3. Plywood is a relatively cheap and versatile material used in furniture
production throughout the 20th century.The key to this project was to de-
sign a chair that complied with ergonomic constraints and anthropomorphic
factors, whilst retaining a sense of character and design aesthetic.
The brief was open in respects to the type of chair to be constructed, with
the only requirement being that of the material to be used.
The Inspiration for the project was directed from the
contemporary design cues of Scandinavian and Danish
furniture pieces and their designers.
By looking at designs from these areas, particularly ones who
worked with plywood ( such as Greta Jalk, Alvar Aato), it was
possible to formulate a design intent and direction with the
forthcoming development and ideation process.
4. I D E A T I O N
First sketch development ideas exploring
the varying forms and potential designs
that could be constructed from Plywood.
With the versatility of Plywood, many complex
forms with curvature can be developed.
5. After initial exploration of form and design, by looking at two seaters,
lounge chairs and functional combination and modular furniture, a
singular lounge piece was decided as the best direction for the project.
A cantilever form was selected for the final proposal, as such a design
lent itself to the material - its construction allowing some flex with the
material, whilst allowing some free reign in character and design.
F I N A L D E S I G N
6. COMPUTER VISUALISATION
From the initial sketch development, and by referencing readily available
anthropometric and ergonomic data, a fully dimensioned 3D
Visualisation prototype was produced within Solidworks.The chair
complies with the UK population data pool, in terms of fitting the 5th and
95th%tile.
The resulting CAD models were rendered within Photoview 360 and
Keyshot.
7. The chair was designed with off the shelf fittings, typically found in flat
pack furniture. Hex bolts and nuts of sizings M8 and M5 were incorporat-
ed in the frame to ensure structural rigidity and allow for quick and easy
dis-assembly.
The intention with a flat - pack product being that should any part become
damaged it can be quickly replaced with the corresponding part from the
manufacturer. It also aids in distribution and transportation costs for the
manufacturer and the end user.
The main body of the chair was
designed to include slats, as this was
deemed to be the simplest way of
constructing the seating area.
Therefore the design would could
save on
excessive use of material and be
a commercially usable and
manufacturable piece of lounge
furniture.
8. P R O T O T Y P I N G
From the CAD data, and the resulting dimensioned engineering
drawings, the constituent parts of the model were nested into the cor-
responding files depending on the thickness of ply to be used (that be-
ing 24mm and 9mm respectively) for CNC milling. Once converted into
the correct file type, the parts were cut ready for assembly.
Due to a human technical error in the production of the parts, the
CNC milling resulted in the base unit having two cut-outs produced
for the frame brace as can be seen.This error was included and
adapted into the final prototype, as it was suggested that a double
base brace system could add to the stability of the final product.
In a reproduction of the frame, this additional brace would be
omitted, to obtain a cleaner design and overall look to the unit.
9. The parts were cut with all holes and fixture points pre-made, so
construction of the prototype was simple in putting it together. Slats slotted
in to place of the pre cut recesses of the main frame and screwed in.
10. The fully constructed frame here shows the slatted
seat and the base frame with the arms attached.
The prototype was treated with Osmo oil, to ensure
it remained protected from surface deterioration and
wear and tear.
11. The final prototype was finished with a custom made upholstery system,
attached viaVelcro for ease of use and removal.The upholstery was zip encased
in a cotton based cover which could be interchanged with different coloured cov-
ers and materials.
F I N A L M O D E L
12. O B J E X E C O L A M PO B J E X E C O L A M PO B J E X E C O L A M P
13. These images represent the inspiration and point of
direction for the chosen design material of cardboard-
being recyclable, easy to produce and cost effective.
For the brief in this project, the objective was to produce a lamp that
could incorperate a standard Phillips power saving 40 watt incandescent
bulb.
There were no constraints in terms of design, with the only limitations
being thus -That is must be constructed of a sustainable or recycled
material, be able to house the bulb and its bayonet fixture, and be of a
table top form.
Cardboard was chosen due to its relative ease in producing quite
interesting and complex shapes and forms, while being rigid and easy to
manufacture.
B R I E F
14. S K E T C H D E V E L O P M E N T
Initial sketches were created to look at possible forms and
development of styles that could be achieved with cardboard.
Such designs would have to be manufactured from a single or
set of nets that could fold easily with tabbed sections, negating
the use or need of glue or solvents.
Using Origami structures and shapes as references, elegant
shapes and designs were touted in these initial form
explorations.
15. Further development of concepts lead to these sketches that show
designs that are more feasible in terms of production.
The idea of a hooded light section was of great intrigue, in that cut outs
and patterns could introduce interesting shadows and variable light
levels within the product.
