Every designer wants to design a chair.

I explored how to utilize the CNC manufacturing process to create a flat-packed chair design that can be assembled and disassembled quickly without using an additional tool.

Wood + Flexibility

I started with ideating the different ways planes can intersect, and I want to introduce curves into the design to increase comfort.

Since this chair is designed for two-axis CNC manufacturing, it has to be cut from a flat piece of plywood. After some research, I discovered that I could turn the planar form into a flexible surface by cutting the material in a parametric kerf pattern. I combined this with taped legs and two-point support to create my design.

Learn from the best

To ensure comfort, I look to Herman Miller for inspiration. After a careful study of the Aeron Chair, I determined the general dimension of this design.

Scale – 1/5 model
Material – Furniture grade birch plywood

I used laser cutter to create my scale model as a proof of concept because a laser cutter operates similarly to a 2-axis CNC machine. After many iterations, I was able to make my design in 1/5 scale. However, due to budgetary constraints, I couldn’t make a full-scale model using a CNC machine, but this remains a future goal.

This chair is designed for people who embrace change. It’s firm but form fitting design makes it the perfect addition to any room, be it a studio apartment or familIy home. The simple, yet elegant construction means  that it can be assembled and dissaembled without any additional tools, which makes moving a breeze.

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