2. INTERLOCKING OBJECTS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
K’NEX uses rods and connectors to form a
wide variety of constructions. These pieces
are joined by grooves and notches which fit
snugly within each other.
LEGO consist of different shaped Woodcraft puzzles are made from
bricks which can interlock to flat pieces of plywood which are
create complex structures. The assembled by connecting the
flexible plastic is what creates matching grooves.
structural strength between the
pieces.
JOVO is a construction toy
consisting of various flat shapes
such as triangles, squares and
Stickle Bricks are a construction toy
pentagons which snap together on
intended for small children. The bricks are
a hinge allowing for the creation of
joined together by thin plastic rods which
three dimensional shapes.
cover one or more surfaces of the brick.
sources: google images; wikipedia.
3. INTERLOCKING OBJECTS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
Cardboard chair by
Swedish furniture
company Dux.
Simple corrugated
cardboard support
Template and result for an
interlocking plywood stool
“Plug-together” shelving made
from plywood and plastic
connectors
source: “nomadic furniture” by james hennessey & victor papanek
4. INTERLOCKING OBJECTS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
Eco-friendly packaging design for
earphones made from cardboard.
The package is fastened with a tab Small table which can be packed
which inserts into the slit. flat. The parts assemble with
interlocking grooves.
Clock created from flat parts which
are assembled with slots and
grooves.
Detail of a cross-shaped joint which is
locked in place by the weight of the table.
sources: google images; flickr
5. BENCHMARKING: CHAIRS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
Flat-packed aluminium chair
cut by laser and assembled
with interlocking slots.
Foam chair folded into shape from a single
sheet of semi-rigid foam.
Corrugated cardboard chair designed
for toddlers. Assembled from flat
parts with matching slots.
Wood plastic composite chair for IKEA.
Packed flat for assembly.
Chair built from a single panel of
plywood and assembled with grooves
and notches.
sources: google images; ikea; core77
6. BENCHMARKING: CHAIRS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
Children’s chair designed for Muji. Soft
rounded edges and a friendly shapes make
it safe for children to use.
Eco-friendly chair made from curved pieces
of bamboo. A fast-growing woody plant,
bamboo is strong and renewable.
Chair by Hannu Kähonen
Chair and matching table designed for for Creadesign which folds
children by Hans Wegner. Assembled with completely flat.
slots and pegs.
“Zig Zag” chair designed in 1932 by Gerrit
Rietveld, it uses four flat panels and two
supporting elements.
sources: google images; creadesign; core77
7. BENCHMARKING: CHAIRS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
Wood chair based on a
simple interlocking slot
system.
Wood chair based on
interlocking joints.
Flat-packed lounge chair
designed by D. E. Sellers
Cardboard chair made from a
single template. Assembled
with folding tabs.
Folding corrugated
cardboard chair made from
a single piece of material.
sources: google images; designboom, core77
8. BENCHMARKING: CHAIRS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 2
“Ribbon chair” (1961) by Cesare Leonardi & Franca Stagi
made from steel and moulded fiberglass. The sculptural
form creates a dynamic and surprising elegance.
“Easy Edges Series” (1972) by Frank
Gehry made from laminated corrugated
cardboard. Made from a renewable and
sturdy material which allows for a great
variety of designs.
“Powerplay chair” (1990)
by Frank Gehry made
from bent and woven
laminated wood. Explores
lightweight wooden strips
as a solution for strong
curvy designs.
“Papp chair” (1967) by
Peter Raacke made from
cardboard. A precursor in
the design of cardboard
“ Paimio chair” (1931) by Alvar Aalto made from bent chairs. Uses folded tabs
plywood and solid birch. The prominent curves give a as fasteners.
friendly look to an otherwise simple design.
source: “modern chairs” by charlotte 7 peter fiell
9. OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
sitting on bench
at Art Center
working at
a desk
eating at the
cafeteria
reading on the couch
smoking on
the steps
Art Center
stool
10. MATERIAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
plyboo rattan
A form of bamboo plywood, this Rattan is a type of palm growing
material is manufactured by Smith & primarily in Indonesia. Its stems are
Fong. Because bamboo is strong and commonly used to build furniture in
grows 30% faster than any tree it is Southeast Asia. Like bamboo it is a fast-
a sustainable and environmentally growing plant which can be harvested
friendly solution. Unfortunately, the sustainably.
material remains costly because it is in
relatively small production. Designer Kenneth Cobonpue uses rattan
extensively in his furniture to create
beautiful organic forms. In some cases,
the canes are fastened with nylon wire,
Rick Lee’s “Four Seasons” furniture is a set of tables
or fit together in a metal or plastic
made using a CNC milling machine. The cutouts were
frame.
used to create room dividers.
