CARDBOARD CHAIR

Mock-Up Description

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This mock-up was designed with a geometric shape in mind. One may observe that there is a combination of triangles, squares, rectangles, and more which together make up the base structure of the chair. The profiles which face forward (the flat part is pointing to the front and back) create vertical lines when viewed from the side of the chair, conveying the sense of stability and strength that is ideal of a chair. The chair also has a symmetrical or formal balance of elements, with a centerline going through the front and back of the chair; there is the same number of profiles and the same designs on either ends of the centerline. The placing of the profiles for the most part is done at a regular rhythm, one inch apart due to the use of single-walled cardboard. The proportion between the height of the seat from the ground and the height of the backrest is similar enough, which creates a compact shape, unable to break easily and reinforced by a low center of gravity. The economy of this chair is fairly high considering the use of a small amount of profiles and a lot of cardboard pieces which were cut using very limited effort. The height of the chair satisfies the maximum height constraint of 12 inches barely. The popliteal height of the chair is 7 inches, the buttock-popliteal length of the chair is 3.5 inches and the sitting height is 5.5 inches. The width of the chair is 4.5 inches, the depth of the chair is 8 19/32 inches, and the height of the chair is 12 inches. The most prominent feature on this chair would most likely be its seating; a flat piece of cardboard laid over the top of the profiles and a backrest increases the overall comfort, so that the seated person does not experience too much pain with regard to the profiles. The flat pieces of cardboard reinforce the structural integrity of the chair with their strategic placing at the point where the backrest and seat meet. The chair’s support system consists of a small number of profiles pointing front and back as well as some pointing left and right (the direction they are pointing is the one where their flat ends face). A simple outline of the chair was made to serve as the basis for the structure, then cuts and edits were made to insert the other profiles which would connect the chair profiles facing sideways. Most of the profiles acting as the support system are vertical, except for one diagonal profile which acts as the backbone of the chair. This chair’s somewhat intriguing design was planned with the mindset of a great economy to achieve a great result. The first aspect that was considered was the stability of the chair. Thus, the geometric, compact shape with steep sloped edges formed to respond to requirements. Following stability, the second aspect that was desired to be incorporated was comfort. The addressal of both aspects with the blending of simplicity resulted in this design.