The base was suggested to being more geometric and less organic,
or having more of a folded construction that would allow a simpler
net to be produced.
16. The final design was selected as an amalgamation of the
development sketches, combining elements of the hooded cut - out
to provide variance and interest in terms of a lighting solution other
than that of a rudimentary shade.
The base was a simple tower construction with a ‘leaf petal’ design
that gave an overall organic and flowing design language to the
product.
The floral influence and pattern is evident in final design from the
stem like central tower (housing the cable and integrated switch) to
the base ‘leaf’ section and the bulb itself acting as the anthers and
stamen of the flower.
This exploded sketch illustrates the potential netting and
construction of the proposed design.
F I N A L D E S I G N
17. PROTOTYPING AND MODEL MAKING
Model was constructed by hand, made from templates and nets
and cut with tabs to fit within each other in order to create the
structure.
Use of glue in prototype was of natural non toxic type, and only
used to show the overall form and how it would come together
with each individual segment coming together.
18. The images here show how the pieces come together
to create one elegant form that remains true to the
original final concept.
The top shade would be interchangeable with
different designs and patterns to create different
lighting effects and mood in any given environment
within the house.
The pattern cut out of the bottom leaf section showing the
tabs and 3D nature of the resultant design.
For further development of the design, it could be possible
to fabricate many more variants and cleaner forms via laser
cutting.This would allow sharper and fully formed products
and quicker manipulation of the design pattern within the
computer.
20. R S A D E S I G N - D I S A S T E R L I F E P O D
Brief - “via ‘collaborative consumption’ show
how it is possible to re-use, recycle or distribute
a product that can have more than one
application and provides a solution to multiple
needs”
21. T H E P R O B L E M
More than 43 million people worldwide are now forcibly displaced as a
result of conflict and persecution, the highest number since the
mid-1990s. Several million people remain displaced because of natural
disasters, although updated statistics are not available.
Major refugee populations include Palestinians (4.8 million),
Afghans (2.9 million), Iraqis (1.8 million), Somalis (700,000), Congolese.
There are many individuals at risk in
temporary housing camps, with disease,
and space a constant issue. Many host
nations whom house permanent camps
have limited resources and political and
social responsibilities to that of their own
population which can put a strain on
domestic issues. Space, its seems, is a
commodity that is at a premium.
22. The current housing problem is a deep rooted
issue in the western world, particularly in recent
times in Great Britian, where the crisis is pushing
many families and individuals into dwellings unfit
for purpose and many more on the streets of the
uk.
Many buildings lay derelict, requiring
refurbishment at great cost, and due
to the credit crisis of 2007/8 and
government cuts, there is a great
need for temporary housing.
THE VALUE AND USE OF LIVING SPACE
23. By creating a new method of living, that can be stacked up in three
dimensions, which can be re-used, transported to a new location, and be involved in
the ‘collaborative consumption’ in worldwide scenarios - in developing nations and
theWestern world - collectively we can solve the housing and worldwide living crisis
buy producing a sustainable, clean efficient living
solution.
Japanese life pods, stacking futurism
architecture and modern contemporary self
enclosed housing units were
the main design inspiration for this project
I N S P I R A T I O N
THE IDEA - REUSE OF SPACE
24. S K E T C H E S
Early Sketches illustrate and expand on the development of a
‘life pod’ solution for the problem. A stackable system was explored,
in which the units comprised of a system that allows secure setting
upon on another and an access system for each person.
25. Further development lead to these concepts which look at a
slide-locking stacking system with extending integrated ladder
for reaching higher units.
These units would be stacked via helicopter
deployment of use of individuals using side
grip holes, as they would be light weight
moulded plastic living systems.
26. F I N A L C O N C E P T
Final CAD concept shows the corrugated guide system that allows simple and affective stack-
ing of the unit.With a locking tab section to the rear of the unit, there would be no risk of the
system disconnecting or falling off.Together with the integrated rear standing post, the top
unit would be secure in position.The reason for the staggered stacking system is due to the
access required for individuals climbing above on to the unit to access the upper pod.The
moulded side grip holes would allow individuals to climb.
27. The system could be stacked into regions to form ready made
communities for people to move in to. Each life pod would carry
all the required supplies and resources within to help in
transportation costs for the NGO or business and aid the
occupant in one clean transaction.
The life pod would be constructed of simple plastics, that are efficient
and lightweight in form, but robust enough to withstand the elements
and daily wear and tear.The integrated slots are angled and chamfered
with channels to prevent rain water in entering, and can be covered up
with Lego type blocks that fit in to place ( which would be the negative
cut outs of the slots from the original mould).
It could then be transported to other landscapes and territories to
be re-used as an alternate temporary housing solution.
