chair
a cafe style desk chair for creative workspaces - 2018
section 001 collection
Section 001 was a collaborative studio tasked with designing the creative studio spaces of the near future. The goal was to transform the current graphic studios at DAAP into an inspiring and productive destination. We used our own research, case studies, and industry benchmarking to design and fabricate a collection of furniture, objects, and spatial layouts which was showcased at ICFF.
Stools
Space Dividers
Task Chairs
Lounge Seating
Coffee Tables
my role
As section 001 was a collaborative studio, we all picked up different roles during each phase of the project. I was most instrumental in the design phase, where I designed and fabricated seven chairs. I also helped research and analyze how the Communication Design students were using their current studio space and what resources would be helpful to them in the near future. Once we moved out of the research phase, I worked with architecture students to devise spatial layouts of the new studio space.
User research
Analyzed individual work, collaborative work, presentations and lectures in the Communication Design studio space. Conducted a focus group with Communication Design students to research how they use the space now and what might be helpful to them in the near future.
Floor plan concepts
Once we moved out of the research phase, I worked with architecture students to devise spatial layouts for the new studio space.
Chair design
Working within a team dedicated to designing seating, I was responsible for designing the studio’s desk chairs. I did all of the sketching, concepting, CAD, and fabrication.
creative strategy
Inspiring
Use colors, materials, and finishes that promote creativity
Productive
Use chair angles and dimensions conducive to focus work
Mobile
Easy to pick up and move when working collaboratively
Stackable
Chairs nest for simple storage and transportation
Manufacturable
Use materials and processes standard in the furniture industry
sketches
process
Rough shaping
Using jigs made specifically for this project, the seat was shaped into a curved pan
Hand shaping
With a spokeshave and sand paper, the seat pan was given a final form with chamfered edges
Hardware attachments
Using a drill press, holes were bored for threaded inserts that would interface with the steel frame
Finishing
A combination of polyurethane lacquers was applied to create a protective coating on the seat pan
Photography
We constructed a photography set outside of DAAP and used natural light and props to shoot our furniture line
arm gesture
Throughout the design phase, I became fascinated with the concept of a floating chair back. A single bent tube connects the bottom of the seat pan, arm rests, and back. The tube is CNC bent to make up the complex shape. The gesture shown in the concepting phase, starting with thumbnail sketches, was carried through to the final design.
stackable
The chairs are able to nest and stack so they are easy to store and transport. This is significant because the space that they are designed for is often cleared of all furniture for design shows. The ability to quickly move the chairs is key here.
Photography by David Miller and John Dixon, steelwork by Versteel. To see more work by section 001 visit: https://www.section001.com/ or find us on Instagram @section.001