Reclaim, Rebound
This project, completed during my exchange at ESD Madrid, saw me tasked with designing 'an object for sitting' for the school grounds.
My approach to the project began with carrying out some first-hand research and observations. I observed where students seemed to sit most often and when they did this, as well as questioning where I could put more seating. I saw an opportunity to design a chair for the garden area; during small breaks between classes, students went here to relax, but there seemed to be a lack of seating.
My concepts toyed with the idea of incorporating playfulness in to the seat. After all, the chair is designed for the break time, it should be a fun experiences that takes the user's mind (student) off their class for a brief time. Given the short length of the breaks, I had no need to put emphasis on the comfort of the design. The designs all feature a hidden element of instability or movement, intended to create a surprise user experience.
Upon deciding that the form and materiality of my seat would be rather simple, I wanted to incorporate a sustainable aspect to the design. This then became a key area for the project overall. Upon noticing a number of unused pallets disregarded around Madrid, I was inspired to use them With one pallet, I wanted one chair.
The works of Studiomama and their Pallet Project, as well as a project by Enzo Mari, proved to be important references and inspiration for the form and aesthetic of my product. As well as influencing my proposal for how the product would be marketed; rather than 'selling' the finished product, I would sell the instructions on how to build the piece as a way of encouraging upcycling and design thinking in the everyday.
I modelled the design firstly using desktop techniques, then using Autodesk Fusion 360. This allowed me to visualise how it might be to work with the limited amount of material one pallet would give me, as well as a flexible way to develop the form of the product. The outcome would use four hidden springs to create the aforementioned surprise experience of instability or bounce upon sitting.
The next step was to get in the workshop and build a working prototype. Despite having to overcome problems, like the soft pine wood of the pallet splitting, resulting in fewer pieces to play with, I was able to design/develop while making and come out with a working prototype. This was crucial for me as a way of communicating the intended product experience.
Not only did my final prototype function well, it sat well (get it...) with the other furniture in the garden area in terms of general aesthetic. Although a simple project, I feel my outcome creates a powerful user experiences and displays some strong core values in its dedication to sustainable practice.
On a final and side note, I also developed a quick logo for the project, communicating the movement and form of the seat, as well as the project's focus on sustainability through font and colour. (Reclama Rebote, translated from Spanish roughly is 'reclaim bounce'.)
