Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces

Studio Jo Meesters creates concepts and products based on the key words of matter and traditional craftsmanship. The ongoing search for innovation in materials and techniques is the major drive of the design bureau, which is considered a laboratory for product concepts. A laboratory focused on the research of new ways of material handling and the exploration of the boundaries of the intersection of craftsmanship and mass production techniques.

The basic principle in Jo Meesters’ work is sustainability. By integrating various aspects of craftsmanship, sophistication, and detailing, Meesters aims to imbue his projects and products with an emotional value. In this way, he emphasizes his commitment to the creation and perception of a bond between object and user.

Accentuating and highlighting this vision, Studio Jo Meesters created TESTLAB, an experimental ongoing project about rejuvenating and reusing discarded materials. TESTLAB is about experiments and prototypes, exploring the possibilities of the materials, removing them from their contexts and transforming them into something new.

During Dutch Design Week 2008, TESTLAB kicked off with the collection “Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces”, consisting out of four furniture pieces. The collection which is entirely made out of 34 discarded wooden beams and 16 leftover blankets, is based on upholstering and weaving techniques creating soft variations of everyday objects.

STOOL

SOFT DAY BED

SOFT CABINET

OPEN SHELF