My master’s thesis tells the story of a plant with a rough history. A crop that can offer many environmental benefits and can be grown in Belgium. The hemp plant has been used by humans for thousands of years, in various ways. Yet today, the crop is relatively little found in our use of materials.
Within my thesis I bring up the accessibility of industrial hemp in Belgium. An assessment of the potential of the crop for our current industry is attempted through research, systematically conducted using the triple diamond design thinking tool. This journey covers both the history and current image of the plant. It explores how product design can encourage the use of hemp within an existing, local industry.
By partnering with a local company (in this case, Veldeman Bedding) and creating a design that complements an existing collection, it is showcased that incorporating hemp can make a positive contribution to people and the environment.
The diverse properties and various forms of hemp are presented in the design of an acoustic insulating headbord. The organic shape of the headbord accentuates the acoustical properties and provides a safe, cozy feeling in the bedroom.
The headbord is made out of different hemp materials such as : Hempisolation, Hemptextile and hempcomposites. Creating a realistic prototype shows that hemp could be a valuable, ecological replacement for current materials.
Within my thesis I bring up the accessibility of industrial hemp in Belgium. An assessment of the potential of the crop for our current industry is attempted through research, systematically conducted using the triple diamond design thinking tool. This journey covers both the history and current image of the plant. It explores how product design can encourage the use of hemp within an existing, local industry.
By partnering with a local company (in this case, Veldeman Bedding) and creating a design that complements an existing collection, it is showcased that incorporating hemp can make a positive contribution to people and the environment.
The diverse properties and various forms of hemp are presented in the design of an acoustic insulating headbord. The organic shape of the headbord accentuates the acoustical properties and provides a safe, cozy feeling in the bedroom.
The headbord is made out of different hemp materials such as : Hempisolation, Hemptextile and hempcomposites. Creating a realistic prototype shows that hemp could be a valuable, ecological replacement for current materials.
