Ontario, Canada
Davide Tonizzo at Canadian-based designD produced Skoolster—a fun, multi-use furniture and work screen designed for kids to play more with toys than with screens.
Manufactured and shaped by DHF, Skoolster gives the illusion of a motor scooter and children can play ride, relax, or study.
It takes its inspiration from classic Italian scooters like the Vespa and Lambretta.
As the motorized scooter was successful in that it provided a comfortable way to ride on two wheels, its general configuration is the basis for this product.
The project has been awarded a 2020 Good Design Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The front shield of the scooter is used to support a small activity surface.
This table can be used to do homework or play with toys, as well as eat a snack.
By creating a furniture object based on a fun and friendly vehicle, kids will be encouraged to spend more time there studying.
However, the product was not just designed as furniture. Skoolster can be used as a big toy.
A set of handlebars encourages children to imagine themselves riding to their favorite places or inventing other stories. In this way, Skoolster inspires using one’s imagination as opposed to playing with mobile phones or tablets.
There is a lot of functionality built into the design. Because children’s feet rest on the object’s base, it provides a warm surface when used on hard floors like ceramic.
The seat is removable and reveals a storage compartment for toys or personal belongings.
This is also key in promoting tidiness and order, as well as the sense of ownership.
The front headlight of Skoolster is a hook for school bags or backpacks.
Lastly, a backrest was added to provide additional comfort to support longer stays on the furniture.
Project: Skoolster Workstation
Designers: Davide Tonizzo, designD
Manufacturer: DHF Taizhou Donghong Furniture Manufacture Co., Ltd.
