DESIGN PROPOSAL: Modular 3D Printed Furniture Parklett
Team: Kaitlyn Smith, Mae Welty, and Nadia Kubczak
This Design Charette challenged participants to design a modular, 3D printed furniture parklett for the Hayes/Hopkins courtyard at The Ohio State University. The 3D furniture had to be able to be printed on the large scale 3D printers at IC3D, and were challenged to be modular in form and unique in design.
Existing Tree Seating
Courtyard Area from Entrance
Bird's Eye View
View of Main Entrance to Area
Upon our initial SPATIAL ANALYSIS, it was clear that the gravel area of the courtyard could be the best utilized space. We analyzed the current uses of the space and the potential it had to be an area for socializing, eating, and working. We knew we wanted to create furniture that catered to these functions as well as took up the space in a useful way.
INITIAL CONCEPTS
Here, we started brainstorming furniture concepts, focusing on wavy, organic forms. We took inspiration from existing parklett's that focused on our functions. Upon analysis of this phase of ideation, we realized we had strayed from the modular component of the challenge and needed to focus on our technical work to make sure these pieces could be printed.
In our next ideation phase, we focused on a concept consisting of 4 main components, as seen to the left. This furniture line would be complete by a series of stackable stools, bracket-like benches that provided seating and table, a bench installation on the tree in the corner, and a series pf tabletops that stack on top of the stools to create a variety of tabletops.
What makes our design proposal especially unique is it's modular stools that are the base for most of the furniture. While they can be used as standard stools, they can also be stacked in sets of 2,3 or 4 to create varying tabletop heights for mixed purposes such as eating, working, and socializing. These stools also act as bases for the metal bench tops that we removed from their original location around the tree.
Along with the round stackable tabletops, the line also contains a table as seen to the left. Complete with a wood top, this table is great for working and drawing. These table's also comply with ADA guidelines, making them wheelchair accessible. The extra seating on the side can be coupled with another table top for dynamic seating arrangements.
To replace the benches we moved from around the tree, here we designed an installation containing a bench and hammock for lounging. This can be used for relaxation and also better utilizes the space around the tree in a way that fosters collaboration and socializing.
