Imposed Project 5: A comfortable Chair

In group of 3, students are required to produce a structural model of a wooden L-shape seating object that combines a table and chair(s) (students are free to design and decide the form of each chair/sofa/table/desk). 

The purpose of this assignment is 

§To improve students’ ability in applying suitable elements and principles of design in producing a functional structure.

To expose the students to the challenges of designing a small structure that is a result of a connection or combination of two or more objects.

To improve students’ skills in developing and communicating the ideas through conceptual scale model making.

To enhance students’ ability in designing a creative form of object and space with the understanding of human physiology, ergonomic and comfort factors based on basic technical knowledge

The Mod Kinabalu Bench is designed based on traditional Malay design, modern curves and ecodesign concepts. We wanted to integrate the landscape design into our bench design. The landscape design consist of a tropical water fountain surrounded by clean-cut, carved stone wall embossed with a tropical floral print stone. We used the sleek, modern tropical feel and elements from the landscape as the basis for our bench design. 

Design and form 

The backrest has a  gradual upward slop with Malay traditional square design, decorated with vines on tie/rod wires that reflects the green Kinabalu mountain. To give it a modern and sleek look, we created a free-form, curved seat that resemble the curves of a mountain. We incorporated concrete armrest and a concrete side table to tie with the concrete/stone landscape. The concrete is a good contrast in terms of form, color and material against the wooden bench and wood color. Since the side table concrete may be too heavy for the bench we decided have it from the ground up. The higher height of the side table will give the bench an elevated look in the middle.

Material

We incorporated mainly local renewable material such as teak and concrete and local plant. 

We chose teak timber, with dark stain finish for the seat and back rest. Tie/rod is used to support the vines. The side table and arm rest is made out of concrete. 

Structure

The bench dimension is 2.5m x 2m x1.2m. It is based on a rectangular structure frame of a bench. Trusses are used to sustain the curved seat.