Replica Structures
Valentin Bontjes Van Beek

Intermediate - Autumn 2011

33 Bedford Square-
First Floor Back
Wednesdays, 2-5pm

 

The course will focus on the re-design and fabrication (copy) of an existing chair in full scale - 1:1. Each student (group) will select an original (chair) and work towards a translation and a fresh construction strategy for the fabrication of a Replica Structure. Our sole material will be 12mm sheet material (birch plywood). All components will be designed and produced with the use of CNC milling technology in mind. Our sense of material and constructive economy will be at stake. Issues of weight, porosity and composition should be considered.

The aim of the course is to test the limitation of sheet material against an existing utilitarian designed object. The task is to be inventive towards a material limitation and to utilize design through new joining technologies. Imagine the Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge Recliner, the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair, designed and constructed in 12mm birch-ply-wood. What design decisions are to be made? What structural, economical and comfort constraints challenge our sense of beauty? What is our sense of Beauty?

We will work in different scales. Through the use of laser cut models we optimize and structurally test our design. Deviations will occur! Our re-design should be intentional not random. Is it still a chair? Each structural decision has a design consequence or the other way around. We like to aim for a physical testable result, nothing virtual; let’s say your mother should be able to test your Replica Structure.

Through a process of re-construction we will not only learn to understand the nature of the original but also our own sense of design. The course will culminate with a fabrication trip to Hooke Park.

 

Image: Course
Photo Credit: Sue Barr
    • Session 1: Wednesday 5th Oct:

    • -Introduction to the course - groups
      -The Chairs : de-constructed
      -The Material : 12mm sheet material (birch plywood)
      -The Screen: scaled modelling exercise

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    • Session 2: Wednesday 12th Oct:

    • -Presentation of first explorations
      -Chair selection – chair analyses
      -Underlying structures and materiality

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    • Session 3: Wednesday 19th Oct:

    • -Group tutorials
      -Fabrication seminar
      -Test models (digital and analogue)

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    • Session 4: Wednesday 26th Oct:

    • -Individual tutorials
      -CNC – fabrication
      -Scale – economy - design

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    • Session 5: Wednesday 9th Nov:

    • -Group tutorials
      -Fabrication

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    • Session 6: Wednesday 16th Nov:

    • -Individual tutorials
      -Fabrication
      -Documentation of design process

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    • Session 7: Wednesday 23rd Nov:

    • -Group tutorials
      -Fabrication
      -Mockup submission

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    • Session 8: Wednesday 30th Nov:

    • -Course Submission

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    • Friday 2nd Dec:

    • -Department Submission

  • Enrolled Students

  • Vasilis Argyropoulos
    Gabriel Yuri Bollag
    Norine Yin Lok Chu
    Carlotta Conte
    Mon Thi Han
    Bella Susan Janssens
    Bruna Malusa
    Andra Miruna Mazilu
    Sabrina Morreale
    Marie-Louise Raue
    Helene Alexandra Solvay

  •  

  • *Please note, any students unable to be enrolled in a MS Autumn 2011 course will be prioritised for enrolment for the Winter 2012 term.

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