Pratt students are making their mark at the “Design for a Dollar” exhibition, International Contemporary Furniture Fair. However I’m here to showcase how enterprising their ID students can be. Three projects: Grind by Dana de Vega, Loop End Table by Carla Franciose and Array Series by Jason Pfaeffle; reflect how simple thinking and industrious application can prove to be winning designs. Take a look at them after the jump.

The Grind by Dana de Vega

Inspired by the motion of twisting and industrial instruments such as boiler drain valves, Dana has designed this seasoning mill with black anodized aluminum for the pepper mill and clear anodized aluminum for the salt mill.

Notes from Dana:

The aluminum-spun shaft is a locally made part. It is anodized for protection and sealing. The ceramic mechanism inside is suitable for salt and pepper. To refill the mill, simply unscrew the cap at the bottom of the mechanism and remove the small ceramic grinder. Aluminum is 100% recyclable.

Loop End Table by Carla Franciose

Fashioned out of nickel-plated 14-gauge hot-rolled steel strips, this table screams sophistication. The base is made is made from five ribbon shaped modules welded together. The dimenstions for the table are: 25” diameter clear glass top that is 3/8” thick; table height 21”.

Array Series by Jason Pfaeffle

The Array Series revolves around the use of a single cast aluminum component, combined with hardwood dowels that can form a range of useful products. It uses one main component and a stock diameter dowel, thus reducing materials and production costs.

Notes from Jason:

No permanent connections exist between the separate elements, which make assembly easy for the user as well as disassembly for recycling. If a part of the product happens to be damaged, a single unit can be purchased to replace it, which not only saves money and material, but also extends the life of the products. At present, Array Series includes a coat rack, side table, and light with the potential of other pieces being added later.