This project exploits a common dialect of form to typologically link six pieces of furniture into a range that has a cohesive look, giving beneficial advantages when marketing the pieces together. The pieces should also be marketable individually.
Having worked in various fields in art and design including furniture and architectural model making, I found that it was becoming increasingly difficult to progress my design ambitions without a degree in the subject. Middlesex University offered a comprehensive educational arena for exploration and learning in what is a diverse subject.
I have gained grounding in design methodologies, computer skills, graphics and, importantly for me, a knowledge of workshop practices of Middlesex’s extensive facilities. I will be working in the field of furniture when I finish, with the intention of doing further studies in furniture design.
Having a desire to work in furniture and lighting has led me to develop range of interrelated furniture and lighting products. To develop a theme within furniture is a complex undertaking, relaying on ability to manipulate form, structure, materials, with an understanding of manufacturing process. Being as economic and environmentally friendly as possible is a must.
A unique bracket from a low table would be exploited in all of my items, establishing a thematic link and marketing potential. The major constraint of this project was the parameters of the workshop machinery. I have limited the manufacturing techniques to those found at Middlesex’s PDE workshop without out-sourcing, to replicate a commercial furniture project, deigning for a given manufacturing base.
Having a desire to work in furniture and lighting has led me to develop range of interrelated furniture and lighting products. To develop a theme within furniture is a complex undertaking, relaying on ability to manipulate form, structure, materials, with an understanding of manufacturing process. Being as economic and environmentally friendly as possible is a must.
A unique bracket from a low table would be exploited in all of my items, establishing a thematic link and marketing potential. The major constraint of this project was the parameters of the workshop machinery. I have limited the manufacturing techniques to those found at Middlesex’s PDE workshop without out-sourcing, to replicate a commercial furniture project, deigning for a given manufacturing base.
The outcome of the analysis of my 26 different furniture and lighting initial ideas was a low table which seemed most suitable for development into a range of furniture. This low table utilized a unique bracketing system. The form of this system was explored as a common typology and was disseminated into the range of the furniture as the thematic link relating the pieces together.
The shape has the advantage of a cantilever structure, allowing support at one or two horizontal points without a vertical element. It allows attachment of different parts.
Simplicity of form, functionality and resourcefulness in use of material, relating to Scandinavian design principles is a guiding principle behind all of the furniture.
The form of the furniture is also derived by exploiting the 2D cutting machinery, the CNC router, water jet cutter and lazar cutter which are available at PDE department of Middlesex University.
The furniture is designed to minimise waste in the cutting plans, for both economic and ecological reasons.
Allen key bolts are thematically used though the majority of the products. The bolts allow for ease of construction and the possibility of the furniture being sold in flat packs for home assemblage.
Other than the Allen key bolts, PVA glue is used for the stool, ply low table and the magazine rack. PVA contains no solvents or ozone-depleting substances and is held to have a low ‘eco-toxicity’.
The majority of the furniture uses plywood which yields about 8 times more available wood than that found in solid lumber and is economical use of this resource. The plywood has been used in a structurally efficient way.
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