Sculpteo and the OpenDesk Chair Challenge

Posted By Zach Correa on Jul 29, 2014 | 0 comments

In a nail-biting race to the finish, Sculpteo made two OpenDesk chairs during the opening of their new factory situated just outside of Paris.

What is OpenDesk? Well, as they put it, “OpenDesk is a global platform for local making.” Ok, but what does that mean? That means designers can create and propagate their designs without costly middlemen and marketing schemes. Then makers can create the products (for the time being just furniture, but they have plans of branching out) and sell them without long costly shipping enterprises. Some people have noted that through OpenDesk, shipping distances have been reduced to less than 5 miles! (That’s less than 8.5 km!) Makers can create quality products on demand using inexpensive designs that come from the other side of the planet.

It was the perfect way for Sculpteo to christen their new factory, as we work under a similar model. Using our cloud printing engine, we are able to take models from designers around the world, then print and ship them to customers that are likely near our factories. Sculpteo customers in Paris have particular bragging rights as their products are now manufactured just outside the city.

This revolution in design and manufacturing is not only good for creators, it is also great for the environment. The days of having to ship an object in mass quantities from a manufacturer in China are behind us, along with the carbon emissions that come along with it. With our new factory in Paris, shipping distances across Europe have become minimal.

But back to the race, the Sculteo team broke into two and set their sights on seating. One team was taxed with making the Zip-Tie Lounge Chair while the other hoped to make the Kuka Chair. With approximately thirty minutes on the clock, the two teams set off.

Aurthur Cassaignau debating a game plan.

UX Designer, Alex Gryson, pouring his passion into the construction.

CEO Clément Moreau makes the first cut for his team’s chair.

It was almost a tie (Arthur’s team won by less than a minute), but a everyone had a good time in the process. Also be sure to check out our Facebook page for more photos!