Tutorial with Oscar: making sample with wood

In a recent tutorial with Oscar, we discussed the progress of my project - designing a chair that resembles a patchwork of children's toys. We explored a variety of possible design directions and material choices, and the exchange greatly enriched my design philosophy and experimental approach.

Oscar pointed out that I had an inaccurate grasp of proportions when creating the custom materials, which resulted in over-wet materials that were not set up correctly. This reminded me that it is important to follow the instructions closely during experiments to ensure that I am able to reproduce the results by accurately weighing and recording the experimental conditions. I began to understand that every little detail could affect the quality and functionality of the final product.

We also discussed why we chose to use materials like tea leaves and egg shells. Oscar made me think about the cultural and historical significance of these materials and how they fit into my design context. This way of thinking inspired me to focus not only on the functional properties of the materials, but also on their symbolism and backstory.

The fragility of eggshells was also a key point of discussion. I realized that if future designs require the overall solidity of the structure, it may be necessary to reconsider the use of stronger materials or to improve the properties of eggshells through technical means.

Oscar suggested that I consider the use of prefabricated bioplastics such as linen, a material with a consistent thickness and texture that is more suitable for design projects that require precise assembly. This suggestion opened up new horizons in my material choices and made me realize that materials already on the market could also provide reliable solutions.

Based on these discussions, I decided to make some preliminary models, first in cardboard and then in plywood, to test the assembly of the parts and the feasibility of the overall design. I then decided to explore the assembly of wood panels to create models and print out the parts using laser cutting technology. Experimentation with module assembly was used to find design inspiration and potential structural innovations. This process was crucial in helping me to understand and adapt the various elements of the design to ensure the practicality and aesthetics of the final product.