The Opentap project

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WE DESIGN STUFF WWW.DOSUNODESIGN.COM



Introduction The question Our Objectives The beauty of being galvanized What about the environment? Wandering into the future What we have tought up ET 01 ET 02 ST 01 ST 02 ST 03 MT 01

Putting it together Talking numbers How con you help? Contact information


In a world rich with resources it seems unlikely that so many people world round are neglected by their governments in the provision of their basic human rights. This is however exactly the case. When the government and the large economic conglomerates are unable or unwilling to execute their social responsibility, it is up to us the common citizen to take action. This is how the Opentap came to be. We as industrial designers have been privileged to recieve a great education, and we feel it is our personal responsibility to give back to the community. In this case the return comes in the form of our intellectual capital which we push forth to develop low cost furniture solutions that anyone can manufacture for themselves. The proposal is an open source one which means we have no ownership over the project itself as it is only a platform to promote creativity and innovation freely for the betterment of our world.


What if everyone had access to information and resources that would enable us to live in dignity? Resources such as chairs for studying, sharing and relaxing, tables for working, playing and conversating. Storage, to protect our belongings and conserve our food. What if eventually all the items of furniture that provide a digniďŹ ed living standard would not have to be purchased and their functionality, durability and quality did not depend on our budget?

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Create an Open Source platform that allows people who earn a very low income or in the case of Colombia, people who have been affected by the winter crisis, to create or have easy access to the furniture needed for a dignified standard of living.

Ensure the project’s sustainability (social, environmental and economic). We must build mostly with local materials and simple technical-mechanical processes which are readily available to the vast majority of people.

Develop a communication scheme that allows for a quick, easy distribution and implementation of this system throughout the country, continent and the world.

Make the system simple enough that almost anyone can build the furniture solutions within a very low cost and have it tailored to their needs.

Get to the functional core of these typologies to ensure highly efficient solutions that last a lifetime and can be reutilized and modified indefinitely.

The initiative will become a platform to share innovation and ingenuity on behalf of all people who have been homeless and are now forced to look out for themselves and their community.

To promote the value of environmentally, socially and economically sustainable models which generate added value not only to a few, but to all, in coherence with the proper allocation of our natural resources.

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The project came to be as we were engaging in low cost product design development , as we had very little money ourselves it seemed like a good idea. We turned to ready-made solutions as we have had many times before. We had already experimented with galvanized piping and its fittings to execute low cost / high impact product displays, so we were very aware of the many benefits of this constructive system.

It is estimated the a galvanized pipe would last over 70 years under regular conditions, exposed to water, heat and pressure. So you can imagine how long could it last under a lot less extreme conditions, say your living room.

This piping system has become a standard construction material world round ensuring a very ample distribution network which has allowed to find the piping in almost any region of any country. This ample distribution lead to 2 other main advantages which are, the standardization of the product which ensures quality and compatibility, and the low cost technology required to cut and thread the pipes which is also readily available in any mid-sized hardware vendors even in the poorest countries.

The galvanized pipe is a very affordable material since it is massively produced. The amount of piping needed for a single piece of furniture is very affordable. This is rare in unitary productions since cost usually decreases with an increment in the production units. This is still the case, however we start off with a low unitary cost which seems quite encouraging in terms of the cost reductions we could achieve in larger productions, taking the system to the realm of “extreme affordability” and “Ultra low-cost”.

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The process of galvanizing can contribute positively to sustainable development initiatives because of its longevity, quality, structural capabilities and recyclability, ensuring a minimal environmental impact. To validate the environmental properties of the material, we refer to LCA and Life Cycle Analysis for the galvanizing process, validated by the American Galvanizers Association. The LCA is the environmental impact study of a process or product, and includes the measurement of energy consumption and emissions (Liquid / Solid / Gas) during the production of raw materials and final product manufacturing, through use and at the end of its useful life (recycling / reuse / disposal). The LCA is one of the most accurate assessments of how "green" a product or process really is.

