How to tame the untamed? Is it possible to build with "waste"? The "Sticks" project by Lena Balcerak, a second-year design student at the Magdalena Abakanowicz University of Arts in Poznań, is a manifesto of acceptance of nature in its raw, irregular form. Created in the Second Studio of Bionics under the supervision of Professor Wojciech Hora and Dr. Filip Żuchowski, the project is a structural and aesthetic experiment that redefines the approach to craft materials and industrial norms.
sketches
© Lena Balcerak
branch as structure, not waste
Hornbeam branches - usually rejected by the industry due to their irregularity and lack of standardization - became a full-fledged building block in this project. Instead of straightening and smoothing, the designer works with the material, following its natural rhythm and structure.
Branches, twists, thickenings - things that are usually eliminated in the manufacturing process - are recognized as an asset, both aesthetically and structurally. Each element of the stool is unique - it carries the story of the tree's growth, struggle for light, places and survival.
detail
© Lena Balcerak
dialogue with matter
The design process was not about imposing form, but about establishing a dialogue with the raw material. Balcerak undertook an in-depth anatomical analysis of selected tree species: oak, birch, pine and hornbeam, eventually deciding on hornbeam for its hardness, durability and branching characteristics.
An important part of the work was models - both conceptual and full-scale. The designer studied the relationship between the tension of the structure and the elasticity of the material. It's not just a utilitarian project - it's an exploration of the logic of nature, applied to practice.
detail
© Lena Balcerak
modernity at the core of nature
The branches were carefully prepared: cleaned, trimmed, secured. The most stressed joints were supported by subtle steel fittings, which do not destroy the organic character of the form. The entire piece has been stained to break the association with rusticity and bring the furniture into the aesthetics of contemporary design.
The "Sticks" project raises questions about value, standardization and relationship with nature. It's an object that not only serves as a seat - but also teaches you to look differently.
