DESIGN NAME: Meline
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Stool
INSPIRATION: My inspiration for this project was a lack of space I experienced in my drawing class in university. The drawing table was too small with no space for students to set down their pencil case, a bottle of water or their bags except on the floor. Therefore, I designed a stool that serves as an extension to the work space. The colors and lines are inspired by De Stijl style specifically the architecture of Rietveld's Schroder House.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Meline is an innovative stool with storage space. It features a shelf that is ideal for storing items such as notebooks, a pencil case or even a water bottle. The shelf extends outward for easy to reach items with a side to keep items in place. Meline also features an extruded peg to hang a jacket or a bag. Its minimal design, sturdy craftsmanship, and functional properties are what make Meline a reliable stool.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Meline is a stool that is sturdy enough for classroom use, yet light enough to be moved around easily. Not only does it provide seating, but an easily accessible storage shelf as well as a peg to hang a bag or jacket.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in January 2014 and ended in February 2014 in Beirut, Lebanon.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Furniture Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: I first started by sketching the design. I worked with rectilinear lines. I wanted the seat and the shelf to look like the slabs found on Schroeder House facade. Then, I redrew my design on AutoCAD so that I can visualize it better and to have a technical drawing for production purposes. I went to a local carpenter, chose the wood material and discussed proportions. I wanted the stool to be durable since it will be used by students in art and design studios, so I chose a hardwood (oak) for the frame and an mdf laminate seating. I wanted Meline to have a crafty look, so I chose to keep the frame a natural wood color. I supervised the carpenter's work to ensure high craftsmanship and clean joinery. Lastly, I hand painted the primary colors myself.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Overall: Width 440 mm x Depth 360 mm x Height 940 mm
Seat: Width 360 mm x Depth 330 mm
Shelf: Width 440 mm x Depth 295 mm
TAGS: art stool, stool with storage, wooden stool, modern stool, seating, De Stijl
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: I began the design research by looking at what is available in the marketplace and on-line. I also looked in furniture shops to try to find a stool that can meet the needs that I had. I couldn't find a stool that provided the extra storage that Meline offers. Therefore, I knew this product has added value. Then, I researched the destijl style which influenced the aesthetic choices i made.
CHALLENGE: The creative challenge was to design extra storage without adding bulkiness or weight to the stool. An open shelf was placed under the seat, protruding slightly on one side just enough to fit small items that should stay within easy reach, such as a bottle of water or tools, without taking up too much extra space. For jackets and bags, a low back was added with a raised peg to hang these items securely.
ADDED DATE: 2014-02-22 04:38:58
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Eliane Zakhem, 2013.
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