The system aims to reduce the number of materials and processes used. Our intention is to generate and offer highly efficient designs. As the galvanized pipe has excellent structural quality properties, we are able to use a minimum of material to meet the structural needs of the furniture. Its large capacity allows us to use additional materials which are functional and affordable. Designs engineered to generate the minimum of waste material. We avoid the use of glues or adhesives.

This piping can be easily reused. Through small interventions such as additional cuts and threading a piece of furniture can be easily converted into another by removing or adding single sections. Reusing would mean that the product´s life cycle is a closed one if the users wish to see it through.

The lack of complex industrial processes, the modularity of the system and the simple disassembly of the furniture make for products that are almost entirely recyclable. The repair of the furniture is very simple and affordable since each of the parts can be disassembled and replaced.

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RAW MATERIALS Zinc Steel [Fe26+C6]

1 MANUFACTURING Zinc Steel Galvanized Covering

A) REUSABILTY / MODIFICATION

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B) RECYCLING

TRANSPORTATION Standarized transportation Efficient disassembly Highly accessible

FUNRNITURE ASSEMBLY

Easily modifiable Low Cost Modifications Reusable for any furniture typology by cutting and threading. Easy customization with complementary materials (colour, detailing). 100% recyclable in the fom of: blocks of Zinc Structural Steel

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END OF USE

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MAINTENANCE

0 emisions Easily assembled

No need for maintenance besides regular paint wear and tear

5 USE Durability > 70 years 0 emisions 0 Carbon footprint during its use Highly resistant to impact

Primary Energy Consumption = 17.3 MJ / 1 kg of galvanized steel. Global Warming Potential (GWP) = 1801 kg / 1 kg of galvanized steel. Acidification Potential (AP) (Equivalent to SO2) = 0.00615 lb / 1 kg of galvanized steel. Photo Chemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP) (Equivalent to ethene) = 0.000824 kg / 1 kg of galvanized Steel

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We are aware that what we have in our hands is but a seed, an idea. An idea which we have had the opportunity to validate through theory and empiricism. Others have also seen value in the proposal and we are now ďŹ nalists in a national design competition which deals with social responsibility and housing needs. But the true potential we foresee is still far from reach.

In order for this project to achieve its true goal, an online platform still needs to be developed along with other means of distribution that could reach those who truly could beneďŹ t with such assistance, since they rarely have means or technical knowledge to access the internet.

As far as design the issue is the same. The whole point of presenting this as an open source platform originates in the fact that we understand that the altruistic contributions no matter how small they might be are the main key into an exponential development of the technique. We can only go so far, and our knowledge is limited to our unique set of experiences, so we believe that in order for an idea to truly serve all it must be developed by all.

The potential also resides in the vast number of piping typologies, ďŹ ttings and low cost technical interventions available. It would be virtually impossible for any number of people in a closed group to explore the possibilities which are brought forth by the system, that is why we extend an invitation to designing and building for yourself. Just share what you learn.

W.P. Kinsella

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The MT 01 table model is assembled without screws or adhesives due the angled cuts in the surface put together with the legs placed at 45 degrees. The structure of the table also gives a very definite aesthetic identity that adds aesthetic value to the proposal. The solution of the 45 degree fitting at the bottom allows for an easy conversion of height that allows the alternative to go from a coffee table to dining table.

The ET 01 shelf model is easily scalable in all directions for an easy adaptation to multiple needs and to any space due to its symmetrical design and construction method. The perforations in the pipes allow the relocation of the shelves themselves. Since the system is kept up by weight and friction while leaning against a wall it requires no complex or permanent installation allowing relocating the furniture with ease.

The ST 03 chair model is based on a popular weaving technique widely used in most regions of our country. It requires no technical skills or specialized tools. This solution also generates a multitude of customization options (due to the existence of an ample color catalog in the woven materials) that would suit the personal tastes of users. This aspect of customization creates a great advantage for the user since they can adapt the furniture to their personal taste and transform it easily.

