CORTICA:
Knock-Down Stool
Mid-market seating for a generation of apartment residents.
Individual / Spring 2023 / 5 weeks
Low-cost compact furniture is essential for younger generations living in apartments due to urbanization and limited space, tighter budgets, and the need for mobility and flexibility.
These individuals often prefer minimalist, multi-functional designs that maximize small living areas and reflect their styles. Affordable furniture options, made possible by advances in technology and sustainable practices, allow them to furnish their homes without financial strain and accommodate their dynamic lifestyles.
This practical and environmentally conscious choice aligns with the values and needs of younger apartment dwellers.
Prompt
Create a set of seating implements. The design should consider small apartment living, no-tool-knock-down, ease of manufacture, cost, and minimal aesthetic.
Material
Plywood is a widely available resource often overlooked as a simple structural material. I decided to showcase the beauty of plywood by using it as a finished material while highlighting its functionality. To streamline the manufacturing process, I opted to use a single thickness throughout the design. Cork was chosen for its authenticity, practicality, and sustainability. Both materials can be easily cut with the CNC router.
Prototype
The initial design was simplified to minimize part count and increase stability. The sharp edges were rounded to give the user a better experience and the stool a more approachable silhouette.
Cutting 2nd iteration of the cork seat with pocket and through cut operations.
Stool assembly without wedges
Cutting wedges
Stool assembly with wedges in place
Next Steps:
- 6mm Baltic birch prototype
-Packaging design
6mm iteration to come...
