Spark by Thomas Pedersen
The idea for a coat rack as a construction kit arose from Thomas’ childhood play with Lego and Brio construction sets.
Thomas Pedersen is a qualified architect from Aarhus School of Architecture and has, since graduating in 2002, run SPARK by Thomas Pedersen. The studio strives to create product and furniture design that combines ergonomics with aesthetics and sustainability. This is expressed in designs that unite the Danish fondness for simplicity and durable materials with a modern aesthetic where nothing is left to chance.
SPARK by Thomas Pedersen works across media, including pencil sketches, 3D models, and physical prototypes, to ensure a balanced harmony between form and function. The primary inspiration comes from nature and the proportions of the human body. This results in a distinct organic line, rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition, yet simultaneously forward-looking.
The idea for X·TEND emerges
The idea for a coat rack as a kind of construction kit originated from Thomas's childhood play with Lego and Brio's construction sets. Back then, he wondered if it was possible to make it a game for the customer to assemble their own unique coat rack. He remembers from his time with Lego that the back of the box always showed alternative building options for the bricks purchased. And that was actually the most fun part.
Design ideas
Here are some of the considerations that designer Thomas Pedersen made during the design process of X·TEND:
- The idea behind X·TEND is based on the simple ”scissor-arm principle”. But instead of one scissor arm, as we know it from lamps and mirrors, the scissor arms are split into individual elements, and a system has been designed where you can design and assemble your very own coat rack.
- To make the system as simple as possible, it has been minimised to include only one arm joint element, which is then repeated and assembled to form the desired coat rack.
- It has been determined that 8 arms provide a sufficient number of mounting options. This results in 14 hook points.
- From the 8 arms, a number of arrangements have been made that work really well. These can then be rotated, squeezed, and stretched, changing their character and appearance. Furthermore, several of these arrangements can be expanded infinitely.
- One can easily imagine making more than one arm length, where the connecting element and peg knobs can be reused.
- We envision casting the arms from recycled plastic or possibly recycled aluminium.
- The handles are intended in three sizes, with the two smallest intended in metal or recycled plastic. The large handles could be made of wood, cork, DuPont Corian or a similar material.
- Other materials and other sizes and shapes of coat hooks can be added on an ongoing basis to match fashion/style. Furthermore, hook elements with other functions such as a mirror, key holder, a hook, or a shelf, etc., can be developed.