Final Concepts

Couldn't decide on my top 3, so I went with the four that I thought were the best ideas out of them all in terms of stackability and the ability the design had to fully functionalise the rubber strips that I'm using.

The idea behind these is to use either a metal or a wooden frame (sourced from reclaimed materials - not sure yet....might have to cut and bend myself) and use the rubber natural flex to create a flexible, comfortable piece of padding to sit on. The frame will suspend the rubber between it and it will be adhesived on to provide quite a bit of tension, allowing the sitter to enjoy an extremely comfortable seat with just a touch of spring.

Best 6 Ideas

I chose the best 6 ideas from the pages drawn and explored them a little bit more. This is just a showing of the ideas I went down the path of, not as much of the exploration. Just to give you an idea of the direction.

Concept Development

Once I had a general idea for shape down, I decided to add some colour and really find out what it was that I wanted the chair to do using my rubber strips.

Initial Development

Initial Sketches, Just trying to get a sense of shape

RE-CLAIMED MATERIAL SELECTION

The re-claimed material I have chosen to use is Natural Rubber Latex. It is a material very commonly used in the lining of mining products (pipes, hoses and various other machines inside and outside the mining industry). 

The company I will be getting my off-cuts from is called Linatex - a global leader in the supply of latex rubber and various other products to the mining industry.

I will be using off-cut strips from their plant. This is what the material will look like, the thickness and width of the strips is yet to be decided.

Advanced Development

Thought I might try tubed aluminium as the frame work and stretch the rubber around it.

Initial Concepts

Inspiration

Just a few images that I've been inspired by in my concept stages. Not quite sure how useful they will be, but they certainly have given me a bit to think about.

Skateboard chair by Skate Study House

Re-Tyre chair by Carl Menary

Panda chair by Estudio Campana

CD chair by Belen Hermosa

Bike chair by Bike Furniture Design

Carpet Sample chair by RSA design team

Shopping trolley chair by Max McMurdo