VERSA

AV + Media Console & Coffee Table

Design competition

BDI, a leading American furniture design company, held a nationwide design competition in celebration of their 25th anniversary co-sponsored by Metropolitan Home magazine. The objective was to come up with a design for an A/V unit and coffee table set.

AV + Entertainment center constraints

furniture is STAGNANT & doesn’t adapt to different layouts

the Tv location dictates the layout of the room

A modern AV unit and coffee table set

Versa is a dynamic furniture solution consisting of an entertainment center, a large coffee table, two smaller end tables, and a modular media shelf. Its moveable top slides back and forth and rotates a full 360 degrees that allow for a wide range of configurations enabling Versa to be adaptable to many different room layouts.

2nd place competition winner

The Versatility

The moveable top can slide back and forth, and rotates a full 360 degrees allowing for a range of different configurations. The moveable top feature ensures that Versa will be adaptable to different room setups, change of equipment, or simply trying a new layout; keeping Versa dynamic rather than stagnant.

Media Shelf

  • Modular media shelf fits media such as DVD’s, CD’s, books, magazines, and personal knick knacks.

  • Media shelf can be used in conjunction with the A/V unit or as a separate piece on its own.

  • Acts a graphic element which contrasts and adds flare and character to the set.

Coffee Table & End Table Set

  • The two smaller end tables can tuck under the larger coffee table which consolidates space.

  • Each piece can be used as additional seating, storage, or as a foot rest.

  • Lightweight and easily maneuverable via concealed ball bearing rollers on the bottom.

  • Clean and simple modern shape, free from unnecessary visual clutter.

Tuck away doors

Cable management

Research

  • Post-It brainstorming to quickly explore a wide range of ideas.

  • In home photo ethnographic observations to see how people use their AV units in the real world & what are their user needs & pain points.

  • Quick form exploration via Lego’s.

  • ¼ scale mockups.

  • Full scale mockups to examine spacial volume/footprint, ergonomics, cable management, and component storage.