Arcstool Stool by Li Ying Huang |
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| DESIGN NAME: Arcstool PRIMARY FUNCTION: Stool INSPIRATION: Inspired by Arches National Park's awe-inspiring natural arches, their grand presence, and mesmerizing linear flow, this project aimed to capture their essence in a functional yet elegant form. Crafting a symmetrical design emphasized a focal point where the two arcs meet, accentuating harmony and balance. The result, ARCstool, is a testament to nature's splendor and deliberate craftsmanship UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Drawing inspiration from the majestic arches found in Arches national park, ARCstool embodies visual tension through its graceful two-part design, creating an exquisite zen moment. Stem-bent reveals add a touch of softness to the wood, while highlighted arc lines along the edges enhance its sculptural aspect. Combining art and function, ARCstool is portable, versatile, and brings an elegant charm to any space. Embrace the fusion of form and function with ARCstool. In a world where artistry and functionality often stand apart, ARCstool emerges as a captivating fusion of both. This remarkable project, created by LiYIng Huang, draws inspiration from the awe-inspiring landscapes of Arches National Park, where nature's sculptural wonders take center stage. The driving force behind ARCstool is a desire to capture the essence of these naturally formed arches, with their grandeur and mesmerizing linear flow, and translate it into a piece of functional art. The result is a stool that transcends mere utility, becoming a true statement of design excellence. At its core, ARCstool is a testament to craftsmanship and technical innovation. The meticulously planned and executed production process begins with wood planks, which are uniformly planed and joined, allowing for the necessary flexibility for bending. Steam bending into specific radii, followed by drying and gluing, results in two parts that form a perfectly balanced whole. What truly sets ARCstool apart is the deliberate symmetrical design that emphasizes a focal point where the two arcs meet. This meticulous attention to detail creates a sense of harmony and balance, reminiscent of the natural arches that inspired it. Technical prowess shines through in the meticulous sanding, filleting of edges, and refining to a 400-grit finish. A final layer of carefully applied finish adds both protection and aesthetic finesse, excluding the glue area to maintain a seamless appearance. In the end, the two parts are expertly glued together, resulting in a stool that is as much a work of art as it is a functional piece of furniture. With a weight of just 4 kg, yet able to withstand over 120 kg, ARCstool exemplifies the marriage of form and function. ARCstool's presence in the world of design is a testament to the power of nature as a muse and the skill of a designer who can translate that inspiration into a tangible masterpiece. It stands as a symbol of harmony, where the beauty of the natural world meets the precision of human craftsmanship. In a world filled with disposable designs, ARCstool serves as a reminder that true artistry can be functional, and functional items can be art. It is a project that deserves every accolade it receives, a true embodiment of form and function in perfect harmony. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Operating ARCstool is effortless. Simply sit down, and you'll experience the magic of its ergonomic design. The key frames are its height (29cm) and the 100-diameter curvature of the seat. This thoughtful design makes it exceptionally comfortable to sit on, providing better support and posture. ARCstool's user-centric approach ensures a superior sitting experience without the need for complicated adjustments or mechanisms. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in June 2023 in Baltimore and finished in August 2023 in Baltimore FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Material Selection: The project begins with the careful selection of high-quality wood planks, chosen for their uniformity and flexibility. This selection process is crucial, as it lays the foundation for the stool's strength and aesthetic appeal. Joinery and Planing: Wood planks are planed uniformly to ensure consistent thickness and width. Precision joinery techniques are employed to create seamless connections, allowing for flexibility and bending. Steam Bending: The pivotal step in the process involves steam bending the wood into specific radii. This procedure demands expertise and precise temperature control to achieve the desired curvature without compromising the wood's integrity. Drying and Gluing: Following steam bending, the components are meticulously dried to remove moisture content. The application of high-quality adhesives ensures a durable bond, joining the two parts seamlessly. Sanding and Trimming: To achieve a flawless finish, unevenness is meticulously sanded down, and excess edges are expertly trimmed. This stage requires precision to maintain the stool's structural integrity and aesthetics. Symmetry Crafting: Creating a perfectly symmetrical design is a meticulous endeavor. The upper part's bottom and lower part's top are skillfully cut to create a flat gluing surface, emphasizing a focal point where the arcs meet. Edge Filleting: Filleting is employed to add refinement to the upper body edges, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the stool. Refining Sanding: The stool undergoes a rigorous sanding process, refined to a 400-grit finish. This ensures a smooth and visually pleasing surface. Finishing: A meticulous application of finish, excluding the glue area, both protects the wood and enhances its natural beauty. This final step is crucial for preserving the stool's aesthetic appeal. Assembly: Expert craftsmen skillfully glue the two parts together at the flat spot, ensuring a seamless connection. Any visible glue is promptly removed during the final clean-up, leaving a flawless finished product. ARCstool's production technology represents the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation, where time-honored techniques are combined with modern materials and processes to create a functional masterpiece that pays homage to nature's inspiring arches. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 500 mm x 260 mm x 320mm TAGS: Steam Bending, Ergonomic Design, Functional Art, Nature-Inspired, Low Stool, Woodcraft, User-Centric, Aesthetic Excellence, Innovative Furniture RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research Objectives: The objective was to create a low stool with optimized dimensions for user comfort. Methodology: Data Collection: 3D-printed stool tops with various radii (60D to 120D) were fabricated. Participants: Users, peers, and designers evaluated these prototypes for comfort and usability. Experiment: Participants' feedback led to the selection of a stool height of 29cm and a 100D sitting radii. Results: Extensive testing led to the identification of the optimal dimensions for the stool, balancing comfort and usability. Insights and Impacts: This research resolved the design challenge of crafting an ergonomic low stool. The insights influenced the final design, ensuring both comfort and functionality. Real-Life Impact: Practical applications are seen in product design, filling a gap in the market for comfortable low stools. It highlights the value of user-centered design. CHALLENGE: The most challenging aspect was the steam bending process, encompassing several intricate hurdles: Determining Allowance for Bending: Calculating the precise allowance for bending was complex. Plank Length Precision: Ensuring the exact length of planks for the bending strap was crucial. Too tight led to wrinkling, and too loose resulted in uneven pressure. Pressure Management during Clamping: Achieving consistent pressure when applying drying molds after bending proved difficult. The creaking of the molds during clamping posed further challenges. Drying Mold Complexity: Managing the filled drying molds was intricate. Adding more clamps to existing bending pieces was cumbersome, and positioning in the drying box posed logistical challenges. ADDED DATE: 2023-08-03 21:33:11 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : LiYing Huang IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1 : Photographer LiYing Huang Optional Image #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 : Photographer Luyi Ye |
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NAME: LiYing Huang PROFILE: - |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Arcstool Stool by Li Ying Huang is Winner in Furniture Design Category, 2023 - 2024.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Li Ying Huang. · Click here to view the profile and other works by Li Ying Huang. |
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