The “Cha table” by Redstr / Collective is an eco-
friendly piece of furniture made from plyboo and
assembled with a simple slot system.
“Tagei” by Akemi Tanaka is a piece of furniture
that functions both as a table and bench with
its sliding plyboo panels. This design shows
how elegant plyboo can be.
sources: inhabitat.com; kennethcobonpue.com
11. MATERIAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
wood.e
Described by its creators as
“electrified plywood” it is
developed by the German-
Italian design firm Trans|alpin.
This material can be used
This composite material is
to create a host of clever
made of two metallic layers solutions to lighting.
sandwiched between sheets of
wood delivering a ubiquitous 12V
current.
“Living in a Box” is a concept piece
by Trans|alpin demonstrating the
possibilities of Wood.E.
Luminate creates the possibility to
meld both natural and artificial light
This material creates new with furniture and architecture.
opportunities to combine
furniture and lighting, joining
what usually are isolated
objects without cords.
luminate
Sound and light can be integrated A combination of translucent plastic and wood
seamlessly into the environment strips manufactured by Ambro. This material uses
using the electric current. 25% as much hardwood as conventional solid
wood panels. It is a form of acrylic adhered to
timber by a proprietary fusion process.
sources: “transmaterial” by blaine brownell; mocoloco.com
12. MATERIAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
fsc smartwood kirei board
The Forest Stewartship Council Made from recycled sorghum
(FSC) is an international stalks this material can be used
organization that promotes much like plywood and has a
responsible management of unique appearance. Kirei board
forests. It sets standards such contains no formaldehyde and is
as “SmartWood” that verify the made from a renewable resource.
logging practices to ensure the
sustainability and health of Kirei board
forests worldwide. A wide variety has been used
of woods can therefore be used primarily as a
finishing material
under this certification.
since it was first
manufactured
in 2003. Its full
potential may still
be something to
achieve.
InModern has created a line of flat-packed furniture,
assembled with simple interlocking panels. The
“Lorenzo Chair” by Zola Furnishings shows a
products are made from environmentally friendly
potential use of Kirei board.
FSC-certified birch plywood.
sources: wikipedia.org; inmodern.net; “transmaterial” by blaine brownell; kireiusa.com
13. MATERIAL RESEARCH stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
Dovetailed lap joint Rabbeted oblique scarf joint Draw pin joint
Lapped goose-neck mortise and tenon joint with stub tenons
Half-blind stub tenon
japanese joinery
Inserted tenon joint Japanese architecture has a tradition of
woodworking joints which dates to over
a thousand years ago. The structure of
these buildings was simple but relied on
strong joinery which is illustrated here.
These techniques draw strength from
their mechanics rather than glue or other
fasteners.
source: “ the art of japanese joinery” by kiyosi seike
14. DIRECTION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
Poul Kjærholm, “PK 24” chair, Alvar Aalto,
1965, made of steel and cane. This “Children’s Chair
design fits within the principles of N65”, 1933, birch.
modernism with its minimalist and
functional aesthetic. However, the
subtle curves and use of natural
materials adds a warm and friendly
feeling.
Poul Kjærholm, “PK 25” chair, 1951,
Poul Kjærholm, “PK 0” chair, made of steel and flag halyard.
1952, made of bent plywood. The
dynamic curves give personality Alvar Aalto, “Louge Chair 43”,
to a fairly simple design. 1936, birch and linen.
Børge Mogensen, “Hunting Chair”,
1950, oak and leather. The use
Arne Jacobsen, “Ant chair”,
of materials gives a refines the
1952, rosewood and steel
feeling of raw nature.
pipe.
The Icelandic landscapes convey a calm but powerful image
of nature found in Scandinavian design.
sources: danish-furniture.com; wikipedia; s.angoulvant.net
16. DIRECTION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
Timo Saarnio, “Picco” chair
for Martela.
The Scandinavian culture, as
exemplified by these pictures of
Iceland, is in tune with nature.
This becomes apparent in the
materials and shapes used by
Scandinavian designers.
Traditional Icelandic roofing,
in Glaumbaer keeps the house
warm during the cold winter
months.
Poul Kjærholm, “PK 9” chair,
1960, made of leather and
steel.
Simple, natural & friendly
Scandinavian culture and design can be summarized as:
simple for its minimal forms and calm aesthetic; natural
for its non-obtrusive and traditionally ecological quality
Eero Saarinen, “Grasshopper and friendly for its warm and inviting appearance.
chair”, 1946. Follows the
simple curves and elegance of
Scandinavian design.
sources: danish-furniture.com; s.angoulvant.net
17. IDEATION: SCANDINAVIA stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
semi-lounging chair
→ simple curve
bent plywood chair
→ low to the ground
→ outdoor?
