BoConcept Furniture (MELD)

Project Intention

This is a collaborative project with Emily Carr University, BoConcept Vancouver and BC Wood. The project focuses on creating a high, medium and low stool that could function for commercial use and for Emily Carr University new campus furniture in both public and private spaces. Using 100% BC source solid and composite hemlock as the main component of the stools, we wanted our stools to be structurally strong, yet have physical and visual lightness to it. Our team, City Slickers, consists of four 3rd year Industrial Designers, Andrea Merson, Cindy Lin, Devon Pianosi and Helena Parewyck studying at Emily Carr University, Vancouver.

Inspiration

Lines in the city inspired our design process. There is a lot of beauty within lines, particularly converging buildings, lines in bridges and sidewalks and power-lines that create art within an urban landscape. As a team we wanted to create a stool that brings the beauty of the city inside. We took inspiration from the stark beauty of urban landscape and turned it into a versatile and durable seating solution for Bo-Concept’s modern city dwelling consumers, as well as for Emily Carr University Student.

Repetition - Geometric - Negative Space - Urban - Durable - Minimal - Streamlined - Mixed Material/Elegance

Design Options

Our main take-away from our first critique with BoConcept:

1. Keep Developing Ideas

2. Reduce the Visual Weight

3. Simplify & Streamline Design

Full Scale Exploration

Based on our first critique with BoConcept, we decided to iterate more prototypes using paper models, and slowly moved into a larger scale by using cardboard. We explored different seat options using cardboard and playing with negative and positive space. We also played around with patterns for the seat and how that intersect with other parts of the stool The next step of the process was to create full-scale models using cardboard and hemlock.

Full Form Prototypes

Making full scale prototypes allowed us to test strength, structure and design. In addition, we were able to see how the stool would interact when using it.

A Change in Direction - Changing Legs

We chose to simplify the legs and add interest to the stool with other details. One idea was to split the leg to visually lighten the form and add back the negative space and line details outlined in our design brief. There were structural concerns with the new leg but after building the legs and testing them, they proved to be quite strong.

A Seat to Fit

After changing the legs the at seat didn’t fit the legs well. It felt quite disjointed from the rest of the stool. We experimented with different ways to make the seat feel incorporated. We started by turning the leg split to the front of the stool and making a continuous line across the seat. This really didn’t work. It felt forced and also the leg split on the front was a lot less engaging than when it was on the side with a splay. We then started to explore using the joint to structurally hold the seat and backrest together. We prototyped a what would be a bent ply seat. The concept would be to have had the bent ply seat tab into the back rest and then turn down into the front legs.

The Details

To finish off the stool for this critique, we explored routed edges and experimented with different circumferences. We landed on a larger curve for the seat and then smaller curves for all the legs. We also tested different ways the legs could be finished as they We selected to round curve that mimicked the seat curve. As we put the stool together, we really liked how the stool was looking when the side rail was not there. We chose to use it for structure at this point, and would address alternatives after our critique.

Critique Feedback

The critical point that we took away from the critique was that our backrest seemed as an “add-on” and did not work well with the tall stool (perhaps of dimensional differences in comparison to the other components of the stool). The mid and low stool however received good comments and was liked. As a team, we decided to take away the lumbar support, not only because we were not allowed to make a full bend-ply but also due to ergonomic complications.

Refinements & Material Exploration

Rails

Our first stools that we made for the BoConcept utilized 60mm deep rails that were parallel with the legs. While these seat rails did indeed support the seat and the chair legs they were far too bulky looking and added unnecessary weight. Since one of our main goals was to make a stool that was both visually and physically light we redesigned the rail and changed it’s position so that it would be less visible and be as light as possible. Our first iteration failed during strength testing because it did not support the legs adequately. Although it was a success in being both lightweight and barely visible.

Using CAD Solidworks

Finishes - Staining

We gathered stain colours and began to experiment with different hues. We found that the hemlock was very difficult to stain. After talking to the techs we got wood conditioner and treated the wood with conditioner before staining. This did help significantly, but the staining still felt very blotchy and did not achieve the look we wanted.

Finishes - Painting

We wanted to paint the tops in 2 different colours to show the customization ability of the design. We were really happy with the colour and received a lot of positive feedback on our selection.

Final Production

Final Critique with BoConcept

During the critique, we received an overall, positive feedback.They liked our design as a whole and all stools worked together as a family. In addition, the seat design and choice of colour was a good design decision and worked together with the legs, giving perfect contrast. The only criticism we received was that the footrests seemed out of place, or not well thought out. As a team we agreed with that comment and knew it needed more iteration for it to work together with the legs and seat. Overall, if this design was to be chosen, we would further iterate the footrests and braces.