XYLEM
COMPUTATION DESIGN / FURNITURE
2016
Named after the vascular tissue in plants, the Xylem chair explores new forms inspired by spatial optimisation and G3 surface modelling – while also acknowledging the beauty in honest joinery.
Xylem was ideated through Solidthinking Inspire. Through a stress load simulation, Australian seating standards were applied as force inputs upon a surface wrapped over a designated design space. The calculation of this simulation generated a rough stl file that outlined the optimal construction of a form to support the load inputs, which in turn was used as a guide to remodel a new chair through Solidthinking Evolves poly-nurb and poly-surface tools – building a seamless form with G3 curvature. The chair has been designed for disassembly and can easily be dismantled and rebuilt with custom 20mm countersunk bolts.
When creating new aesthetics driven by modern manufacturing processes, it is important to acknowledge traditional form in order to make the outcome accessible. With this in mind, Xylem pays homage to traditional timber joinery through the double bolted lap joint and leather upholstery.
Presented at Altair engineering conference Melbourne 2016.
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