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40

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210

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47.5

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17.5

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120

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44

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15 59 47

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60 35

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55

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70

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65

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65 25 65

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12

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This principle of extruding the geometry by addition is equally valid in all other typologies. The same is true for the modiďŹ cation by subtraction, reducing the furniture’s size. This very principle is what stands out when we talk about customizable solutions.

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48

45

92

92

120

25

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One of the key issues regarding the range of this initiative lies in the instructions. If people are unable to understand how the furniture is assembled, then it wouldn’t be of much use. This is why we are constantly experimenting with the most adequate graphic language which could be understood by the vast majority. The following are a set of instructions for the assembly of the MT01 table model. The fewer the assembly steps the more it facilitates the thoughtful reduction of complexity into simplicity.

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1

Join the short pipe sections to the “cross” fitting. Afterwards connect the 45 degree angled fittings to the other end of the short pipe sections

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Join the remaining 45 degree angled fittings to the longer pipe sections (legs of the table)


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Place the piece mounted in step 1 with the 45 degree angled fittings facing upwards. Place the perforated surface matching the 45 degree angled fittings with the perforations on the board. Slide the legs assembled in step 2 through the perforations on the board to connect them with the cross assembled in step 1

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Turn the table over. If you need a dining table instead of a coffee table just join the 30 cm extensions to the bottom of the legs to gain the necessary height

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Cost according to lifecycle

Cost/Month during lifecycle

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Technique´s efficiency diagram

Technique´s efficiency

Technique´s efficiency = Technique 1 cost / Technique 2 cost lifecycle

lifecycle

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At the moment the Opentap project can use all the help it can get. Doesn’t matter what discipline you practice we will certainly appreciate any input you can provide. If you are interested in finding out what you can do, please mail us at info@dosunodesign.com

Graphic Designers We are currently looking for the best way to convey step by step assembly instructions that are useful and easy to follow for any one regardless of their context and background. This project is all about communicating the idea, so any posters, flyers or propaganda will aid us with this purpose. Web designers The internet is the platform where real open source projects have come to be. A proper website (internet platform) is paramount for an idea like this to go global. We believe an internet plataform is the right tool for the project to get going on its own, a place where all the project’s content may be veiwed, acquired and updated so that the platform may evolve naturally. Industrial designers Think you can do it better? We need more designs, more input and the betterment of current designs. The more functional designs there are and the more improvements on current typologies make the Opentap evolve and become truly useful for everyone. Project managers You know a family or community that may benefit from the Opentap? Make it happen. If you have a project or an idea for a project that can gain from the open tap initiative, contact us so we can help you help others. Not on the list? Don’t worry, if you want to help but aren’t really sure how, write us an email, describing what you are good at and enjoy doing, we are pretty sure we can find you something useful for you to help us with.

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BECOME A SPONSOR Individuals This project needs financing in order to carry on, although we put every extra hour on the Tap, it could do with a little money, there are several ways in which you can help. Do your good deed of the day We accept donations. Contact us for PayPal information. Buy one of our pieces The project is open source and if you request it we will send all the necessary information in order for you to build the furniture yourself.That being said, we also produce our own designs, giving them additional values regarding materials as well as high quality finishings. If you would like to acquire any of the designs contact us and we will be glad to sort you out. Industry We are currently open to offers for corporate alliances, so if you or your company would be interested in collaborating with this project we will be more than glad to hear your proposals. Social and environmental responsibility falls not only in individuals but with the powers to be, in this case governments, industries, and corporations.

We need to get the word out. You can help us with this too. Ask for any of our logos and graphic material, we will gladly send it over so you can use it in any way you want. Repost the project on your blog, social network or talk about it with your dad over lunch. The more people know we exist, a better chance of success we shall have.

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“a well calibrated design machine”

WWW.DOSUNODESIGN.COM Info@dosunodesign.com Santiago Restrepo Assaf Wexler Nicolas Lizarralde Pablo Fog

Cl 85 # 11 53 Int 6 Piso 3 Bogotá, Colombia (+57) 1 621 7850


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