Named Fragile, the packaging consists of a flexible membrane that creates a supportive skin around fragile items such as collectables and works of art, allowing them to be safely transported from one place to another.
Described by Gordi i Vila as “a standard for the non-standards”, each package is reusable, modular, collapsible and able to fit inside existing logistics systems.
“Fragile looks into the world of shipping,” she said. “It’s a flexible packaging system designed to be a reusable companion to the packaged object rather than a disposable skin – an inquiry into the materiality and the typologies of transport packaging for valuable goods.”
The project started as research into stretchable membranes – working out the minimum amount of material needed to support various objects.
“I did a series of experiments mixing elastic textiles of several kinds: power mesh, spandex, nylon net; with soft prosthetics silicones, Pro 10 gel, PLAT 10, and PU gels. The result is a stretchable cushioning membrane that is resilient, resistant and durable,” said Gordi i Vila.
The Fragile system applies this membrane around rigid frames in order to create a tensile surface, like a drum or tambourine.
“Two or more of these frames together have the capacity to wrap around objects and create an instant bespoke packing,” the designer told Dezeen. “The whole thing then fits inside a traditional packing crate, rendering the package anonymous and therefore less susceptible to theft.”…
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