SARC 111 Project 1 Blog

Ergonomics Close research on ergonomics outlined some key elements I needed to incorporate into my design. As my structure was based upon a reclining chair that would move there had to be certain aspects such as the above or below 127 degrees in order for maximum comfort. An analysis of my own heights was a good way of incorporating functionality into my given design. In doing so, I outlined the various problems as seen in the image below of what I needed to change in order for it to be suitable for myself but also how it would be able to stand structurally so that it would be able to hold my weight. Using the triangular structure method I could assure that my structure would be able to hold my weight. Going back to my spatial verb "shear" there needed to be an element of stress on my object so I created a space diagonal to the back rest which leans on one another to create a strong support. Shown below is testing the various angles in order for me to cr...

Scaling up Refinement and Scaled up version of prototype 5 to outline key problems and give a better perspective This prototype brings into effect the shear amount of structure I will need to put into my design for it to hold up effectively. The side bits are very thin and not strong. You can see how weak the top of the slider is. Next time I will have to figure out where that will stop in order to make it really strong to be able to hold up a person. The amount of stress and force put onto that slider will force it to come off as shown in the next photo. Reinforcing on a horizontal was not such a good idea as it is very weak. The way to overcome this issue is to look back at my previous joinery such as the crossing one and figure out that it needs to be on a vertical line in order for it to be really strong and have structural integrity for not only me. The sliders with one are not strong, but as seen with various more holes, there is opportunity for mor...

Exploration of sliding elements Precedents With a bit of research I have found some examples of potential sliding elements I could use within my design. Following each one is a sketch of how it could be incorporated to my previous designs.  Pros: A clean, elegant way of sliding that can act as a joiner and also as a slider in various circumstances.  Cons: Connections may be weak and only cardboard is allowed. May not be able to grip cardboard so well if it is cardboard on cardboard.  Pros: Blocker acts as a nice barrier to stop the slider from moving too far thus creating a stronger force barrier.  Cons: Might prevent any more extension or the force put on the blocker may break the end off potentially.  Pros: Solid sliding mechanism which enables flat surfaces to collide which makes for a smooth movement.  Cons: Cardboard might not be big enough to do this. Limitations of thickness of cardboard and structural ...

Brief: To design a multipurpose seating structure which evokes the verb "shear". This structure will be a compact easy piece of furniture to store away as well as it being used as a relaxation chair and/or working chair to fit my needs. It should be able to morph or change its shape in some sort of way to change its functionality. I am going to design this structure so that it can hold my weight and beyond my weight so that it can meet the demands of not only me. It needs to fit the specifications of me as a baseline but fitting all regular humans and should be crafted with care. 

DRAWER Precedent for this prototype: I really like the modular feel to this precedent that I want to replicate into my design. The modular finish makes for a compact body that is capable of becoming multipurpose. To shear is to put stress on, so I want to change the perspective in which the chair is perceived giving it a whole different approach to how it can be used.  This prototype is earthquake plate inspired which creates ideas on stress and triangular placement to form an almost modular shape that can extend and retract. This drawer comes from the idea of a transforming boundary which movements and creates some sort of expansion. I believe playing around with one shape was not merely as effective as considering multiple pieces that can stick together in some way.  For this particular prototype I looked at shearing a cube which was my original kind of idea but there was a catch to it. There is so much waste to just keeping one of the "sheared" sid...

Earthquakes: After exploration of cutting away and taking off, I felt it was appropriate to explore something different and still has elements from the first prototypes that has the ability to enhance the spatial verb of "shear" onto real life applications and deeper thinking that could be incorporated into my designs.  Reflecting back on this diagram I found right at the start as reminded me of earthquake movement and how tectonic plates interact with each other under stress. This is appropriate to my verb as it extends not only on the distortion of a shape but the different parts to it which could be a potential investment to look into modular seating for my next developments. Further investigation into earthquakes shows three main types of plate movments.....diverging elements, converging elements and transforming elements. With the discovery that plates are under the earth its quite astounding that t...

Diagonal Plane Prototype In this prototype investigation I have been reminded of a technique in 3D modelling called slicing. This is where you are able to cut through on a plane through a three dimens ional structure to create a diagonal cut. This opens up to allow almost a hole to be created at the side. In the sketch provided I explore how you can slice on different planes to create interest new shapes. This image above shows how you can connect multiple pieces together to gain structural integrity using slotting. However there were a few problems when making this shape to create and fill that hole to the correct size and the slots needed to be the correct size in order to cater for other sides.

Folding prototype Precedent for this prototype:  I really wanted to take the multiple folds somewhere into my designed as it would create a stronger type of chair and would allow greater flexibility if something were to break.  The Japanese origami chairs also inspired me to think about structure and support a bit more to reflect my spatial verb shear. Now that I've sheared off the sides of a simple three dimensional space, I have to think about whats going to be inside and how its going to                                                                                                       support each other.  This follows on from my precidents where I look at folding as ...