Backrest Model

I decided to create a model from solidworks as I was having difficulty in creating the angular shape and cutting line. As the back part of the chair is tilting backwards, it needs to be standing steadily on the ground and therefore, requires cutting to a specific angle as accurate as possible. Moreover, the design also consists of a few foldings and therefore, sheet metal modeling in solidworks is very useful to replicate the shape and outcome.

TOP VIEW

BACK VIEW

Technical Drawing on main parts

Refinement and development in details

1:1 scale mock up

Creating the 1:1 model was a hustle, but was worth the try as many errors and potential problems were spotted. Firstly, design has to be scaled down due to limitation of materials.
Moreover, locking system was not as strong, therefore needs to be altered and improved. Next is the bending of backrest that were intended to provide comfort, needs to be modified due to the potential difficulty in creating one using 10mm Xanita board. Finally, the whole design needs to be more crisp, neat and clean.

Just a passer-by

Found this image in one of the blog for Salone Satellite. I feel that this image is intriguing, showcasing many chairs, giving inspiration and ideas into the thoughts. In one look, we can learn the scale and size of the design.

Chosen Concept

The chosen concept is CONCEPT 3.
The reason is because this concept has the most potential in terms of design and also more open to refinement and development. In here, I've started on considering better forms and posture of sitting down. Locking systems too are being considered.

Initial Concepts

Finalised social acitivity

I decided to change my social activity due to the potential problems on designing a furniture for the screening and lecture area (my initial activity).
Firstly, to design a lecture chair, a small desk need to be integrated to the design and it would cost more materials and therefore money. Furthermore, due to the constraint and limitation on the given material for this project, it will be a problem.
Secondly, using more material for the design makes the design not sustainable and more difficult to be transported and assembled.
Thus, my chosen social activity is going to be happening in the lounge and coffee place. I imagine the place to be for the audience to relax, have some coffee and mingle around fellow visitors while having conversations among themselves.

Sketch work - ideation

Brainstorming

Brainstorming ideas regarding the event and about the design would be a good idea at the start as we will have a rough idea on how things going to be. Choosing a social activity for the event is also an important aspect in the initial stage as the chair design will be fitted together with the activity

Event Research - SaloneSatellite Milano

To start with, I did research on the event looking at its audience, target market, and also the space inside the exhibition. As a result, the audience ranges from young to old. Moreover, in this event lighting aspect is being maximised and very well utilised as the displays seems to be exhibited clearly. Furthermore, every images show similarities in a way that they have space for audience to take a moment of and rest. Therefore, designing resting chairs for the event would be a decent idea as visitors can sit on them while enjoying the displays.


Moving on to the displays of the chairs, there are a lot of varieties on shapes and pattern. Some of them are meant to be mass produced while some are just being used for display. However, from here, I can acquire the initial and rough ideas on sizes and basic shapes for the furniture design which will be used for this event.


Next we will look at the possibilities on how the furniture design will be integrated into the event. Will it be for screening and lecture area, resting place, lounge, coffee and eating place or kids section?? As we all know, the venue for the chair, will decide and affect the final outcome of the design.