Continuing from week 5, we decided to focus on the nature of the connectivity of the spine (bones rely on each other to connect and how when they connect, certain parts overlap each other) and this week we focused on churning out ideas for our form.
We looked back at the sketches we did in week 2 and we realised that we really liked the concept of a continuous bench so we decided to merge this concept with the connectivity of the spine.
After much brainstorming we decided to try out sketching for benches and seats and these are just some ideas that we have come up with.
The first drawing shows the nature of the connection of the spine. The seats are connected together while at the same time overlapping each other. It is also flexible in the sense that it can be connected at the top of the seat and also at the sides.
The second drawing shows a similar concept. However, the seats are connected through a section in the middle which runs through all the seats.
The third and fourth drawings are a little different, although they still contain the same concept of the connection of the spine.
In the third drawing, the two seats and the rod are all acting as joints. They rely on each other and have to be connected together before they can be sat on. Parts of the seats also overlap each other while they are joined to retain the concept that we want to convey.
The last drawing shows a similar concept to the previous drawing except that the rod is missing. The seats rely only on each other and they act as joints. When they are connected, some parts overlap each other as well to give each other balance so that the user can sit comfortably.
Through these ideas the main point that we would like to convey is the appreciation for the way the bones of the spine join together: relying on each other to connect and the fascinating feature of how when the bones connect they overlap each other as well.
bones rely on each other to connect and how when they connect, certain parts overlap each other…that’s your opening statement, now I’m looking at the drawings:
Spine bones also have a bilateral symmetry which is totally lacking from your first drawing.
There is symmetry in your second drawing. What it might be lacking here is the feeling of organic matter (looks more like an extruded profile) and the connection between each piece is very much exposed and looks a bit alien from the sitting pieces.
Third and fourth drawings are more organic but too much on their own, lacking the sense of being part of a larger and more articulated structure.
Another thing that surprises me is the fact that seaters look very much solitaire, they are sitting back to back, not much sense of community…they don’t talk each other…
If I can suggest something, try to enlarge the seats to accommodate more people, or get them close enough to favor communication. Would be also good to interlock the pieces without any extra connecting part.
Yor are designing a sculptural piece that can ‘also’ be a sitting area …
…look at Henry Moore organic shapes https://www.google.it/search?q=Henry+Moore&prmd=ivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj9t5jxnbLZAhWCVhQKHZu4As0Q_AUIESgB&biw=414&bih=695#isa=y
or la Chaise from Eames http://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/la-chaise/
…
Another recommendation, it will help if you try to play with plasticine for making small mockup.