In the Netherlands, Ikea designers have collaborated with artificial intelligence to create a new concept in flat-pack furniture: the Couch in an Envelope. Weighing just 22 pounds, the couch is comprised of an aluminum frame and biodegradable cushions made of cellulose fabrics and mycelium foam. No tools or screws are required for assembly.
The concept was created by SPACE10, an independent research and design entity supported by Ikea. A significant mandate of SPACE10 is creating more environmentally friendly furniture with sustainable materials. Couches, in particular, are often comprised of difficult-to-recycle materials, notes Gizmodo.
Couch in an Envelope is not available for sale and is, for now, limited to an exercise designed to illustrate AI’s potential in sustainable furniture design.