Dutch firm Studio Makkink & Bey has created a collection of furniture for a nomadic future including a backpack that becomes a sofa bed, a carrycot that becomes a table and a walking cane that turns into an illuminated screen (+ slideshow).
Conceptroom Huisraad by Makkink & Bey is a range of objects that examines the concept of domestic interiors that are no longer attached to any one physical space.
The items form part of Living Spaces, an exhibition exploring textiles in Dutch interiors at the TextielMuseum in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The pieces "depict a future scenario in which the individual travels light and stays comfortable," said the team.
As part of the display, Makkink & Bey created three objects that utilise natural materials and animal fibres combined with multiple uses.
WarmteWeefsels, meaning "heat tissues", is a carrycot that turns into a table. In its former state, the cot comes with a pair of adjustable handles and blanket.
To convert it into a table, users remove the blanket, slide the handles to their widest setting and flip the whole thing upside down. The blanket can then be used as either a rug or table cloth.
VouwPlaats, or "fold place", is a knitted mattress and chair you can carry around as you would a backpack.
The user wears a woollen jacket attached to the frame to carry the VouwPlaats around.
By placing it on the floor, the rolled up mattress acts as a seat and the frame acts as a backrest.
To convert the piece into a bed, the user simply unclasps the two straps holding it together and rolls out the mattress.
The VensterLicht, or "window light", is a portable room divider and a cane. When closed, the VensterLicht is a chunky walking stick. Inside however, is a four-legged stand and strip-light with a piece of silk cloth attached. When unravelled, it creates a full-length screen.
Each piece provides individuals with, "expandable, foldable and lightweight furniture to travel with, as they traverse boundless interiors – our shrinking world," said the designers.
This isn’t the first time Studio Makkink & Bey has created multifunctional furniture; last year they created SideSeat, a mash-up of a desk, shelves and swivel chair in one.
Living Spaces continues at the TextielMuseum until 11 May.
Photography is by Tommy de Lange, commissioned by the TextielMuseum.