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FURNITURE - MEMPHIS DESIGN AND MODEL MAKING PROJECT

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DESIGN - SKETCHES / CAD
Below are a number of Memphis inspired designs for furniture and fittings.
 
1. Air cushion sun bed. A spring steel base, supported by rubber shock absorbers. The effect is, that of lying on cushioned air.
 
 
2. Builders tube recycled into a modern, contemporary piece. A heavy water filled polypropylene base, ensures stability.
 
 
 
 
3. An individual piece, aimed to be practical and ‘Memphis’. Vinyl faced MDF for the carcass and cast polymer doors. A lightweight aluminium tube frame forms the structure.
 
 
4. Manufactured from recycled glass. Each arm / light can be individually manoeuvred.The clients image can be etched inside the sphere.
 
 
5. Inspired by Memphis design. Manufactured from discarded MDF. Handles are hand cast in aluminium, then anodised.
 
 
 
 
6. I call this, the ‘Blob Chair’. Stylish arm rests have been added and internal springs for each leg, with independent cushioning. The spring system was inspired by car suspension.
 
After careful consideration, this is the selected design for the model making exercise

 

 
MODEL MAKING - PLAN OF ACTION
 
Idea Six has been selected for model making, requires a plan of action. It involves working out the stage by stage manufacture of the m,odel and materials to be used.
 
1. Select a block of modelling foam (styrofoam) and mark out the four main parts.
 
 
2. Using a fretsaw with a fine blade, cut out the four ‘cylinders’.
 
 
3. Split the cylinders so that they have a flat surface. This is important for the seta, back and foot rest. This will provide me with replacements if I make a mistake on any of the parts.
 
 
4. Roughly shape the components, using a hand file / needle files, followed by abrasive paper.
 
 
5. Cut lengths of acrylic rod for the arms and legs. Steel rods can be used.
 
 
6. Warm up the acrylic rod until it can be formed to the shape of the ‘arms’, using pliers.
 
 
 
 

7. Use a hand drill to drill holes in the styrofoam, for the legs and arms. Push the ‘rods’ in position and glue if required.

Seal the styrofoam with specialised sealer or PVA.

Allow to dry and apply blue acrylic paint.

Add small beads to the ends of the feet and arm rests.

 
 
 
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