artav ikea hack

By frankie

5 June 2013

Imagine taking all the pieces in an IKEA flatpack and using every single one of them to create something totally different.

As much as we all like to moan about the Bloated Swedish Flatpack Monster, you've got to admit it takes clever design to work out how all those bits take shape: from idea to factory to box to someone's home to finished piece of furniture. Now imagine going in the opposite direction. Taking all the pieces in an IKEA flatpack and using every single one of them to create something totally different. This is what the talented types at Belgian design firm atelier 4|5 have done, turning a bog-standard TARVA chest of drawers into their own ARTAV bookcase and shelf. They've even made IKEA-style cartoon instructions you can download for free and use to build your own. Hats off, Belgium. This is pretty impressive stuff, really.