Description

Initially conceptualized for “Furnishing Utopia: Hands to Work,” the third in a series of exhibitions honoring the Shakers’ design heritage, the Nest Cork Paper Bin emerged as a modern interpretation of routine tasks and their associated implements. This exhibition focused on daily chores, providing a backdrop for the cork paper bin’s debut. The design reimagines the traditional paper bin, expanding its utility beyond mere waste disposal to include uses like a magazine holder or a container for various household items. Its distinctive crumpled appearance is not just aesthetic but also a functional aspect, allowing the bin to be flat-packed for shipping, which inadvertently became one of its signature traits. To maintain a precise shape, splines were integrated into the top and bottom of the bin, ensuring a perfectly circular base. When viewed from the side, the bin exhibits a softer, more fabric-like quality. This is further accentuated by its construction – a double layer of ultra-fine cork fabric meticulously hand-stitched together, coupled with steam-bent wooden handles. These elements not only elevate the bin’s overall aesthetic and tactile experience but also emphasize its dual purposes: easy portability and collapsibility.