Ep 14. Cardboard Furniture

In Design Squad season 1 episode 14, the team takes on the challenge of creating functional furniture out of cardboard. The episode begins with the team discussing the environmental impacts of traditional furniture materials and brainstorming ways to create furniture that is both sustainable and functional.

The Design Squad members split into two teams to tackle the challenge. The first team, consisting of Heather, Wes, and Andrea, decides to create a cardboard sofa. They start by measuring and cutting cardboard to create the frame of the sofa. They then use a hot glue gun to attach the cardboard pieces together. The team quickly realizes that the hot glue cools too quickly and they struggle to keep the pieces together. They try using tape instead, but find that it is not strong enough. They decide to reinforce the frame with wooden dowels, which proves successful. Once the frame is complete, the team adds cardboard cushions to the sofa and covers it with a decorative fabric.

The second team, made up of Judy, Nate, and David, decides to create a cardboard rocking chair. They start by sketching their design and then use a saw to cut the cardboard pieces to size. The team uses a hot glue gun to attach the pieces together and reinforce the joints with duct tape. As they work, the team experiments with different shapes and angles to ensure the chair is sturdy and comfortable. Once the frame is complete, the team covers it with a colorful fabric.

Both teams face challenges along the way, including a lack of experience working with cardboard and difficulty creating joints that are strong enough to support weight without collapsing. Despite these obstacles, both teams succeed in creating functional and stylish pieces of furniture that are entirely constructed from cardboard.

As the episode comes to a close, the Design Squad members show off their creations to one another. They discuss the process of designing and building their pieces and reflect on the importance of sustainability in design. The cardboard furniture challenge not only highlights the creativity and innovation of the Design Squad team, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental responsibility in the field of design.