Lounging
in style.
2023
Furniture Design Studio Class
Taught by Coco Ree Lemery, the class introduces students to the principles and practices of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture. The course covers historical and contemporary styles, influential designers, and major design movements. Students learn about form, function, ergonomics, and sustainable practices while exploring various materials and construction techniques.
Learnings
Project Management
Design for Manufacturability
Market and User-Centered Design
Collaboration and Teamwork
Design Brief
To learn how to use the CNC machine to build a chair solely from a sheet of 1" maple plywood. Must only utilize interlocking or wooden joints. The final chair will be tested on weight-bearing capabilities, useability, and ergonomics.
Ideal Environment
Mid-century modern design is renowned for its sleek, minimalist aesthetics that blend form and function seamlessly. Characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality, this style often incorporates materials like teak, walnut, and leather. Common elements include tapered legs, geometric patterns, and bold, yet harmonious color palettes.
Inspiration
The chair I designed blends mid-century modern aesthetics with the elegance of the Caldas chair. Inspired by sleek lines and geometric forms, it features a minimalist silhouette and rich wood finish, creating a warm and inviting look. As a lounge and reading chair, its armrest angles and dimensions enhance comfort and support. This piece not only serves as a functional seating solution but also tells a story of design heritage and modern refinement.
The Alexander Caldas Chair
Ideation
My sketching ideation process was crucial in solidifying my chair design through small-scale physical prototyping. These prototypes allowed me to visualize the design in three-dimensional space and assess its practicality.
By translating sketches into tangible models, I could refine the form, adjust dimensions, and ensure the chair's functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Design Process
I used a CNC machine to cut out all the chair pieces after laying out the design flat. The CNC provided precise cuts quickly, saving time in assembly.
To hide the edges, and create the look of a solid wood body chair, I used wood veneer to hide the plywood layers.
Final renders coming soon…