Milano Design Week 2024

NOOK, Inclusive Furniture for Children by Mara Bragagnolo

Mara Bragagnolo is delighted to unveil her latest project: a series of innovative furnishings designed with an inclusive approach, specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs and activities of autistic children.

The Nook series, inspired by the Montessori methodology and conceived for children's libraries, redefines inclusive spaces, providing children with an environment where they can express themselves freely and interact without encountering limitations, but rather discovering opportunities.

The Nook project is grounded in an innovative perspective, aiming to adapt spaces to the unique needs of individuals, rather than expecting individuals to conform to predefined spaces. The series features a range of multifunctional pieces designed to enhance adaptability based on the individual modalities and preferences of children.

The Nook furniture series includes:

Nook Library: A small bookshelf designed according to Montessori parameters, featuring a cozy nook for secluded reading. A strategically positioned window prevents complete isolation, allowing a connection to the external space while maintaining privacy.

Hug Sofa: Inspired by Temple Grandin's hug machine, this small sofa offers a personal space that, with various cushion configurations, creates a comforting "hug" effect. This simulated pressure helps with calm and introspection.

Rocking Wheel Chair: Drawing inspiration from wheelchair iconography, particularly rocking wheelchairs, this chair is designed to promote equality between wheelchair users and non-users. The rocking feature serves as an effective method for stimulation and enhances concentration during reading through vestibular self-stimulation.

Light Screen: Designed with multiple functions, the Light Screen serves as a shield from direct natural light, with small windows allowing a view outside and maintaining control over the external space while in a private area. It can also be used to divide spaces, creating a transitional area to prepare for entering a new environment.

Everyone Desk: A versatile piece suitable for various functions and ages, serving as a bookshelf, a desk for children (3-6 years old), and a chair and table for infants (0-2). The front divider facilitates focused reading, creating a secure and distraction-free environment.

Hideaway Quiet Box: Crafted to provide a soundproof and private space for children needing moments of isolation and tranquillity. The interior contains sound-absorbing and soft materials for a pleasant sensory experience. Additionally, the box functions as a small bookshelf.

The Nook series marks a significant leap in creating inclusive environments for children, prioritising their unique needs and promoting a sense of freedom and individuality. Mara Bragagnolo's approach to design results in a collection that goes beyond aesthetics, emphasising accessibility, through affordability. The collection is intentionally designed to be constructed with simple and cost-effective materials, easily reproducible, and with straightforward assembly, making it accessible to as many people as possible.

About Mara Bragagnolo::
Mara Bragagnolo is an Interior Designer dedicated to creating spaces and projects with a focus on inclusive, therapeutic, and accessible design. Originally from Genova, she completed her education with a degree in Interior Design from the Glasgow School of Art. Additionally, she specialised in Olfactive Spatial Design and Inclusive Architecture. Her diverse education reflects Mara's commitment to creating projects that go beyond aesthetics, with a particular interest in accessibility, sensory experience, and well-being through design. Beyond her career as an Interior Designer, Mara is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Doyenne, a skateboard brand and design studio run by women, with a focus on inclusivity. This initiative demonstrates her commitment to promoting a diverse and inclusive vision in the worlds of design and sports. Currently residing and working in Turin, Italy.