essential

The studio explored the relationship of furniture which addressed the needs of our daily lives in the simplest of ways. Students examined the daily rituals in their lives and the role of furniture and objects play in them. Focusing on a set of activities they were asked to develop concepts for three pieces that had a complementary relationship to each other.

The developed designs were made as 1:10 scale models in materials that were close proximities to the ones intended for the final design. This exercise helped the students see the pieces in three dimensions, practice techniques for the shaping of materials and begin to identify the parts of the design that would require close attention to detail.

Choosing one of these pieces the students developed them into 1:1 scale finished piece. This required making mock-ups, testing manufacturing techniques and joining systems, the consultation with material suppliers, the development of specific skills with workshop equipment and the liaison with subcontractors and specialized craftspeople. Ultimately the investigation of materials, manufacturing processes and construction techniques informed the final refined design of a piece of furniture that was lean, elegant, stripped back and essential.