Amanda Kressler: Air Chair February 2012

Air Chair Progress

After much sketching and designing, I decided this was the chair I would build.

The next step was to turn the sketches into small models.

Here is the final model that I went off of.

Side.

Back.

I then built a full scale model to see how the design would look full size.

Two variations of full scale models made of pvc piping and cardboard.

The next step was to build a sit-able full scale mock up.

This helped me to determine if the proportions and angles etc. were correct and comfortable before jumping into making the real thing.

The two models side by side to see comparisons and changes.

Now its time to make the real chair! I needed to make a jig to bend the wood around for the seat. I found a bunch of scrap pink foam and figured it would be fun to try to make the jig with it.

This is how it turned out!

I steamed the wood and clamped it into the jig to get it formed to the rough shape.

Check out that tight bend!

I then glued it all together and put it in the vacuum bag overnight to dry.

This is how it turned out when it was dried.

Pretty comfortable so far!

I then cut off the excess wood from the ends and cut the sides off to get it to size. Here I am sanding it down.

Making a padded layer that will act as a removable cover for the chair.

Here is the first finished cover.

I then had to figure out how to attach the padded cover layer. I thought it would be fun to try attaching it with magnets. so I drilled a ton of holes in my chair.

Testing how the magnets will work out.

And then I filled the holes with magnets!

Here is the template that I drew up in order to weld the metal for the chair together.

Here are a few of the metal strips ready to be turned into a chair!

Welding the metal rods into place. I had to have the seat of the chair in place to make sure it all lined up, so I covered it with cardboard to make sure it didn't get burn marks on it.