AYAH MAHMOUD
THE STORYTELLER
As an older sister, one of my favorite experiences with my little brothers as they grew up was always to taking them to storytelling hours at the library. Inspired by these experiences, this relaxed, colorful chair is designed for a fun and comfortable reading experience that brings the library into the home.
DESIGN PROCESS
INSPIRATION & IDEATION
The Giant's Causeway
2D CAD, Rhino 7
The Hug Seat
3D CAD, spliced, Rhino 7
My earlier ideation phase explored the different ways users interact with seated furniture and the emotions associated with certain design decisions, such as extravagant throne designs inspired by large natural igneous formations that convey feelings of power, or a soft loveseat that hugs users as they converse. In this stage, I also practiced splicing 3D models for CNC filing and determined which designs would make the most sense with the material constraints.
For visual inspiration, I looked at previously created CNC-ed chairs. I enjoyed designs where lineations are stacked together to make curves juxtaposing the rigid square borders, particularly the designs where the user sits sunken into the chair.
PROTOTYPE I
I created the first iteration of the chair as a cross-hatched square reading chair, but upon lasercutting a small-scale prototype out of masonite, the chair was redesigned because the verticle hatches were not comfortable to sit on.
The second iteration removed the verticle hatches in favor of flat planing for comfortable seating while still conserving the original rectangular frame.
PROTOTYPE II
Lasercut Masonite Prototype
1:5 size ratio
FINAL DESIGN - 3D MODELING
EXPLODED PARTS DIAGRAM
The final addition to the design was the cross pieces for extra stability, as the chair was intended to be made without using any forms of glue or screws. Modeled using Fusion 360. Chair made from 24 wood pieces CNCed out of sheet plywood, with 3 unique pieces assembled.
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I
I
2
2
3
3
I. RAILING PIECES -x2
2. BALUSTERS - x20
3. CROSSES - x2
FRONT VIEW
SIDE VIEW
ISOMETRIC VIEW
CNC ROUTING AND FLATPACKING
A flatpack cut file made from the original 3D model, labeled for CNC router use. Degrees of freedom accounted for in partial plate joints for the baluster pieces. Green lines account for milled cut lines, yellow dots for drilled corners, and red lines for routed pockets.
The Storyteller, CNCed from a single half-inch thick, four-foot by eight-foot plywood board, painted then assembled.
FINAL DOCUMENTATION
Shot by Professor Larry S. Sass
December 2023