Chvron
Space-saving furniture concept for future Martians
Introduction
Humans may start to inhabit Mars within the next 20 years. This project explored the potential to design furniture for the future inhabitants of Mars.
The issue
Existing concepts of martian furniture are not space efficient and economically viable to transport. Small living conditions in the capsule causes psychological issues for astronauts.
The research
My research was based on the “Mars-500 mission”, which was a psychological isolation experiment that simulated a 520-day manned mission to Mars. The findings from the simulation were:
1. There were space constraints in the capsule.
2. “Space madness” caused by the small living area.
3. Spend most of their time indoors as Mars does not have suitable living conditions for the Martians to stay outdoors.
4. Transportation limitations due to cost.
The vision
Space saving furniture that encourages interaction.
Played around with various origami tessellations
The concept
Designed for future Martians, Chvron has interchangeable functions which allow its users to either use it as a stool or chair. The lightweight design also makes Chvron ideal for transportation to space.
The design was inspired by Orimetric, a flexible silicon material with chevron origami tessellations. It is incorporated into the body of the chair. This material makes it comfortable to use and for it to be flat-packed.
Chvron has an aluminium frame that makes it lightweight to transport and also carry around. The base of the frame is attached with a locking suction mechanism that secures it onto the ground in the capsule.
It is also fitted with an extendable seat support that enables it to be contracted.
Chvron can be used as a chair or stool and it can be compacted for easy storage and transportation.
