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design process 2stéphane angoulvant / spring 2009 process book

INTERLOCKING OBJECTS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 2

sources: google images; wikipedia.

K’NEX uses rods and connectors to form a wide variety of constructions. These pieces are joined by grooves and notches which fit snugly within each other.

Stickle Bricks are a construction toy intended for small children. The bricks are joined together by thin plastic rods which cover one or more surfaces of the brick.

LEGO consist of different shaped bricks which can interlock to create complex structures. The flexible plastic is what creates structural strength between the pieces.

JOVO is a construction toy consisting of various flat shapes such as triangles, squares and pentagons which snap together on a hinge allowing for the creation of three dimensional shapes.

Woodcraft puzzles are made from flat pieces of plywood which are assembled by connecting the matching grooves.


“Plug-together” shelving made from plywood and plastic connectors

Cardboard chair by Swedish furniture company Dux.

source: “nomadic furniture” by james hennessey & victor papanek

Template and result for an interlocking plywood stool

Simple corrugated cardboard support


sources: google images; flickr

Small table which can be packed flat. The parts assemble with interlocking grooves.

Eco-friendly packaging design for earphones made from cardboard. The package is fastened with a tab which inserts into the slit.

Clock created from flat parts which are assembled with slots and grooves.

Detail of a cross-shaped joint which is locked in place by the weight of the table.

BENCHMARKING: CHAIRS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 2

sources: google images; ikea; core77

Foam chair folded into shape from a single sheet of semi-rigid foam.

Wood plastic composite chair for IKEA. Packed flat for assembly.

Corrugated cardboard chair designed for toddlers. Assembled from flat parts with matching slots.

Chair built from a single panel of plywood and assembled with grooves and notches.

Flat-packed aluminium chair cut by laser and assembled with interlocking slots.


sources: google images; creadesign; core77

Chair and matching table designed for children by Hans Wegner. Assembled with slots and pegs.

“Zig Zag” chair designed in 1932 by Gerrit Rietveld, it uses four flat panels and two supporting elements.

Children’s chair designed for Muji. Soft rounded edges and a friendly shapes make it safe for children to use.

Chair by Hannu Kähonen for Creadesign which folds completely flat.

Eco-friendly chair made from curved pieces of bamboo. A fast-growing woody plant, bamboo is strong and renewable.


sources: google images; designboom, core77

Wood chair based on a simple interlocking slot system.

Flat-packed lounge chair designed by D. E. Sellers

Folding corrugated cardboard chair made from a single piece of material.

Cardboard chair made from a single template. Assembled with folding tabs.

Wood chair based on interlocking joints.


source: “modern chairs” by charlotte 7 peter fiell

“ Paimio chair” (1931) by Alvar Aalto made from bent plywood and solid birch. The prominent curves give a friendly look to an otherwise simple design.

“Ribbon chair” (1961) by Cesare Leonardi & Franca Stagi made from steel and moulded fiberglass. The sculptural form creates a dynamic and surprising elegance.

“Easy Edges Series” (1972) by Frank Gehry made from laminated corrugated cardboard. Made from a renewable and sturdy material which allows for a great variety of designs.

“Papp chair” (1967) by Peter Raacke made from cardboard. A precursor in the design of cardboard chairs. Uses folded tabs as fasteners.

“Powerplay chair” (1990) by Frank Gehry made from bent and woven laminated wood. Explores lightweight wooden strips as a solution for strong curvy designs.

OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

sitting on bench

at Art Center

working at

a desk

reading on the couch

Art Center

stool

smoking on

the steps

eating at the

cafeteria

MATERIAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

sources: inhabitat.com; kennethcobonpue.com

plybooA form of bamboo plywood, this material is manufactured by Smith & Fong. Because bamboo is strong and grows 30% faster than any tree it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Unfortunately, the material remains costly because it is in relatively small production.

Rick Lee’s “Four Seasons” furniture is a set of tables made using a CNC milling machine. The cutouts were used to create room dividers.

The “Cha table” by Redstr / Collective is an eco-friendly piece of furniture made from plyboo and assembled with a simple slot system.

“Tagei” by Akemi Tanaka is a piece of furniture that functions both as a table and bench with its sliding plyboo panels. This design shows how elegant plyboo can be.

rattanRattan is a type of palm growing primarily in Indonesia. Its stems are commonly used to build furniture in Southeast Asia. Like bamboo it is a fast-growing plant which can be harvested sustainably.

