Praxis

A project focused on designing and constructing a chair, exploring the interplay of form, function, and materiality while addressing structural and aesthetic challenges.

Year                                       Fall 2024
Time                                      9 weeks
Team                                     Individual

Inspiration

I was inspired by stark geometries and a sense of permanence, aiming to create a design that balances bold, imposing forms with a softer, more comforting presence.

Ideation

I wanted to add a playful element by subverting expectations—making it appear unstable, yet very secure. I also explored the contrast between a welcoming interior and a more intimidating exterior.

Deconstruct | Reconstruct

Decided to make my structure from a cube to achieve the grounded, modest feel I was aiming for.
I searched for ways to create negative space by removing material- this would also help offset some weight (both physical and visual).

Final Form

The chair’s continuous frame and suspended seat, separated by a small gap, create an optical illusion, while its upward, dynamic structure contrasts the material’s bulkiness.

Execution

1 inch x 4.5 inch mahogany lumber. Miter joints. Dowels for support. Drilled / tapped holes for hardware. 5/16 inch bolts.1 inch steel tube and cap.

Final Thoughts

This project challenged me to balance aesthetics with functionality while navigating woodworking techniques, physics, and ergonomics. It pushed me to rethink materials and construction methods, and while the outcome differed from my initial vision, it taught me the value of adaptability and finding beauty in unexpected results.