John Longchamps

Denise DeLuca

Biomimetic Design

MCAD | Summer 2015

A9.1b – Evaluation for Claire Lukens

This evaluation is intended to provide additional perspective for

Claire Lukens, as she pursues the development of her biomimetic design

concept that follows.

Client: Sur la Table // Product: Glassware Line

Description: A new line of glassware inspired by nature that will

provide a more sustainable and affordable option (compared to our

average items for consumers.

Life Adapts and Evolves

1. Locally Attuned and Responsive

a. Is the design resourceful?

Yes, the design is resourceful, as it is optimized for

stackability in the end-user’s storage and during

shipping.

b. Does it leverage feedback loops?

Yes, the shipping containers for the glassware are

reused to continually deliver product from

manufacturing to retail.

c. When it uses materials, are the materials locally available

and abundant?

Yes, the design uses materials that are locally

available and abundant in the areas surrounding the

manufacturing facility.

Design Recommendation:

Give end-users the option of keeping (or purchasing)

the containers / packaging used to ship the glassware

for their own transport of their glassware set over

their lifetime of ownership.

John Longchamps

Denise DeLuca

Biomimetic Design

MCAD | Summer 2015

2. Integrate Cyclic Processes

a. Are processes cyclical?

Yes, there is an emphasis on technical and biological

nutrient cycling (of materials associated with the

build and transport of the glassware).

b. Does it integrate local feedback loops?

Yes, the space optimization of the cushioning and

filling in the packaging is determined by mass /

shipping container fullness.

Design Recommendation:

If product has chipped, cracked, or otherwise reached

the end of its useful life, Sur la Table could ship a

new glassware piece or pieces to the end-user, and

then the end-user can refill the now empty pre-postage

stamped box with their broken glassware, which will be

returned to a production facility for material

processing and remanufacturing into new glassware.

3. Resilience

a. Can it withstand disturbance while maintaining function?

Yes, it utilizes a robust packaging design for

shipping, where containers “lock” together

temporarily.

b. Does it heal after a disturbance?

No, I do not believe so. If a glassware piece breaks

it must be replaced as far as I can tell.

c. Are there opportunities for cross-pollination and mutation?

Yes, the glassware can co-evolve with other parts of

the kitchen system and increase the rate of

adaptation.

Design Recommendation:

Explore partnerships between material engineering

firms and Sur la Table. Investigate what developing a

sustainable shatter-resistance tempered glass

manufacturing process would entail.

John Longchamps

Denise DeLuca

Biomimetic Design

MCAD | Summer 2015

Life Creates Conditions that are Conducive to Life

1. Optimize Rather than Maximize

a. Does it integrate multiple functions?

Yes, the glassware is used to store drinks, distribute

drinks, protect drinks and optimize space.

b. Does it recycle all materials? Is it recyclable?

Yes, the glassware is 100% fully recyclable.

c. Does it perform functions with minimal material and energy?

Unknown. The energy requirements of the manufacturing

process were not detailed.

Design Recommendation:

Strive to create industry leading energy utilization

and load demands relative to the processing of

materials, and manufacturing of glassware finished

goods.

2. Use Benign Manufacturing

a. Is it made from life-friendly materials?

Yes, the raw materials used to create glass are life-

friendly. The process to create glass however could be

made more benign.

b. Is chemistry done in water?

Unknown. The document does not indicate whether or not

the glassmaking chemistry is partially done in water.

c. Are processes done at ambient (local) pressures and

temperatures?

No. Glassmaking requires significant heat to be

applied.

Design Recommendation:

Explore new methods of crystallizing glass with lower

levels of heat and pressure.

John Longchamps

Denise DeLuca

Biomimetic Design

MCAD | Summer 2015

3. Leverage its Interdependence in the System

a. Does it foster symbiotic, cooperative, community-based

relationships?

It’s possible that it could through helping people

connect over food and drink. Although it was not

explicitly mentioned.

b. Does it foster emergent relationships?

Yes. Folks can bond over food and drink while using

these glassware pieces.

Design Recommendation:

Create a “supper club” initiative for Sur la Table.

The twist is that the Sur la Table Supper Club allows

you to provide gourmet meals to underprivileged folks,

sharing the heart and soul of high quality food.

Purchasing a set of this glassware enters $10 into the

dinner club coffers. Alternatively, a percentage of

glassware purchases could go toward elevating

underprivileged youth to pursue a career in culinary

arts. Perhaps a collective scholarship fund, even.

Conclusion

This project is in alignment with a good number of life’s principles.

It would behoove Sur la Table to heed the recommendations put forth by

Claire to widen their product offering to include “entry level” wares

at the intersection of sustainability, quality, and (relative)

affordability. The Sur la Table brand is already well positioned for

deepening their sustainability efforts and stories – this product

development exercise would be of great value to the company.

One thing I might recommend exploring further is the process of

creating glass itself. If Sur la Table pioneered new glassmaking

techniques that required less energy, resources, and intensive

processing they could be recognized as industry leaders. Perhaps a

more cooperative approach is desirable? Sur la Table could convene

other complimentary houseware manufacturers to create a cross-industry

initiative to explore sustainable materials development for housewares

and even more specifically, cookware.

On the following page I call out a few additions that could be added

to Claire’s proposed packaging.

John Longchamps

Denise DeLuca

Biomimetic Design

MCAD | Summer 2015

Packaging could be robust enough that the end-user would be

encouraged to keep it for future moves / transporting of

glassware

Packaging could be kept for the purpose of returning a glassware

piece in the event that it breaks, the glass would be recycled at

the manufacturing site, and the same packing filled with a new

glassware piece, shipped to the end-user.

Might explore the possibility of removing cushioning altogether.

Compound geometry and cardboard folds at the base of the

container may be enough to keep the Collins glass safe, and with

the added bonus of keeping packaging materials homogenous.