We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer about their original and creative design work. is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original works.
("") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
: The nordic / Scandinavian design is my main source of inspiration. The idea behind this design was to create a modern, aesthetically pleasing and versatile bicycle storage system that would effortlessly integrate in any interior design and solve the bicycle storage problem, especially when it comes to small interior spaces. Aesthetics is just as important as functionality so the purpose was to create a design that would not look out of place when it’s not used for its main function - storing the bicycle.
: The main focus for this design work was on aesthetics and functionality, as is the case for most of my designs.
: Depending on the request for this product, mass production would most probably be the next step for this design. However, selling/leasing the production rights is also something I might take into consideration.
: This current design of the BERLIN bicycle rack was based on an older version that I used to produce. I basically started from the older model and improved on its design, functions and production method. This process took me around 5-6 months, from the initial sketch to the final prototype.
: Most of my designs are for my own design brand and shop, OONA Studio. So this was the case with the BERLIN bicycle rack as well. This design is the end result of my decision to pursue my inspiration. The actual creation process is what motivates me. I love taking my ideas through the various design stages and finally seeing them brought to life.
: Currently the design is produced and sold under my own brand, OONA Studio, but selling / leasing the production rights is not out of the question should I come by an offer that’s too good to pass :).
: The need for a smart way to store 3 bicycles in a one room apartment. And since the amount of free space was very limited, the idea was to give this design as much versatility and functionality as possible.
: No one in particular for this design work. At least not consciously :).
: Bicycle lovers with a developed sense of aesthetics, interior design lovers and enthusiasts that care too much for their bikes to leave them tied up to a post at night :)
: I think it’s the versatility of this design. If you are a minimalist, you can strip down the design, lose the additional shelf and hangers and just use it for its basic function. But if you prefer a little more added functionality this design is ready to offer it to you.
: I think it’s the versatility of the design.
: Although it can be produced using only hand tools, one of the ideas behind this design was to make use of technology in order to optimise the production and minimise human error. So for best and accurate results, the product was designed to be cut to shape using a CNC router. In this respect I collaborated with a local team from Cluj-Napoca for the prototyping and with a team from Bucharest for the actual production.
: Please refer to the previous question in this respect (question no. 14).
: The research on the available bicycle storage solutions on the market was done during the period 2013-2015 while the final design was launched in 2016. The research was made using mainly Google searches but also handmade / design marketplaces. At that time the most products available on the market were designed to be used on a horizontal position, working like small floating shelves, that had limited added functionality. So with the BERLIN I took the classic design and flipped it 90 degrees in a vertical position and added a horizontal shelf for more versatility and storage options on each side.
: The main design challenge was to create a highly functional and versatile bicycle storage system while also keeping the product as compact as possible for more cost effective international shipping. This was achieved by splitting the interior space in two with a go-through, removable and oversized shelf that allows storing items on the outside of the rack as well. The modular hangers also offer a lot of versatility allowing the user to hang smaller as well as larger items on the sides. The back plate also extends on the bottom of the rack to accommodate one additional hanger for added functionality.
: Although I’ve been contacted by A’ Design Award & Competition to submit my work, I had my doubts that it would be good enough to actually win an international prize. So my father had a crucial role in this respect as he was the one that supported me and pushed me in this direction.
