In development...

Before I began to construct my 1:1 model I quickly sketched up the preliminary net design as a reference.

Initial idea with only 1 lock in the centre

Developed idea with 2 locks for extra strength

I started with the locking system being at the middle of the seat but realised there was too much pressure on the lock and after prolonged use, it would wear the lock out. So something had to be changed. So I decided to have the seat join from the middle and fold down into the inside of the structure. I also added a base to lock all the sides together so it wouldn't move around. Finally I added two loose pieces inside the structure to provide extra support to the seat.

Underside view with locking system

Underside view with locking system, interior support and seat locking system.

Middle locking system

Final net design sitting within 1830 x 1220mm dimensions of final piece of zanita board

I still need to adjust a few measurements but am quite happy with the overall finish.

A whole new concept...

After playing around with concept #3 and not being able to find a structure to support the design; while disliking concept #1 and 2, I came up with a whole new concept after playing around and folding scrap bits of cardboard together.


I began with a 1:5 paper model then moved on to create it in a 1:5 cardboard model.


I then wanted to make a larger model but only had enough cardboard to make a 1:4 so I did that instead. I added a joining system in the middle and a locking system at the top which is meant to resemble a letter 'D' for 'Design:Made:Trade'.


From this model I realised I will need a few more locking points to keep the top of the seat down but apart from that, I'm quite happy with my design at the moment. It does need a little extra something though...

Concept #4

This concept came after drawing inspiration from the idea of using the whole piece of cardboard rather than cutting off the excess parts.

So taking the hexagon shape and making the sides the legs, I kept the spaces in between the legs rather than cut them out.


I began with paper to test out my idea and quite liked the shape and feel of it but accidentally made it an octagon instead!


I then made a cardboard version at a 1:5 scale but found it quite difficult to bend the funny angles between each of the legs. Also, because I had kept the excess material between the legs, I realised I was unable to pull all the legs as close to the centre as I would've liked because there was not enough space. This made me realise how difficult and complicated it would be to construct using xanita board so I decided against this idea.

Three Design Concepts

For concept 1, I began with the basic design of a chair with a backrest. It's simple and kind of boring.


Concept 2 started off more complicated in design but due to the constraints of the size of zanita board, it became significantly more simple.


For concept 3, I came up with the design first rather than structure so I became stuck on how to support the required 150kg; however, I do think that the design on the bottom left and top right had most potential so I'll continue with that design and see where it takes me.

Ideation (pt. 2)

While brainstorming ideas, I began to think in more detail in terms of the concept and whether it would fit on the final piece of zanita board.

Ideation

The beginning of a long process....

Design Brief

- to design a chair for State of Design's 'Design:Made:Trade'
- to be located in dining/cafeteria area
- must be comfortable for a sustained period of time
- must have quick assembly time
- possibly have a backrest
- possibly have a carry handle for portability