→ different orientations?
kitchen stool
office chair
bar stools
rope chair
18. DIRECTION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
Jules Verne’s series of books “ Les Voyages
Extraordinaires” pioneered the science-fiction genre
and remain popular since their publishing (1863-1905).
Part of their appeal were the illustrations which
accompanied the text and still provide inspiration for
the genre today.
The engravings depict
unexplored worlds and mythical
beasts which inspire a sense of
discovery and wonder.
sources: wikipedia.org; smithsonian institution libraries
19. IDEATION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
hot air balloon chair
rocket chair
→ 2-legged for children
→ fun, exploration
propeller stool
→ multiple orientations
→ different environments
squid/jellyfish stool
20. DIRECTION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
Jules Verne’s tales are not
only visionary but also
approach the unexpected
and mysterious.
Adventurous & fantastic
exploration
Jules Verne’s books have inspired both the worlds of
science and science-fiction. Widely enjoyed especially
by young readers, the adventurous stories provoke
excitement and wonder. The fantastic and mysterious
worlds that Verne’s protagonists encounter stimulate
creativity and inspires readers to embark on their own
exploration.
sources: wikipedia.org; smithsonian institution libraries
21. IDEATION: LES VOYAGES EXTRAORDINAIRES stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
hot air balloon lamp
cloud armchair
→ whimsical
→ A Journey to the Center
of the Earth
→ upside down mushroom
porthole chairs → gills used as seating
22. DIRECTION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
More than half of all known
organisms are insects. Their wide
diversity in shapes, adaptations and
environments provides a great deal
of inspiration for both the form and
function of a chair. The junctions in
their exoskeleton also evokes the
assembly of a product.
source: wikipedia.org
23. IDEATION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 3
mantis stool
mantis chaise longue
butterfly
→ 2-person chair
hat-rest? top view
five-legged stool
→ different stable
positions
dragonfly chaise longue
→ weighted
→ wings as armrests?
24. DIRECTION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
Strange, alive,
mechanical
With their variety of strange, unusual and
almost alien shapes, arthropods provide
inspiration for intriguing designs. Their
carapace and joints make them seem almost
mechanical yet they retain the distinct nature
of a living creature, and therefore their shapes
bring to life any design.
The shapes of arthropods can range from familiar
and friendly to alien and scary. Yet they retain a
certain uniformity by virtue of the very unique
exoskeleton structure.
Arthropods include insects, spiders and
scorpions, crustaceans and the extinct trilobites.
source: wikipedia.org
25. IDEATION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
ant picnic bench
→ seating and eating
crab chair
caterpillar bench → decorative piece
→ public seating, privacy, e.g. airports
scorpion chair
→ integrates reading lamp
ladybug chair
→ 2-person chair converts into table
28. DIRECTION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 5
Arthropods have interesting and inspiring
shapes but the patterns they display can
be equally intriguing. Their colors may be
used to warn predators or to mimic such a
warning; they may also be a way to blend
in with their environment or disguise
themselves as another animal. All these
ideas could be explored in furniture designs.
sources: wikipedia.org
29. IDEATION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 5
ladybug chair
→ longer wings/back?
→ Rhinoceros beetle
→ coat hanger?
sections for caterpillar bench
butterfly
using antennae as supports
→ folding chair/bench/table
for back rest
lamp attachment
caterpillar bench
→ bookshelf addon for home
30. IDEATION: ARTHROPODS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 5
stick insect
leaf insect → park/playground
→ chair and ottoman → seating, climbing, playing
using antennae/mandibles as
functional elements: coat hanger or
arm rests.
ant park bench / outdoor furniture
→ different seating arrangements
→ padding could be used on the ground for seating
31. 1/2 SCALE MOCK-UPS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 5
Ladybug-inspired chair proof of
concept. Made from laminated
layers of corrugated cardboard. This
chair is intended for two persons
but can also be closed partially
or fully to create table space.
The “antennae” serve as a locking
mechanism for the back rests.
This bench was inspired by a
caterpillar and could be used in
a public setting or as a piece of
home furniture. It provides an
environment that may be used as
seating or shelving and can also
create privacy between users.
This ant-inspired design is a humorous take on picnic
benches. The shape is designed to be used both as seating
and as an eating area and could be implemented in parks.
32. BEVERLY BLVD. FURNITURE STORES stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 4
Soft angular shapes create
a warm and welcoming
feeling which is accentuated
by the choice of color. This
is appropriate in multiple
environments.
