Stacking/ nesting multifunction furniture

Shown above are the two smaller units in there nesting option. This element allows the pieces to be stored in the minimal of spaces and also allows for easier shipping and transport.

As a set of four this unit can be stacked to form a shelving unit. The slatted elements act on a practical level as a locator, however on an aesthetical level it offers a harmony between the individual elements to achieve a feeling of wholeness and continuity.

Another option for the five piece set is for a flat screen entertainment unit, with the bench piece providing the location for the flat screen and the shelving providing the storage. These elements can also be used as individual pieces as stools and tables if needed.

Nesting/multifunction stool and table

Another design i am looking into for the multifunction concept of this semester is a design for a two piece set of stools which double as side tables. My idea for the marketing of this piece is to be sold as a set (nesting, one slightly smaller and one slightly larger) and also to be sold as three sets which provide the user with an intimate relationship with the space they select for the pieces.

The idea is to provide the three larger units with the ability to lock and create a coffee table and the smaller to be stools around said table. The other is to lock side by side creating a seating and table combination.

stacking/nesting multi function furniture

Following on with the direction i am taking for this the final semester. I intend on exploring several ideas and concepts. The first being a stacking/nesting shelving unit which also acts as a set of stools and tables.

The versality of this piece is to be marketed towards the small area living and the idea that the end user can determine the final use for a piece instead of the peice dictating the space and use of an object.

The initial concept of this idea is shown in the model (image attached) the slated top and bottom act as a locking mechanism and locator for the stacking option. This also gives an added element of interaction of light and negative space when the piece is in its seperate form. The solid sides add structural strength and act as a uniforming element when in its stacked component.

starting up again

Well as the semester kicks of again for the final time in the degree we have been given a theme which will act as a constraint or a guidence for the independent work proposal. This theme is based on “Engage” so with this in mind i have decided to put the music direction on hold for the moment and will explore that topic at a later date.

I aproach this semesters work in the workshop with the commercial viability of the product in mind and am going to explore the aspects of multifunction furniture. Furniture catering for the small living areas, apartments etc. Steming from my interior design background i will look intimately at the relationship between people and the built environment we inhabit.

further plans for cardboard memories

After consultation with Rodney the head of the workshop i have been able to confirm thoughts i have had for the future construction needed in the piece:

1/ To have the rear of the cabinet removable so as to allow for access and installation.

2/ To have the drawer runners in the internal parts of the unit pinned into rebates therefore allowing the runner to be replaced if the time came that they were wareing down.

future directions for iwp

As i have previously stated i am required to complete an independent work proposal for the second half of the year. I am currently thinking about exploring the relationship between relaxation chairs and there accessories, ie chair and side table, chair and foot stool, chair and lamp etc. In doing this however i am lead to look at the influence music has on design. My initial thoughts on this are to segregate different families of furniture and associate a single genre of music to that family. Therefore throughout every element of the design and construction phases i will only listen to and subconsiously be guided by a different genre of music allocated to a different family of furniture. I will research this further and keep you posted.

future directions

I have been thinking alot lately about where i want my designer/maker practice to head. This direction, i feel, will stem from the independent work proposal and my theory and research that goes with this, which will be put into action for my final semester in the workshop, starting mid year. With the current focus in the industry looking at sustainable design, and rightly so, i am lead to extend my cardboard solutions from ‘cardboard memories’ how and to what extent i am unsure but will keep the progress of my thoughts and research as current as possible through my blog.

kick off time

Well here we go…

Firstly to introduce me: I am a third year student at the Australian National University, studying design arts in fine furniture. I have previously studied interior design and have worked in both interior and exhibition design in London and here in Canberra (where i currently reside) though my passion still lies in designing and making fine furniture.

I plan to use this blog to promote my designing and making practice, talk through inspirations for current and future designs and generally keep my thoughts and designs up to date.

I hope that you enjoy following my journey….