Force Based Furniture
Study - Design - Development - Fabrication
Interactive Model
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.
Work Steps
Simulation
Structural Optimization
force based design
Defining main loads
Restricting anchor positions
Considering material thickness
Closing the edges
Remeshing to smoothen Model
Meshing
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
3D Printing
(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