This was the Binary Modular System Chair Design assignment for Ken Horii's Spatial Dynamics class, Fall 2017.
The assignment was to develop a binary modular system capable of being replicated in multiples and assembled into a minimum of three significantly different configurations of a functional adult-sized chair. The modular set should consist of pairs of elements designed as joint modules and extender modules.
Requirements/Constraints included
-You may only use single ply (paper both sides) corrugated cardboard for your modules.
-At least one of your chair configurations must include a fully-functional backrest.
-The chair must be adult-scale and able to withstand your static and dynamic weight in all configurations.
-The seat surface in all of your configurations must be a minimum average of 8 inches off the floor.
-One of your three required modular chair configurations must be designed to be portable in a stable form to fit into a test box measuring 12”x16”x24”.
-You MAY NOT use adhesive to connect modules to each other or laminate multiple layers.
The binary modular set consists of one connecter module (Left) and one extender module (Right).
Based on the constraints, I planned two major objectives I wanted the chair to consist of:
1. The chair has to be strong (has to be able to withstand dynamic and static weight of adult).
2. The chair has to be comfortable (has to 'fit the body').
In order for these two objectives to be fulfilled, I combined two structures: a triangle and a arch.
The triangle, being one of the strongest structures coming from nature, was chosen in order for the module to have strength/withstand weight.
The arch, consisting of curves, was chosen in order for the curved surface to fit in the curves of the body.
Prototype 1
Prototype 2
Prototype 3
Prototype 4
Final Module
Going through the prototypes, the first few start out as the triangle and arch structure connected in one as the extender. However, for the final module, the triangle and arch are separated into two pieces each taking the role as a extender and connecter.
(Side View)
Each module is layered with three of five sets for each triangular or arched shape. These 15 pieces are connected together with a square piece of cardboard.
The square piece connects not only the 15 pieces together, but also the connecter module and extender module. The square piece is layered twice.
Replicating and assembling 6+ of these modules creates configurations of the following
Configuration 1
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 4
Configuration 5
Configuration 6
Configuration 7
Configuration 8
Configuration 9
Configuration 10
Configuration 11
Configuration 12
Configuration 13
Configuration 14 (Desk)
Configuration 15
Configuration 16
Configuration 17
Configuration 18
Configuration 19
Configuration 20
Configuration 21
Configuration 22
Configuration 23
Configuration 24
Configuration 25
Configuration 26
Configuration 27
Configuration 28
Configuration 29
Configuration 30
Configuration 31
Configuration 32
Configuration 33
Configuration 34
Configuration 35
Configuration 36
Configuration 37
Configuration 38
Configuration 39
Configuration 40
Each configuration is made only using the repetition of these three pieces of cardboard.
Thank You!
