the functional prototype. Our team, TRESÚ DISSENY, as the design and construction team.
On the other hand, our producers, suppliers, and artisans who would be involved in production if the project were to be commercialized.
Finally, the buyers and users of our collection, who would acquire the project and give it meaning through its use.
On the other hand, our producers, suppliers, and artisans who would be involved in production if the project were to be commercialized.
Finally, the buyers and users of our collection, who would acquire the project and give it meaning through its use.
Global challenges
Modern society tends to individualize the lives of its members, and this is even more pronounced in urban areas. The support network that every individual needs to securely pursue their life plan can be strengthened through the implementation of our project, which will facilitate the establishment of personal relationships around a table. Implementing our project in parks, recreational areas, and other outdoor spaces will further enhance this effect.
The need for cohesive, inclusive, and tolerant societies requires the means to bring people of different ages, backgrounds, genders, and more together. Our proposal aims to do just that by providing a gathering place around a paella. In this case, the outdoor version of our project will act as a catalyst for these relationships.
Valuing belonging to a community, promoting local traditions, and increasing self-esteem and empowerment of community members are essential. Our project supports a tradition that is losing its roots in modern Valencian society, making it easier for people to come together around a paella, thanks to our design.
We also promote the use and dissemination of Valencian, the autonomous language of our community.
The need for cohesive, inclusive, and tolerant societies requires the means to bring people of different ages, backgrounds, genders, and more together. Our proposal aims to do just that by providing a gathering place around a paella. In this case, the outdoor version of our project will act as a catalyst for these relationships.
Valuing belonging to a community, promoting local traditions, and increasing self-esteem and empowerment of community members are essential. Our project supports a tradition that is losing its roots in modern Valencian society, making it easier for people to come together around a paella, thanks to our design.
We also promote the use and dissemination of Valencian, the autonomous language of our community.
Learning transferred to other parties
Our collection is not limited to use only in the Valencian Community. It can be applied to all regions or cultures where gastronomy is based on coming together to eat and share.
The methodology we followed is the basic process for any design project, going through the phases of ideation, technical development, and prototyping.
The processes we have used are fundamental for working with wood, such as sawing and laser cutting, 3D printing, puttying, sanding, and lacquering.
The most significant learning we have gained from this project is the realization of our ideas, the organization of a design team, the relationship with suppliers, and the presentation of our prototypes to the public.
The methodology we followed is the basic process for any design project, going through the phases of ideation, technical development, and prototyping.
The processes we have used are fundamental for working with wood, such as sawing and laser cutting, 3D printing, puttying, sanding, and lacquering.
The most significant learning we have gained from this project is the realization of our ideas, the organization of a design team, the relationship with suppliers, and the presentation of our prototypes to the public.
Keywords
Roots
Craftsmanship
Social gatherings
Culture
Inclusion
