2 CHAIRS: RENOVATED & REIMAGINED

“Furniture studio was a unique and extraordinary opportunity to marry design and fabrication in an environment free from constraints. I was able to apply what I have learned towards a new and exciting form of design, while also being challenged to physically produce my design. ”

CHAIR 1: RENOVATED

The following project is the first chair of a two chair series intended to develop and improve upon core concepts from start to finish. The Renovation phase represents the idea of refurbishment, to bring life, vitality, and ingenuity to something that has been neglected and forgotten.

Original Chair  A photograph of the original chair + my initial notes and observations going forward — **Original Chair** A photograph of the original chair + my initial notes and observations going forward

From a lottery of chairs that had been abandoned to the side of the road, I selected the remains of a pool side chair (seen above). I wanted to respect and reinterpret its original form and function, to create a connection to its past as it transforms into something new and innovative.

PARTI  Initial concept drawing that served as inspiration for the rest of the project. — **PARTI** Initial concept drawing that served as inspiration for the rest of the project.

The form of the original chair is both elegant and functional in a logical way. It uses a minimal amount of material to provide maximum comfort and usability. The rubber straps spanning the metal frame are not glamorous but provide an alluring framework for potential changes. Instead of straps, I elected to use wood slats that accomplish the same functionality and align with my ideas of style and aesthetic appeal.

Going a step further, I wanted to change the structural support of the seat by removing the metal bracing and introducing a suspension system. Using straps as suspension and altering the frame to include a pivot rod in the front, the sensation of sitting into the chair changes. The user feels more relaxed as the seat begins to sag slightly when the chair is occupied.

Sketch Iterations  Exploring the difference between a polished frame versus powder coasted, orientation of slats, and sizing of the slats. — **Sketch Iterations** Exploring the difference between a polished frame versus powder coasted, orientation of slats, and sizing of the slats.

Final Design Decisions and Conclusions

Leather suspension straps that will "break-in" over time, improving upon the cushioned sensation.
Removing the seat from the frame in favor of reattaching it in the front with an internal rod and pivot mechanism.
Removing the original paint and polishing the frame, strengthening the simple and elegant style, while avoiding using additional materials.
Using beech wood for the slats for its durability, strength, and natural beauty.
Securing the slats to the frame with leftover leather to mitigate waste and avoid damaging/further altering the metal frame.

CHAIR 2: REIMAGINED

The goal of phase 2 of the furniture studio was to reinterpret a baseline chair design by applying the concepts and ideas developed in phase 1 to a standard design/template. In addition to maturing and fostering the design process, this chair was an ongoing lesson in woodworking and fabrication. The challenges that arose from all of the constraints, the time, material properties and physical ability, all contributed to a complex and detailed process that arrived at an elegant, bold, and graceful design response.

Exploration Through Iteration

The iterative process was elemental in arriving at a design response that I found to be most successful. Taking the core concepts from phase 1, I investigated the ways in which slats could begin to define the chair. I began by adjusting the size, repetition, and orientation of the slats.

Next I explored the spacing and connection to the frame through a lengthy iteration of digital models. Using 3D models helped to test realistic ways in which the slats could be connected to the frame and visualizing how the joint condition could be expressive.

Before fully committing to a design, I constructed a mockup model. This model allowed me to make final decisions on how many slats were structurally necessary, if the slats provided enough shear support, and fine-tune some of the problematic corner conditions.

Final Design Decisions and Conlusions

Orienting the slats horizontally to give it more of a human scale.
Spacing the slats to the same width of the slat itself (1/2").
Stopping the slats at the same place as the bracing in the original design to allow for foot kickback.
Sinking the slats into the frame so that they are flush with the frame and expressing the end joint through the side of the frame.
Using a 1" x 1" slat at corner and end conditions for stability and visual continuity.