Well, today was the presentation of our second module of Year 2. This project was a designing and making one, working in groups to construct an object to inhabit a space. Along with most of the other groups, our team (Hollie, Frances and I) designed a chair which was based on the form of the female body. Before I go into any detail, here's a quick look at the final outcome...
As you can see, our chair consists of three main components held together using the supporting tie, the back shape inspired by the human spine. As you can imagine, this form appears to be simple, but making and assembling it in the workshop was not. There was a steep learning curve for all of us, including our tutor and workshop technician. We decided to use a steam-bending technique, which had never been used by students in the workshop...
Steam Bending Demonstration…
1. 1. Wood is steamed in a sealed box using an electric cylinder, which boils water and allows steam to rise up into a hole cut in the bottom of the box.
2. 2. A jig is made from wood to allow the steamed wood to bend round. A metal strap is used to hold the steamed hood to the jig while it cools.
3. 3. As soon as the steamed wood leaves its box it must be immediately placed along the strap and bent to form the shape of the jig.
4. 4. The strap holding the wood is clamped to the jig to hold it in position.
5. 5. Steamed wood is left against the jig to cool. Cooling the wood allows it to set in the desired shape.
6. 6. After the wood has cooled it its removed and is placed in another jig to encourage it to keep its shape until the wood is ready to be used.
Overall, a success, but not without its challenges!
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