Designer Kenneth Cobonpue uses rattan extensively in his furniture to create beautiful organic forms. In some cases, the canes are fastened with nylon wire, or fit together in a metal or plastic frame.


sources: “transmaterial” by blaine brownell; mocoloco.com

“Living in a Box” is a concept piece by Trans|alpin demonstrating the possibilities of Wood.E.

wood.e Described by its creators as “electrified plywood” it is developed by the German-Italian design firm Trans|alpin. This composite material is made of two metallic layers sandwiched between sheets of wood delivering a ubiquitous 12V current.

Sound and light can be integrated seamlessly into the environment using the electric current.

This material creates new opportunities to combine furniture and lighting, joining what usually are isolated objects without cords.

luminate A combination of translucent plastic and wood strips manufactured by Ambro. This material uses 25% as much hardwood as conventional solid wood panels. It is a form of acrylic adhered to timber by a proprietary fusion process.

Luminate creates the possibility to meld both natural and artificial light with furniture and architecture.

This material can be used to create a host of clever solutions to lighting.


sources: wikipedia.org; inmodern.net; “transmaterial” by blaine brownell; kireiusa.com

fsc smartwoodThe Forest Stewartship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes responsible management of forests. It sets standards such as “SmartWood” that verify the logging practices to ensure the sustainability and health of forests worldwide. A wide variety of woods can therefore be used under this certification.

InModern has created a line of flat-packed furniture, assembled with simple interlocking panels. The products are made from environmentally friendly FSC-certified birch plywood.

kirei boardMade from recycled sorghum stalks this material can be used much like plywood and has a unique appearance. Kirei board contains no formaldehyde and is made from a renewable resource.

“Lorenzo Chair” by Zola Furnishings shows a potential use of Kirei board.

Kirei board has been used primarily as a finishing material since it was first manufactured in 2003. Its full potential may still be something to achieve.


source: “ the art of japanese joinery” by kiyosi seike

Dovetailed lap joint

Lapped goose-neck mortise and tenon joint with stub tenons

Inserted tenon joint

Rabbeted oblique scarf joint

Half-blind stub tenon

Draw pin joint

japanese joineryJapanese architecture has a tradition of woodworking joints which dates to over a thousand years ago. The structure of these buildings was simple but relied on strong joinery which is illustrated here. These techniques draw strength from their mechanics rather than glue or other fasteners.

DIRECTION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

sources: danish-furniture.com; wikipedia; s.angoulvant.net

Poul Kjærholm, “PK 0” chair, 1952, made of bent plywood. The dynamic curves give personality to a fairly simple design.

Arne Jacobsen, “Ant chair”, 1952, rosewood and steel pipe.

Alvar Aalto, “Louge Chair 43”, 1936, birch and linen.

Børge Mogensen, “Hunting Chair”, 1950, oak and leather. The use of materials gives a refines the feeling of raw nature.

Poul Kjærholm, “PK 25” chair, 1951, made of steel and flag halyard.

Poul Kjærholm, “PK 24” chair, 1965, made of steel and cane. This design fits within the principles of modernism with its minimalist and functional aesthetic. However, the subtle curves and use of natural materials adds a warm and friendly feeling.

Alvar Aalto, “Children’s Chair N65”, 1933, birch.

The Icelandic landscapes convey a calm but powerful image of nature found in Scandinavian design.

IDEATION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

fabric creates curve

interlocking pieces

hexagon chair

DIRECTION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4

sources: danish-furniture.com; s.angoulvant.net

Eero Saarinen, “Grasshopper chair”, 1946. Follows the simple curves and elegance of Scandinavian design.

Timo Saarnio, “Picco” chair for Martela.

Poul Kjærholm, “PK 9” chair, 1960, made of leather and steel.

The Scandinavian culture, as exemplified by these pictures of Iceland, is in tune with nature. This becomes apparent in the materials and shapes used by Scandinavian designers.

Scandinavian culture and design can be summarized as: simple for its minimal forms and calm aesthetic; natural for its non-obtrusive and traditionally ecological quality and friendly for its warm and inviting appearance.

