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PROTOTYPE R: paper models replicate the structural and material behavior of the aluminum signs
PROTOTYPE R: paper models replicate the structural and material behavior of the aluminum signs
the low-tech fabrication begins with carefully selecting and framing reclaimed sign graphics, cutting shapes, bending forms, and riveting connections
the low-tech fabrication begins with carefully selecting and framing reclaimed sign graphics, cutting shapes, bending forms, and riveting connections
221019-chairs-gif-0_5
PROTOTYPE R [a chair for 'R'eading]
PROTOTYPE R [a chair for 'R'eading]
the flexible properties of the aluminum are employed to provide a supportive lumbar
the flexible properties of the aluminum are employed to provide a supportive lumbar
PROTOTYPE Y [a chair for the 'Y'ard] : early sketches
PROTOTYPE Y [a chair for the 'Y'ard] : early sketches
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PROTOTYPE Y: paper models replicate the structural and material behavior of the aluminum sign
PROTOTYPE Y: paper models replicate the structural and material behavior of the aluminum sign
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the low-tech fabrication begins with carefully selecting and framing reclaimed sign graphics, cutting shapes, bending forms, and riveting connections
the low-tech fabrication begins with carefully selecting and framing reclaimed sign graphics, cutting shapes, bending forms, and riveting connections
13b
PROTOYPE Y [a chair for the 'Y'ard]
PROTOYPE Y [a chair for the 'Y'ard]
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PROTOYPE Y [a chair for the 'Y'ard]
PROTOYPE Y [a chair for the 'Y'ard]

Furniture Design + Build
Prototype 'R' 2003
Prototype 'Y' 2005
 

sign chair[s]

Sign chairs ‘R’ + ‘Y’ emerged from a series of investigations into the physical characteristics embedded within a handful of discarded materials: tires, milk jugs, plastic bags, vinyl, and road signs. When harvested and strategically manipulated, these materials are extracted from the waste stream, rescuing countless amounts of embodied energy and re-purposing rich historical narratives inherent in the materials.

Prototype R [a chair for ‘R’eading] begins with careful framing of reclaimed sign graphics. The signs, composed of a strong, yet brittle aluminum alloy, are cut, carefully folded and assembled. As with sheet metal, the strength of this material comes from strategically located folds that provide structural stability. For this prototype, the material qualities of the signs are reappropriated into the life and function of the chair as the upper portion of the backrest is left to flex, providing lumbar support.

Prototype Y [a chair for the ‘Y’ard] takes advantage of the long term weather-ability of the signs. Building on the intimate knowledge of the material qualities from earlier hands-on experimentation, details were adjusted to improve the structural capacity of the brittle aluminum signs.