Claire (Miaojia) Sun
Meditation
Prompt: In this project, we were introduced to designing a furniture piece that assembles without the use of hardware, relying instead on an interlocking structure. The main idea was to approach design through observation and structural thinking in relation to the human scale. From analyzing architectural standard measurements to creating and revising foam core models, the entire process provided a progressive foundation for the final fabrication of the piece.
Meditation started from a sense of curiosity about how human forms and the form of furniture interact with one another. The concept is based on a reflection on my personal posture, as well as observations of others who also tend to lean forward while sitting on stools. Rather than creating comfort, I decided to design a stool that fits this sitting posture. The material for the furniture was required to be MDF, a material with a smooth surface and high stability. For a beginner in woodworking like me, this is undoubtedly an intuitive material to start with. Choosing a color for the piece was a pondering process, as I compared my thoughts with a range of palettes. Eventually, I settled on a warm and quiet color that aligned with my concept of reflection. From the start, this project provided me with a different perspective on considering design in relation to human scale and physical application. As I revised my sketches and models, I adjusted my aesthetic choices and focused more on functional structures. The experience of learning and crafting in woodworking was very practical and grounding. It also enabled me to notice the precise measurements behind many physical objects, and how design is utilized in daily life.