Project 2 – Stool

My main theme for my project was to create maximum structural efficiency. I accomplished this by interlacing identically cut cardboard squares in order to use the vertical strength of the cardboard as well as distribute the force of me sitting onto multiple joints. Originally, my idea was to think of the materiality of cardboard in a different way by using cardboard pulp as a sort of glue in between layers of cardboard, which would be supported internally by long tubes of empty wrapping paper rolls. However, I both didn’t have enough cardboard as well as not enough time to construct every layer while letting it dry. With the new structurally efficient design, I was able to use much less cardboard while retaining similar strength properties. While I was sacrificing some aesthetics of the stool, I still tried to provide a relatively minimalist look while incorporating column-like attributes.

One of the main decisions I had to make was how far in to make the insertions for the other pieces to fit. The weight needed to be relatively evenly distributed and symmetrical to ensure the structure would not collapse. However, I also considered where specifically on the chair the weight would be distributed according to human anatomy, and concluded that there are two main points the butt (for lack of a better word) makes contact with the chair. Therefore, I did not make the incisions in a perfect grid form, and instead put slightly more cardboard where the weight is being concentrated. This ends up distributing the pressure in the joints slightly more evenly in order to allow the stool to last longer.