Esquisse Four - Material Synergy

In Esquisse Four, we are required to design 2 cafe chairs. As such, the bottom shows the 2 design concepts that I came out with. The first concept is relating to 'curvature' and the second concept is design on the idea of 'arrowheads'.

Concept 1 is design based on curves. The curves on the chair is done by wetting the balsa wood in hot water then carefully bent and dry with a hairdryer. Hot water enables the wood to be bent at any angle wanted but it does not maintain its curvature. In order to do so, I used wire as a locking system to lock the curves.

Pros:

- Has an armrest

- Leg at the back is set at an angle to counter inertia

- Base of chair has a thicker layer of wood frame to avoid the chair from bending when seat on

Cons:

- Has a chunky outlook

- There are only 3 legs on this chair

- Chair cannot be stacked on top each other

Concept 2 is based on arrowheads. Wire frames made by using 1mm thick wire to hold 2 parts of the chair together. The back legs is positioned in an X form at an angle and the 2 front legs are made with wire.

Pros:

- Has a very stable form

- Back and front legs are set at an angle to counter inertia

- Has a slim look compared to Concept 1

- End of chair has a slight curve angle to allow comfortable sitting

Cons:

- Leaning might cause uneasiness due to wire frame

- Chair cannot be stacked