Modular seating system
Bachelor thesis / Industrial design
GRIDO is a modular seating system consisting of seat and floor modules that are joined together. The set of floor modules forms a grid on which the seating modules can be arranged as desired. The goal is to adapt the seating space flexibly to the user's needs. This is achieved by playfully rearranging the seating elements in the room. This results in a variety of unique combinations.
A lot of studying and working takes place in educational institutions. At the same time, it is important to have a place where you can take a short break from these activities. GRIDO can be perfectly implemented here since it can be used for both situations. In this example, people not only work alone, but sometimes also in a group. A certain arrangement of the stools can facilitate group work, as the seating space can be flexibly adapted to both the situation and the number of people. Other similar places with coworking and breakout areas can also benefit from it.
The same set of modules can be combined in different ways so that it looks like a new piece of furniture every time. This demonstrates the fascinating flexibility of a modular seating system.
Draft development
The floor system is now divided into small, joinable modules. This has the advantage that the modules can be stored, transported and moved more easily than a robust base. It can be scaled to any size, creating a system that can be flexibly adapted to different situations or requirements. The complete system consists of single, double, triple and quadruple modules, as they allow flexible combinations between each other. A single floor module can contain up to four individual seat modules.
Inner construction
The seat modules consist of three main parts: The upper part is upholstered for comfortable sitting. The middle body is made mainly of expanded polypropylene (EPP), which is characterized by its lightness, strength and flexible shaping. The base consists of two intersecting wood boards. Screws connect the most inner parts.
A modular approach means, among other things, easy disassembly and recyclability. For this reason, solid bonds such as glues were avoided as far as possible. Such connections make it difficult to recycle the materials. Mechanical connections, on the other hand, are better. With such approaches, a connection can be released again and again and the object can be disassembled into individual components for further recycling.
That is why the fabric cover is removable. It can be easily replaced in case of a tear or similar problem without necessarily having to dispose of the entire object.
Final renderings
The difference in volume and shape between the upper body and the wooden base gives the stool a floating effect and a unique image. Different material combinations are possible to create various appearances.
