2021 • CAD, rapid prototyping, machine tools, fabrication
Solo Project
infinite grid
Furniture that connects.
Stools that connect to each other, and in doing so, connect people.
As a singular stool, it functions as any other stool would. But when there are two or more, the stools become capable of something greater: they help people communicate. The stool's unique ability to connect to other stools in various configurations, which then dictates how sitters are positioned in relation to each other, allows users to convey intents and desires without uttering a single word.
Overlapping points
The joining of stools is made possible by the gridded form and the stacked layers of the stool’s seat. At the connection points indicated in the above picture, the protruding parts of the stools overlap and interlock.
Stool language
An important characteristic of these stools is that they can only be sat on from certain directions, meaning that the orientation of the stool limits which way the sitter faces. Thus, when there is more than one stool present, one must be intentional about the way they arrange the stools. Take the arrangements pictured above for example - if two stools are connected at a 90 degree angle, that forces the sitters to face outward away from each other. Or, if they're connected side-by-side, the sitters must choose between also sitting side-by-side or almost back-to-back, facing opposite directions. In this way, one's deliberate positioning of the stools can send subtle yet unavoidable messages.
The grid
The incorporation of the grid was practical. I was inspired by the gridded note pad that I was using to measure and align my pieces as I was prototyping earlier forms with balsa wood. The final form was the result of maximizing functionality and stability while simplifying construction. For the actual stool, I scaled up the grid such that each unit = 1.5 inches, and its integral role in the fabrication process is demonstrated in the video.
