Concept development

Folded paper concepts were developed to establish three-dimensional form. This approach was taken over sketching as it was a much easier method of visualising the form.

Typographic texture

Through developing forms on scrap paper, I began to see the strong visual link between printed text and emphasising the folded flat sheet material that the furniture was constructed from.

Side elevating of the stool

In this example, the material is a 10mm acrylic sheet with bend profiles routed to a depth of 4mm. The flat sheet is then locally heated across the bend profiles and bent around a die.

Front elevation of the stool

The curved fold lines create a natural concave profile for the stool seat.

Perspective view of the stool

Showing the symmetrical structure of the stool. The folds have strength in vertical compression due to the distribution of load from the seat down to the floor surface.

Three material possibilities

(Left to right) 1. An Alucobond flat sheet. This compound material has an exterior skin of Aluminium on both sides, with a core of Polyurethane. 2. The printed acrylic sheet material, bent using applied localised heating.
3. Steam bent ply, with sharp bends achieved through routing bend profiles.