Prototype Production (Evaluation)

So this is the final design of my prototype chair.

Not all of it went to plan, but I am somewhat happy how it turned out.
Having to replace the backrest with plywood really did change the overall look of the final design, and did consume some valuable time.

However, the backrest feature works really well, and is easy to use and disassemble. The plywood does add some added weight to the chair.

 Overall the chair is quite structurally strong, and you can lean back and put heaps of weight onto the backrest and it will hold.

The chair can disassemble in different variations, and is quick to reassemble.

It takes approx 3-5 seconds max to assemble/ disassemble the chair.

This way to disassemble, I think, is the best way, and saves more space.

Prototype Production

Using a spray can, i sprayed the chair matt black.

I think this makes the plywood stand out less from the steel.

Prototype Production (Seat)

To match the new back rest, I decided to ditch the suspended seat design, and use the rest of the Plywood to make the seat.

Here is the backrest and seat together.

Prototype Production

I was forced to resort to plan B, as welding the backrest together didn't prove successful.

Because the Tubular aluminium steel was too thin, welding it together put holes into the tubing.

With insufficient time to re do the whole process again using different steel, I decided to go and use a different material for the back rest.

I went to Bunnings and got a meter long sheet of plywood to use as the main back rest.

I basically used the same outline and shape of the original backrest.

After cutting out the outline i used the left over aluminium tubing to use as the supports to hold up the back rest.

Prototype Production

I have started production on my prototype.

Here are the materials I am working with - Tubular steel x4, Steel rods x4, steel bar x8, Aluminium Tubing x2

I was quite lucky in purchasing my materials from a steel fabricators near my house and they offered my some good prices for the steel and also in cutting it.
I purchased the aluminium tubing (for the back rest) from Bunnings.

This is the overall measurements of my chair.

 With some assistance, I welded the steel bars together and then welded the steel tube to form the frame of the chair

 I then welded the steel rods to form the support

Then I cut the steel rods and welded them to create the sleeves for the back rest to slide onto

Further Concept Refinement

After Further concept refinement this is my final design.

Changes to the backrest, as in changing it from a sheet-metal back rest into a bent tubular steel frame, with perhaps maybe a leather strap of some sort to use as the support.

changed the seat into a suspended seat. and changed the design of the braces on the side of the chair.

Concept Refinement + Mock up

 

This concept had a sheet metal backrest that could be removed by inserting it into the slots of the tubular steel back legs.

the back rest would of been bent and folded into shape.

 Mock up of the concept

3 Concepts

Chair excercise

In groups of two, the task was to construct a chair using only materials supplied, which was cardboard and a meter of tape

We constructed a stool and it help up when it was sat on! so we did well

Research Part B - Cafe Chairs

Research Part A

Research Part A

Zentrum Paul Klee, Renzo Piano

(Sources: http://www.vapdesign.nl/page_1177876203265.html

http://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Paul_Klee_Zentrum

http://www.constructalia.com/en_EN/case-studies/paul-klee-center/583542/page.jsp)

The Zentrum Paul Klee museum was built in 2005, by Italian architect, Renzo piano. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of artist Paul Klee (1879 - 1940). The Zentrum Paul Klee is located in Bern, Swizterland.

With the Alps serving as the backdrop, the Zentrum Paul Klee blends into its natural surroundings. This is what makes its aesthetic qualities so significant. The simplistic curved and flowing design makes it look like an artificial hill that sits around the natural landscape.

The design uses minimal but strong materials. The structure is formed by 4.2kms of parallel steel arches. Because of the wave-like geometry the steel arches were manually welded together. Steel was used because it was the only material found that could respond adequately to the need and variations of plate thicknesses and different stresses to heat. Ties rods are used to ensure the stability of the steel arches. Glass is used for the glazed facades. Wood was used as a mould for the structuring of the arched roof, while oak is used in the flooring.

Renzo Piano designed the building with the intention of sustainability. Environmental impact studies were conducted on each material used in construction. The materials used ensure that the building has excellent insulation.  The double glazing on the glass panels guarantees the lowest energy loss in winter and air conditioning in summer.

TGV Station, Santiago Calatrava

(Sources:http://thedenverelement.com/tag/santiago-calatrava/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Lyon_Saint-Exup%C3%A9ry)

The TGV Station was built in 1994, by Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. The railway station hall is built adjacent from Lyon airport. The TGV station is a connection point for both TGV and airplanes into the regional road and rail system.

Although sitting structurally still, the building is expressive of movement and flight. There is an aero-dynamic feel to the building, which is representative of a bird. Calatrava’s design plan was to link the urban area and the less residential landscape with this building.

The focal point of the structure is it two converging steel arches. The building is a steel covered cement structure. The glass panels on the roof allow for transparency and natural light to enter the building

TWA Terminal building, Eero Saarinen

(Sources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TWA_Flight_Center

http://www.helos.fi/saarinen/)

The TWA Terminal Building was built in 1962, by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen. It is located in JFK International Airport in New York.

The building was designed with the intention of giving the feeling of movement and transition. Eero Saarinen aimed at ‘creating dynamic space, a dramatic environment with associations to the excitement of travel’. There is an aero-dynamic feel to this design, with flowing movement that suits its setting as an airport terminal.

The structure is made of concrete and steel. Based within the concrete construction of the walls and arches, is reinforced steel.

The TWA Building ‘consists of four interacting vaulted domes supported on four Y-shaped columns. Together, the domes form a vast, umbrella-like shell curving over the passenger areas, fifty feet high and 315 feet long.’

Poul Kjaerholm

Poul Kjaerholm was born in Oster Vra, Denmark. (1929-1980). He was a trained carpenter, and studied at the School of Arts & Crafts in Copenhagen. Poul Kjaerholm is best known for his furniture designs, such as the PK0 chair, PK24 chaise lounge, Hammock Chair, PK9 chair and PK61 table.

Poul Kjaerholm is considered one of the best furniture designers involved with Danish Modernism. He was one of the most prominent post-war Scandinavian designers. His furniture designs are the ultimate in uncompromising modern furniture. He had a particular interest in construction materials such as metal and steel, with these elements heavily referred to in his furniture pieces. He also used other natural materials such as wood and cane. Poul Kjaerholm favoured these materials because of their natural qualities and also for their surface finish. He heavily used steel in his furniture peices because of the elegance and class it added. The use of wood and steel seemed to complement each other in a way.

(image references - http://davidreport.com/200703/pk1-chair-by-poul-kjaerholm/
                              http://www.express-furniture.co.uk/item--Poul+Kjaerholm+Inspired+PK24+Hammock+Chaise+Longue--EFW-L022.html)

The Hammock Chaise 24 1965

The Hammock chaise is made from woven cane, stainless steel and leather. The cane mattress rests on a stainless steel support frame, giving the look and feeling of being suspended or floating in space. The benefits of using steel, is that it is strong and lightweight, and its surface finish adds elegance to the design.

Sketches

NGV Visit