People today live in the fast lane, for better or for worse. Many change jobs or even careers in an instant; others change residence or lifestyle. Many of today’s products are designed to cater to this type of lifestyle, from smartphones that put everything at our fingertips, almost literally, to modular, portable equipment that allows us to grab and go where we need to. However, there are still some things that still remain in the old ways, so to speak, such as how furniture is made or how rooms are built. While there is nothing terribly wrong with traditional processes, they can sometimes be a waste, inefficient and unsustainable. Modularity has begun to advance in construction and architecture, as has this modular block system that allows people to assemble walls, dividers, or even rooms without the need for tools or knowledge.
Designer: Stan Spencer (Blokaloks)
Blocks have become a preferred form when it comes to modular systems. After all, they are similar to the bricks that serve as the foundation of many things we build, so it’s no wonder LEGO has chosen this metaphor for its now iconic line of construction toys. Some block-inspired systems offer the ability to build simpler furniture or products without much effort, but Blokaloks really takes it to the next level when it comes to putting up walls.
However, instead of real rectangular blocks, the Blokaloks have four shapes that you mix and match to create a flat vertical surface like a wall. It doesn’t have to be just a single wall, though, or a floor-to-ceiling wall. It can be as simple as a divider or as large as a full-fledged room. The system includes supports to prevent the wooden walls from tipping over, as well as cutting pieces for edges and corners.
Unlike other modular construction systems, Blokaloks offers something that goes beyond modularity. There is, for example, a look at sustainability, with all the blocks made of different types of wood such as bamboo, beech, maple and walnut, just to name a few. Even the core is made of mineral wool to help dampen the sound on the other side. This core is optional, though, in case you really want the talk to happen.
Blokaloks also give you freedom and flexibility in how you build your structures. You don’t need tools to put things together, nor to disassemble them. The design facilitates the redesign of walls and rooms as needed. Instead of having to physically enlarge the room to accommodate new uses, you can simply “knock down” some unused sections to make room for a different one.
With that in mind, Blokaloks seems to be perfectly designed for rapid changes that adapt to current lifestyles. Even the pricing scheme is meant to be scalable, depending on the need at the time instead of sticking with what you bought forever. Even if the materials or manufacturing process are not 100% sustainable, the modular system already helps reduce waste of resources and energy leaving room for growth and change at any time.