INDN 342: New Sketch Models

The sketch modelling process is an important aspect of my design process, however I'd still argue that I'm very good at making decent sketch models. However, I think that the ideas and concepts are conveyed quite nicely through the models that I do make. And really that's where the importance is for me personally. Ultimately in this project I want to make something that I'm going to enjoy having and enjoy looking at. Those are factors that might not be directly inherent right now visually, but just might come through in the perceived function.

This stool type explores a very simple principle and could be expressed quite nicely through a form that was highly expressive of the materials it was made from. The materials themselves could kind of inform how the process might work. This particular concept could be made of plywood or laminates, and the bend could be controlled by just laminating or steam bending the section.

Each piece on it's own has a small lower section where users could put down their coffee, perhaps their book, or a multitude of other small- to medium-sized items. The form of the design also informs how it's put together, as well as allowing for potential play with how the two identical stools interact with each other. This form is basic, but the design could be expressed in a very linear, geometric way, as well as a more curvy form.

This design definitely tracks down the more geometric path, as it looks at a equal-sided rhombus for the main form. I actually really like the shape that this design creates, and the way it makes sense in terms of construction. It feels like a simple folded steel construct, and that is then emulated in the way that the bottom section of the stool sticks out to provide both a "locking" point as well as a place to place and keep small items.
 

After playing around with the basic sketch models, I realised that a really nice way of joining these stools up together was to arrange them in a hexagon, joining the three different stools up rotationally. This was because of the 30 degree rhombus that I chose as my form. It allows for perfect matching up with the next stool. The rationale behind three stools comes from the way they can be arranged. When arranged as three, they make a really cool shape for a coffee table.

The forms slot together really nicely, as well as complementing the shapes of the other. Construction and manufacture of these should be fairly easy, as the design is the same for each chair. The way that each chair is expressed is where the interesting thing lies, allowing the chair to be harmonious with the rest of it's design, and allowing for lots of interesting configurations.