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    Force Based Furniture   

Study - Design - Development - Fabrication
Interactive Model
Forca based Table Concept

Stress-Line Visualization

force flow in continuous print

(hover to reveal details)

Material Reduction

structural simulation

Mesh Optimization

customized subdevision

TL;DR

This project showcases the process and the outcome of designing and fabricating a set of furniture pieces using force-based computational design techniques. The furniture pieces include a table and six chairs, each with a unique shape and structure, inspired by natural forms and patterns. The process consists of four main stages: formfinding, simulation, meshing, and 3d printing. Each stage involves a series of steps and tools to achieve the desired result. Formfinding: The concept derives from establishing a custom workflow, consisting of sketching, sub-d modeling, and refining the model (its mesh). The sketching phase allows for exploring different shapes and forms, while the sub-d modeling phase enables creating smooth and organic surfaces. The refining phase involves adjusting the mesh to optimize its quality and performance. Simulation: The simulation stage involves testing the structural integrity and stability of the model under different loads and constraints. The main loads are assumed to be 1 kN vertical and 0.5 kN horizontal, while the constraints are restricting the three anchor positions on the ground to avoid wobbling. The simulation is done using a finite element analysis tool1. The first round of testing is done on a small 3d print for conceptual fast fail. The second round of testing is done on the final model, after carefully designing different material thicknesses throughout the model and closing the mesh of inner and outer layer. Meshing: The meshing stage involves creating a custom quad mesh for the table to enable subdivision throughout the model. This enables creating specific refinements and controlling the detailed behavior of all areas. The meshing is done using a power function and graphical mapping to define distribution2. The meshing also involves creating custom force resistant connections between table and legs, and refining for controlled smoothness. 3d Printing: The 3d printing stage involves fabricating the furniture pieces using an in-house prototyping with own prusa i3 Berlin printer3. The steps are exporting watertight mesh into .stl format, slicing the model in Cura, defining necessary support, printing PLA prototype, and cleaning up the print. The final set consists of six chairs and a table, each with a unique shape and structure, inspired by natural forms and patterns. The furniture pieces are illustrated in the visualization at the end and the interactive 3d model at the start of the page. These furniture pieces demonstrate how force-based computational design can be used to create innovative and performance-oriented solutions for various challenges in furniture design. They also show how computational design can create new possibilities for aesthetic expression and material exploration.

A_Project Location
A_Work Steps
Sub D modeling for force based chair design
A_Formfinding
Formfinding
Force base chair mesh - sketch overlap
Concept
Establishing Workflow

Sketching

Sub-D Modeling

Refining the Models

Force based chair model refinement
Force base table design optimization through mesh relaxiation
Sub D smothening and corner refinement
A_Simulation
Simulation
Force based chair 3 d model mesh loads assignment
Structural Optimization
force based design

Defining main loads

Restricting anchor positions

Considering material thickness

Closing the edges

Remeshing to smoothen Model

Force based table material thickness refinement for fabrication
Force based table  power function and graphical mapping to define distribution meshing Gradient
A_Meshing
Meshing
Force based table custom force resistant connections between table and legs
Custom Quad Mesh
Creating specific refinements

Using power function and graphical mapping to define distribution

Creating custom force resistant connections between table and legs

Controlling the detailed behavior of all areas

Refining for controlled smoothness

Closeup of Force based table custom force resistant connections between table and legs
A_Fabrication
3D Printing
Photo of 3d printed force based chair with support
Photo of 3d printing the force based chair's first layers
Photo of 3d printing the force based chair's mid layers

(hover to show progress)

Fabrication
In house prototyping

Exporting watertight mesh into .stl format

Slicing the model in Cura

Defining necessary support

Printing PLA prototype

Cleaning up the print

A visualization of a custom, futuristic, force based designed furniture group located in a pleasant scene looking through a large window over cliffs to the ocean with sailing boats.
A_Render
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