Lithe
Objective: To create a stool prototype for the new Emily Carr University of Art + Design campus, made for mass production
Co-designed with Grace Leung + Nathan Lo
In collaboration with BoConcept + BC Wood
Concept development
In a group of three, we each developed 20 concept sketches into scale model prototypes. We found that as a furniture made for commercial use, in a school setting, it would be important for it to be light weight, because it would be constantly transported from room to room.
The objective of the project was the create a design that could come in three different heights: stool height, chair height and bar height. When presenting the prototypes to BoConcept, they helped our group narrow down to which designs we should continue developing on.
Cardboard prototyping
From our feedback, we decided to further develop the design on the right because it had the most potential for mass manufacturing.
Wood prototyping
Our goal was to create a stool that was visually and physically light, so we were trying to use as little wood as possible. We tested different leg angles to ensure that it would not tip when the stool rose up to stool height.
Critique
When we presented our prototypes to BoConcept, they advised us to increase the leg angle and bring the front leg forward so there is not as big of a lip as seen above.
Woodshop process
When putting the pieces together, we used Hemlock, a wood that is native to BC. We laminated three pieces of wood together for the seat to ensure strength, by crossing the wood grain. As a finish, we used a semi-gloss finish, to not alter the natural wood tone. We opted for a clear coat because we did not want to darken the wood, so it looks light.
Final product
