Design / Consumer Electronics / Computing Furniture
SolidWorks, Keyshot
April 2024
Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and its design should mirror this connection. This design incorporates furniture-inspired materials, prioritizing warmth and timeless aesthetics over the industrial look often associated with computing. It acknowledges the increasing presence of technology, whether for virtual reality, media streaming, or other innovations that demand more space and interaction in our homes. By reimagining the PC as a piece of furniture, I aim to make technology a natural extension of our living spaces, rather than something to be hidden away.
Much of the initial ideation for this project was done by creating a series of ~1/30 scale models out of balsa foam. These models were instrumental in shaping the final design, allowing ideas to evolve naturally through experimentation and iteration.
After several foam iterations I then moved to creating larger models in 1/4 in. plywood, at ~1/10 scale. At this scale the construction of these models informed much of the final assembly process; the small bandsaw no different from the large one.
From one of the 1/10 scale plywood models, a full scale prototype was constructed from scrap wood. These models informed the ergonomics of the chair as well as visual proportion and structural integrity.
The first full scale model was then studied, critiqued and disassembled to form the second full scale model based upon that feedback. This one featuring seat foam.
The wood sourced for this project came from an architectural reclaim warehouse. Two ~16ft boards were found, then processed into pieces predicated on previous models. After consulting many experts the exact wood species remains unknown.
The final finish of the wood resulted from being planed, sanded up to 180 grit, then finished with beeswax orange oil blend and polished with a wax compound.
The finished product could be assembled with a mallet alone.