A9.1b longchamps-lukens

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.