Simple, natural & friendly

Traditional Icelandic roofing, in Glaumbaer keeps the house warm during the cold winter months.

IDEATION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4

kitchen stool

bar stools

office chair

semi-lounging chair → simple curve

rope chair

bent plywood chair → low to the ground

→ outdoor?

→ different orientations?

DIRECTION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

sources: wikipedia.org; smithsonian institution libraries

Jules Verne’s series of books “ Les Voyages Extraordinaires” pioneered the science-fiction genre and remain popular since their publishing (1863-1905). Part of their appeal were the illustrations which accompanied the text and still provide inspiration for the genre today.

The engravings depict unexplored worlds and mythical beasts which inspire a sense of discovery and wonder.

IDEATION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

rocket chair → 2-legged for children

→ fun, exploration

propeller stool

hot air balloon chair

squid/jellyfish stool

→ multiple orientations

→ different environments

DIRECTION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4

sources: wikipedia.org; smithsonian institution libraries

Adventurous & fantastic exploration Jules Verne’s books have inspired both the worlds of science and science-fiction. Widely enjoyed especially by young readers, the adventurous stories provoke excitement and wonder. The fantastic and mysterious worlds that Verne’s protagonists encounter stimulate creativity and inspires readers to embark on their own exploration.

Jules Verne’s tales are not only visionary but also approach the unexpected and mysterious.

IDEATION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4

cloud armchair → whimsical

hot air balloon lamp

porthole chairs

→ upside down mushroom

→ gills used as seating

→ A Journey to the Center

of the Earth

DIRECTION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

source: wikipedia.org

More than half of all known organisms are insects. Their wide diversity in shapes, adaptations and environments provides a great deal of inspiration for both the form and function of a chair. The junctions in their exoskeleton also evokes the assembly of a product.

IDEATION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 3

mantis chaise longue

mantis stool

dragonfly chaise longue → weighted

→ wings as armrests?

five-legged stool → different stable

positions

top view

butterfly → 2-person chair

hat-rest?



Arthropods include insects, spiders and scorpions, crustaceans and the extinct trilobites.

Strange, alive, mechanicalWith their variety of strange, unusual and almost alien shapes, arthropods provide inspiration for intriguing designs. Their carapace and joints make them seem almost mechanical yet they retain the distinct nature of a living creature, and therefore their shapes bring to life any design.

The shapes of arthropods can range from familiar and friendly to alien and scary. Yet they retain a certain uniformity by virtue of the very unique exoskeleton structure.


caterpillar bench → public seating, privacy, e.g. airports

scorpion chair → integrates reading lamp

ladybug chair → 2-person chair converts into table

ant picnic bench → seating and eating

crab chair → decorative piece

CHAIR MOCK-UPS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4

CHAIR MOCK-UPS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4


sources: wikipedia.org

Arthropods have interesting and inspiring shapes but the patterns they display can be equally intriguing. Their colors may be used to warn predators or to mimic such a warning; they may also be a way to blend in with their environment or disguise themselves as another animal. All these ideas could be explored in furniture designs.


ladybug chair → longer wings/back?

using antennae as supports

for back rest

lamp attachment

caterpillar bench → bookshelf addon for home

butterfly → folding chair/bench/table

→ Rhinoceros beetle

→ coat hanger?

sections for caterpillar bench


leaf insect → chair and ottoman

stick insect → park/playground

→ seating, climbing, playing

ant park bench / outdoor furniture → different seating arrangements

→ padding could be used on the ground for seating

using antennae/mandibles as

functional elements: coat hanger or

arm rests.

1/2 SCALE MOCK-UPS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 5

Ladybug-inspired chair proof of concept. Made from laminated layers of corrugated cardboard. This chair is intended for two persons but can also be closed partially or fully to create table space. The “antennae” serve as a locking mechanism for the back rests.

This bench was inspired by a caterpillar and could be used in a public setting or as a piece of home furniture. It provides an environment that may be used as seating or shelving and can also create privacy between users.

This ant-inspired design is a humorous take on picnic benches. The shape is designed to be used both as seating and as an eating area and could be implemented in parks.

BEVERLY BLVD. FURNITURE STORES stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 4

Different living spaces created through seating.

Many plastic rods are used to create a rigid back for this chair.

