Dave Parrack | gizmag.com | Mar 26 2014
Given even the smallest opportunity to get creative, kids will invariably take it. This is why modular furniture designed to appeal exclusively to children is potentially such a good idea. Olla is just that, offering children of all ages the opportunity to build their own Lego-style furniture.
Olla is rather fittingly named after Ole and Ella, the two children of Jens Otterstedt, who created the range in response to his kids' requests for new furniture. The system is, rather unsurprisingly, inspired by Lego, with the same principles applying to both products; the more pieces you own, the wider the range of items you can build. Unfortunately, however, Olla is rather more costly than Lego.
Otterstedt is crowdfunding Olla, seeking US$250,000 to turn his idea into a reality. Pledges from $6 will reward backers with an individual Olla component should the aforementioned goal be hit. However, a pledge of between $228 and $2,255 is required to hit a reward level containing complete pieces of furniture. Shipping is not included.
The variety of pieces that can be constructed using Olla is impressive, with chairs, desks, shelving units, beds, cots, and benches all feasible. The Olla components come in a range of different colors, meaning children can mix and match at will. Each of the pieces locks together using just four different types of connectors.
Keep reading for full image gallery and video showing kids assembling their DIY furniture
When I saw that headline, I clicked on the story, expecting to see some really cool photos of some furniture made by children. The last thing I expected was yet another lego set.
Lego may be a nice way to introduce children to sticking peg A into hole B, to create pixilated images of their mind’s imaginings, but the only thing that lego can ever do is pixilate imagination, force it into shapes that are about as far from natural as humanly possible.
How creative can you be if your entire process is limited to finding a piece that fits into another piece? This is not necessarily creative, but certainly sectionalized and ordered.
Lego is forcing the developing minds of children out of the creative freedom of right brain to the boxed-in and linear left.
Besides, this “play toy” is way too expensive, sending children another ominous message for their adulthood. It is a gateway drug to Ikea.
Whatever it does to kids, the one certainty is that it makes corporations extremely wealthy and perpetuates the petrochemical abuse of the planet.
zef rose: Thanks for your comment which for sure is your right to do but can I ask you one question: DID YOU HAVE KIDS? I have and both invented this idea which shows me a Hugh creativity and understanding! Both love all kinds of LEGO and other toys but here we talking about an idea from a 9 years old boy and 5 years old girl – not about another LEGO set. The idea is to be creative and build a new design without a manual and for whatever the kids like at this moment – next moment they can build something different. If you have kids you know that they change every 5 second the mind and the color – depends what they see in the TV or what the buddy is playing with! Please be fair with your comments! To expensive? Did you ever bought a full set of furniture for a girl in pink? You pay at least $3,000 and 3 weeks later she likes red – and now? Last but not least – do more research as OLLA is complete out of natural material and 100% renewable. I, as a dad from Ole and Ella did the prototypes as well did all testings together with my kids – be assured that I will make sure that this furniture is 100% safe and healthy as both have OLLA furniture in the room and they LOVE IT! Hope you have a good weekend and let me know if you require any additional information.
Cheers OLLA Kidsfurniture – Jens
P.S. Make one person happy each day, even if its yourself!
This Lego-style furniture seem to be the ‘in’ nowadays with kids. I don’t think there is something wrong with it, I guess I may have to try it myself before my kids do. Nice post btw!