The project is based on a simple, functional and self-developing structural principle achieved through minimal means.
The furniture-like-objects introduced by Tomek Rygalik are made with OSB panels and hinges. Their characteristic is poor in material value, but rich in meaning through the creativity they express. Hard Times Open Source can be seen as a new design outlook and an important voice of new expression.  This project introduces the open source design process - not dissimilar to one used in the software industry. The role of the designer is to introduce the framework of the structural principle, so the particular designs can be developed by a large community. The process can enrich, stimulate and improve the creativity and set a new path to which we can all tap into, while expressing ourselves. 

Drawing from ideas introduced by Dickens in his novel Hard Times, Tomek contradicts the assumptions by bringing up the proof that the crisis does not obstacle the creativity or freethinking leading us to the development of new directions. The evolving functional pieces have abandoned the straightforwardness of everyday objects, breaking boundaries of many typologies and established product categories, while furnishing the garden with their abstract presence.  The arrangement of objects serves as the meeting place, while being a site-specific exhibition at the same time. Raw aesthetics of a building site bring a new ingredient to the aura of the garden of the Triennale.  The physical structure can be adapted to needs and aspirations, and with time the concept can continue to inspire while developing further. 

The project has been inspired by organic developments of architecture and the idea of spontaneous making.   It originated as the exhibition and multifunctional workshop room dedicated to creative leisure time at the Centre of Contemporary Art in Torun, Poland.