projects / tableware
Year: 2020
Client: Qantas Airways Limited
with Noritake
During the design process undertaken by the studio to create the cabin interior for the Qantas Airways 787-9 Dreamliner , the airline requested that the existing flatware was studied in order to find ways to reduce overall weight. Due to the ultra-long-haul routes the Dreamliner aircraft is required to fly, weight is a primary concern to the airline. Any saving would have a positive impact on the fuel required to complete the journey.
The brief for this project was extremely narrow. The tableware needed to make reductions in both weight and storage space, without impacting usability and being robust enough to withstand constant use.
As a part of the process, the studio collaborated with Australian Chef Neil Perry. Focusing on the dining experince and introducing a range of additional pieces required for new menu items.
New, lower profile ceramics and nesting flatware were created maintaining the existing volumes and functionality whilst reducing the required space for stowage. Studies into form and structural integrity were made to shave of all unnecessary weight, resulting in a visually delicate yet utilitarian language for both the crockery and the flatware.
The crockery, produced by Noritake in Japan, has since been made available to public sale.