SoA FURNITURE INSTALLATION A
P R O J E C T
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A A E
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D E S I G N - B U I L D
S T U D E N T S
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
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EXPLORATIONS
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PROCESS & TECHNIQUES
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CHALLENGES
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DETAILING
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FINAL DESIGN
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INTRODUCTION
The project assignment is to design and build the first of a set of installments that will be set in the School of Architecture studio hallway, using leftover material from the Solar Decathlon 2013 project. The purpose of this installment is to provide a gathering space for students to relax in. It should feature seating for multiple people, table tops for setting down supplies, and an area for laying down. A survey was conducted to gather ideas and suggestions from fellow architecture students. It was concluded that a furniture for resting was the most desired feature. The design-build studio was broken into two groups, where each had very distinct design styles. Through numerous critiques and modifications, the two groups combined ideas to develop one collaborative project. The technique of “kerfing� adds a new dimension to the exploration of wood as a material. Kerfing refers to the cutting of slits on a wood surface in order to allow for easy bending.
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EXPLORATIONS
The overlying concept that was explored was the idea of ergonomics. The curves respond to the human body’s natural sitting position, and as such, opens up the exploration of the kerfing technique to bend MDF. With this technique, slots are cut into one side of the MDF, which gives it more flexibility.
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PROCESS & TECHNIQUES
The mockups were made using structural plywood, cut on the CNC machine. Screws are drilled onto the CNC table in order to minimize movement caused by the wood’s natural bowing. Kerfing was done using a table saw with a blade made for cutting MDF. The blade height and kerf spacing are taken carefully into consideration for each different curve. The final furniture is coated in polyurethane in order to provide a waterproofing sealant.
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CHALLENGES
Some of the challenges include preparing the CAD drawing for the CNC machine, finding appropriate seating angles, kerfing precision, and assembling the framing members. Many unforeseen adjustments were made along the way that had impacts on the final design. Each change informed other elements of the design, which contributed to the overall project as a whole.
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DETAILING
Various detailing techniques were used that give attention to the project at a smaller scale. An orbital sander was used to create flush surfaces. Screwheads were all aligned by hand. Smaller details like this add to the overall complexity, or simplicity, of the design.
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FINAL DESIGN
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“For this installation project, I was responsible for kerfing the skin, along with Bree. We began by cutting the MDF sheets into 2’ widths then into various lengths by running them through the table saw. Once it was established that 3/8” kerf spacing would allow for the curves, we made sure to set the saw blade at just the right height. From here, it was all about keeping a steady hand. Through this experience, I learned that different types of material have different characteristic; just because one technique works on one type, doesn’t mean it will work on another. I also learned that the kerfing-by-hand technique requires a high level of precision in order to maintain consistency throughout the project. This design-build project gives me a better sense of what it means to “collaborate” with others and to be a part of something like this feel amazing!” -Ron Cano “Once the studio had finalized a consolidated schematic design through sketches and ideas, I produced working drawings to be fabricated. I feel my contribution to the project was to see that our initial ideas and concepts were not lost throughout development of the project. I also influenced the studio to learn new construction methods and technology by utilization of the CNC router and introducing the potential to curve material with kerfing. The studio perfected the methods and by the end of the construction processes became familiar with all techniques and technology. The project was most valuable to me in that collaboration was essential to our studio to deliver a meaningful installation to the SoA. I believe that design-build is vital in the education process and collaboration should be emphasized throughout the school.” -Andres Diaz
“Constructing a design, derived from drawings based on the accumulation of 6 minds, has resulted in a contemporary furniture piece that initiates students to inhabit the studio corridor. The design began with two school of thought arguing for the best design choice. Functional, orthogonal students against the organic, responsive students. In the end, an organic, functional form, that responds to the human body was chosen. This idea grew from a reference of ergonomics, which drove the curves. The different areas and positions is what determined the final form. Since resting was the common want of this piece, a relaxed seating, a relaxed upright position, and a laying position was established. The idea of it being modular was also kept from the other half of the group. This made the design interesting since the pieces can be set up in several different formations. Throughout the project, we all had our design input. Each of us focused on an element of the project and in the end we constructed the installation together. Ron and I were the “Kerfers”. We cut made many iterations of kerfs and went through many trials. The end result was achieved by using a 1/8” table saw blade to cut kerf at 1/4” apart. I learned to be patient and as precise as can be because kerfing is a time-consuming process.” -Bree Abuan
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“My part was comprised of coordinating the prices as well as ordering the materials needed for this project, such as the saw blades, the CNC bits, the MDF boards, and fasteners. This task was very crucial in getting the project rolling because compared to a conceptual project, a design-build project is about bringing the design to life–literally!!! My focus and strengths were to pay attention to details. I believe details were very important in this project because that is what makes a project unique. Besides the aesthetic properties of the furniture, from the way the skin hugged the framing to the way the screws and bolts were placed, everything needed to be consistently aligned. I took the time to ensure the faces of the bolts were oriented in the same manner. Not everyone this about things like this because most people may not appreciate and understand that details do make a difference in making a project unique. For architecture students, paying attention to details is a quality that defines us.” -Sharlette Taba “The design concept of this installation project is about continuity. During the schematic design process, I adapted an organic form that would create a space for students to respond, gather, and relax. Based on the research we did, I started to integrate the ergonomic profile into our installation. Three main body positions were chosen: a laying down position, a more upright seating position for tasks such as reading, and then a lounging, reclined position. Andres and I kept modifying those profiles every week and edited the final CAD files for the CNC machine. During the practice process, I learned how to edit cutting files and operate the CNC machine. It takes a lot of iterations and intricacy to achieve the most efficient design. This is a good experince for me to learn crafting and construction skills.” -Yiqiao Hou
“For this project in the SoA hallway we had to make furniture that separated the north hallway from the south, and one of our design ideas was to use the CNC as a big part of the process. This was to ensure accuracy in the form of our ribs. Andres, Joy , and I were in charge of the CNC, I learned how to operate the machine. I also learned that every part even picking the screws and bolts out was a huge part of the design process. I remember thinking in the beginning I did not understand the importance of what type of screws that we use make a huge difference. I only understood the meaning of those talks when I saw the entire project together. How all of them lined up and how since it was something people come in contact to everyday to interact with it, touch it, that it really mattered and the time it took for us to weigh out the options were extremely important. I also learned about kerfing and did some of the mathematics on how they go together, but we unfortunately did not use that. I would say that I definitely learned a lot about material and that I feel as if it was more effective semester of this class than taking C-tech for two semesters, because now I truly understand the meaning of what my professors have been constantly trying to nail into my head. Thanks Prof. Weber!” -Kristin Difuntorum
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UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS S C H O O L
O F
A R C H I T E C T U R E
BREEANN ABUAN • RON CANO • ANDRES DIAZ • KRISTIN DIFUNTORUM • YIQIAO HOU • SHARLETTE TABA