A Modernist Format Based on Industrial Optimization.
As industrial technology has evolved, how might the format?
What impact can this new perspective have on materiality, production, ergonomics and ecology?
The free form bending process is capable of forming multiple radii in one run. This efficiency enables the structure to comprise of only two components (with the addition of a third for arms). This common geometry is applied to both alu and steel tubing to create 2 SKU’s.
Aluminium has been an under-utilized material for this format, due to its softness in comparison to steel. Those same perceived weaknesses are leveraged here – contributing to an elevated look and feel – and overcoming the structural shortfalls (reinforcing against moment deflection) with arms.
The steel frame is galvanized and left armless. This more austere treatment owes to it’s application as an occasional, outdoor chair.
Ecology as an imperative — this supremely regenerative & carbon sequestering crop is leveraged as a medium of construction.
Applied modernist principles — utilizing manufacturing optimization to create a locally produced, scalable, minimal expression of form.
A flat pack aluminum stool optimized for mass market production. Utilizing easily sourced components and minimal manufacturing processes the stool aims to be a cost effective object of utility.
The stool remains true to its creation in allowing function to drive form. It's raw and simple, celebrating the manufacturing and materials that allow it to exist. The aluminium is sandblasted, then anodized to create a tough surface that is accepting of the scuffs and scratches that inevitably collect over the years. It also proudly displays the marks of assembly created by the interference fit.
The frame originated from an idea to use interference as a means of producing structural integrity; and what that could mean for flat-pack furniture. Stock raw materials are minimally processed by water-jet and milling to create components requiring no tools for assembly. The net result is a premium product unique for the category.
In total four full-scale functional prototypes were created in the development process. The first had four legs and was so rigid that it was deemed possible to scale down to three - reducing parts, weight and eliminating the possibility of instability or rocking.
Functional prototype
When assembled the legs are held with a slight flex. This acts to create an internal force that ensures everything stays together. Traditional flat-pack furniture loosens at the fixtures with use - here those same forces actually contribute to the structural integrity.
A more triangular form factor was developed after detailed testing of the functional prototype. This improvement solves for a potential tipping issue, as well as improving raw material efficiency allowing more components to be cut from the same sheet.
Utilize existing infrastructure to offer an environmentally conscious alternative to the disposable wooden chopstick – a product consumed in the billions with an especially harmful material extraction process. The aluminium beverage can industry is remarkably efficient at re-capturing and re-processing product, with volumes similar to that of the disposable chopstick. An opportunity exists to design for this infrastructure, a disposable chopstick that leaves trees in the ground, and utilizes an 'other forest'.
The beverage can industry is remarkably efficient in the manufacture, recovery and re-use of aluminum. 75% of all aluminum produced in the U.S. is still in use today. Aluminum can be infinitely recycled without loosing any of its mechanical properties.
The humanization of technology - the SwannOne Hub is designed to complement its environment and exist more as a furnishing than a piece of tech. It is unobtrusive and minimalist, but also warm and subtle. The translucent upper housing adds depth and sophistication. The matte gray base slims its appearance. The SwannOne system has a human tone of voice and aims to be intuitive and easy to use, providing clarity of communication & streamlined operations. Technology feels invisible with no flashing LEDs and no buttons on the face of the Hub.
Through initial concept presentations we started to converge on themes such as customizability, ornamentation and ritual.
With conventional security systems you’re greeted with a panicked beeping and 30sec to disable.
What if Swann One leveraged technology to unobtrusively integrate into your entryway ritual?
What if it complemented your home decor instead of sticking out like a hard piece of technology?
As all user interaction is handled in-app - what if interactions were subtle, only telling you what you needed to know?
In order to simplify the UX, three basic presets were developed that could be customized in-app. When the user arrives home the simple ritual of dropping your keys off on the hub deactivates the alarm - switching from 'away' to 'home'. 'Sleep' mode can activate automatically at night. During 'sleep' the hub reasures the user of it's status with a gentle pulsing of its single LED.
Mhín documents time with ambiguity and silence so as to complement the relaxing atmosphere of the home. In giving a vague approximation of time, Mhín contrasts the scheduling and rush of our day with a quiet calm.
Designed to extend the living space outside. A celebration of raw materials fit for the vibrant blue and austere grays of the contemporary California landscape.
Shiro was developed to offer a refined alternative to present offerings in the toothbrush market. Shiro is designed to appeal to the modern consumer encompassing clean, simple functionality and whole systems design.
Spore Tile was created out of experiments with algorithmically derived form using Grasshopper. It was designed to grow in any way the user desires, offering a means of creation. In collaboration with a fellow colleague we developed the idea into a modular display piece, sold in kit form, for small in-home displays or large scale installations.
We created a die and utilized a WWII-era letterpress for manufacture
Colleagues at streng used spore to create an installation for the guerrilla truck show during Chicago Design week. The installation was awarded Best in Show.
An almost infinite poster series.
Working with Streng we were tasked with developing a new addition to their food storage line. The result is an inherently functional lid that leverages the Pyrex brand heritage. The lids are leak proof and air tight with a valve for microwave reheating.