Horizontal stacks of cardboard create a familiar profile for this recyclable armchair.

Soft angular shapes create a warm and welcoming feeling which is accentuated by the choice of color. This is appropriate in multiple environments.

The use of rope creates a structure which uses less material and allows for a natural springiness.

GREGG FLEISHMAN’S STUDIO stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 5

Located in Culver City, Gregg Fleishman’s studio exhibits some of his many creations, developed over a 35-year career. His interlocking designs often add an element of comfort through curved, spring-like forms which bend to fit the user.

Fleishman has refined the design of his spring-shaped patterns to create the most comfortable arrangement.

Fleishman’s designs are based on simple joints which do not require any glue. Most of the chairs are assembled from either two or three parts.

DIRECTION: ANT BENCH stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 6


The rear legs of an ant are longer than those in the front. Multiple parts of the insect anatomy can provide inspiration. The antennae or mandibles can be starting points for functional features in the bench (book ends, cup holder, etc.).

The interaction between ants and their environment can also be a source of inspiration for the “+” item.

Ant colonies form interesting patterns which may be a direction to explore for the use of this object (e.g. public seating arrangements).

Different postures may be a possibility to explore.

ANT BENCH: IDEATION stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 6

legs in parallel position

assembling interlocking parts

different feet and

leg designs


legs in x-shape

more stable

reading story

→ different seating position

mandibles become

cup holder

antennae bookends?

longer rear legs?

1/2 SCALE MOCK-UPS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 6

The ant concept was chosen as a final direction. Improvements were made to the overall form in this second half-scale mock-up made of laminated cardboard. The shape takes on a more literal character and volume is created particularly in the “ thorax” .

This bench was inspired by a caterpillar and could be used in a public setting or as a piece of home furniture. It provides an environment that may be used as seating or shelving and can also create privacy between users.

Improvements were made to the leg structure. Using a cross shape creates more stability while adding to the organic nature of the object.


crayon/pen holder works

with mandibles

smaller insect stool?

aphid?

twig/leaf as a coat hanger?

cushion becomes

seating


dry erase/chalkboard surface

on abdomen

toy box slides out from

under the abdomen

small caterpillar

lamp

FULL-SCALE MOCK-UP stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 7

This first full-scale mock-up is almost directly adapted from the half-scale version. Antennae were added to the head as a functional element which can act as bookends. The legs were also modified to become longer in the rear.

The cantilevered thorax was found to be too unstable when brought into full scale.


Modifications were made in this second full-scale cardboard mock-up. The most important change was the addition of two rear legs which create additional stability for the thorax. The entire shape was also reduced in size by approximately 20% making it more fit for home usage and reducing the necessary amount of material.

The antennae act as bookends while the mandibles can function as a cup-holder.


This first wood mock-up was made from maple plywood and cut on the CNC router. Minor modifications were made to the rear legs, making them longer and more stable.

The parts were found to interlock tightly and the structure was stable enough to seat two adults.

ANT BENCH SCENARIOS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 9

This ant-inspired bench was designed to function both as an indoor and outdoor furniture piece. Its playful design encourages all members of the family to interact.

The flexibility of this design suggests a great variety of activities and usages such as reading, working, eating and playing.

The engaging aesthetic of this bench makes it an interesting sculptural object when it isn’t in use.

ANT BENCH SCENARIOS stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 9

ANT BENCH: LAYOUT stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 9

EXPLODED VIEW stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 11

assembly

1. Slot the leg parts b1 and b2 together.2. Slide the rear leg parts c1 into the main body b.3. Fasten b to the legs b1 and b2.4. Slide in the antennae a1 into b.5. Slot parts c2 and c3 into the rear legs c1.6. Fasten c to the rear tabs on c1, c2 and c3.7. Slide a through the antennae a1.8. Slot the leg parts d1 and d2 together.9. Fasten d to the legs d1 and d2.

FINAL MODEL stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 14

This first wood mock-up was made from maple plywood and cut on the CNC router. Minor modifications were made to the rear legs, making them longer and more stable.

The parts were found to interlock tightly and the structure was stable enough to seat two adults.

FINAL MODEL stéphane angoulvantspring 2009 — week 14

xry

Documents

12 scale mock

interlock

scale mock

rear legs

wood mock

chair mock

cnc router

public setting