Many plastic rods are
used to create a rigid
back for this chair.
Horizontal stacks of
cardboard create a familiar
profile for this recyclable
armchair.
Different living spaces created
through seating.
The use of rope creates a
structure which uses less
material and allows for a
natural springiness.
33. GREGG FLEISHMAN’S STUDIO stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 5
Located in Culver City, Gregg
Fleishman’s studio exhibits
some of his many creations,
developed over a 35-year career.
His interlocking designs often
add an element of comfort
through curved, spring-like
forms which bend to fit the
user.
Fleishman’s designs are based on
simple joints which do not require
any glue. Most of the chairs are
assembled from either two or
three parts.
Fleishman has refined the design of
his spring-shaped patterns to create
the most comfortable arrangement.
34. DIRECTION: ANT BENCH stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 6
The rear legs of an ant are longer than
those in the front. Multiple parts of the
insect anatomy can provide inspiration.
The antennae or mandibles can be starting
points for functional features in the bench
(book ends, cup holder, etc.).
The interaction
between ants
and their
environment can
also be a source
of inspiration for
the “+” item.
Ant colonies form interesting
patterns which may be a direction Different postures
to explore for the use of this object may be a possibility
(e.g. public seating arrangements). to explore.
source: wikipedia.org
35. ANT BENCH: IDEATION stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 6
legs in parallel position
different feet and
leg designs
assembling interlocking parts
36. ANT BENCH: IDEATION stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 6
reading story
legs in x-shape → different seating position
more stable
mandibles become
cup holder
longer rear legs?
antennae bookends?
37. 1/2 SCALE MOCK-UPS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 6
The ant concept was chosen as a final direction.
Improvements were made to the overall form in this
second half-scale mock-up made of laminated cardboard.
The shape takes on a more literal character and volume is
created particularly in the “ thorax” .
This bench was inspired by a
caterpillar and could be used in
a public setting or as a piece of
home furniture. It provides an
environment that may be used as
seating or shelving and can also
create privacy between users.
Improvements were made to the leg structure. Using a
cross shape creates more stability while adding to the
organic nature of the object.
38. ANT BENCH: IDEATION stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 7
smaller insect stool?
aphid?
twig/leaf as a coat hanger?
crayon/pen holder works
with mandibles
cushion becomes
seating
39. ANT BENCH: IDEATION stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 7
dry erase/chalkboard surface
on abdomen
toy box slides out from
under the abdomen
lamp
small caterpillar
40. FULL-SCALE MOCK-UP stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 7
This first full-scale mock-up is almost
directly adapted from the half-scale
version. Antennae were added to the
head as a functional element which
can act as bookends. The legs were also
modified to become longer in the rear.
The cantilevered thorax was found to
be too unstable when brought into full
scale.
41. FULL-SCALE MOCK-UP stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 8
Modifications were made in this
second full-scale cardboard mock-up.
The most important change was the
addition of two rear legs which create
additional stability for the thorax. The
entire shape was also reduced in size
by approximately 20% making it more
fit for home usage and reducing the
necessary amount of material.
The antennae act as bookends while the
mandibles can function as a cup-holder.
42. FULL-SCALE MOCK-UP stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 9
This first wood mock-up was
made from maple plywood and
cut on the CNC router. Minor
modifications were made to the The parts were found to interlock
rear legs, making them longer and tightly and the structure was
more stable. stable enough to seat two adults.
43. ANT BENCH SCENARIOS stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 9
This ant-inspired bench was
designed to function both as an
indoor and outdoor furniture piece.
Its playful design encourages all
members of the family to interact.
The flexibility of this design
suggests a great variety of activities
and usages such as reading,
working, eating and playing.
The engaging aesthetic of this
bench makes it an interesting
sculptural object when it isn’t in
use.
46. EXPLODED VIEW stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 11
assembly
1. Slot the leg parts b1 and b2 together.
2. Slide the rear leg parts c1 into the main body b.
3. Fasten b to the legs b1 and b2.
4. Slide in the antennae a1 into b.
5. Slot parts c2 and c3 into the rear legs c1.
6. Fasten c to the rear tabs on c1, c2 and c3.
7. Slide a through the antennae a1.
8. Slot the leg parts d1 and d2 together.
9. Fasten d to the legs d1 and d2.
47. FINAL MODEL stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 14
This first wood mock-up was
made from maple plywood and
cut on the CNC router. Minor
modifications were made to the The parts were found to interlock
rear legs, making them longer and tightly and the structure was
more stable. stable enough to seat two adults.
48. FINAL MODEL stéphane angoulvant
spring 2009 — week 14