The Taut table, designed by Klemens Grund, a Swiss designer and master carpenter, exemplifies innovative woodworking by integrating principles of classic Japanese architecture. Grund’s design incorporates round columns that distribute load centrally, complemented by horizontal elements with a rectangular cross-section, reflecting the structural logic used in traditional Japanese wooden buildings. The table features elegantly thin stretchers that connect to the legs through a blind dovetail through-mortise, secured into place by wedges without the use of metal parts. This assembly technique not only highlights the table’s aesthetic and structural sophistication but also allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, making it ideal for a mobile lifestyle. Grund’s design philosophy extends beyond mere functionality, tapping into a universal subconscious understanding of static principles learned from childhood play with building blocks, thereby enhancing the user's connection to the object through both form and function.

https://www.core77.com/posts/125129/An-Elegant-Knockdown-TableDesk-with-Wedged-Tenon-Joinery?utm_source=core77&utm_medium=from_title
https://www.klemensgrund.de/#projekte

The Traditional Heritage furniture line by Gerlach & Heilig, designed by Kyra Heilig and Lenn Gerlach, revitalizes the craft traditions of Germany's Black Forest where the designers originated. Created for an exhibition showcasing the cultural heritage of the region, this collection employs innovative reinterpretations of age-old wedging techniques, allowing wooden components like chair seats and legs to interlock seamlessly without the need for screws or glue. Utilizing silver fir—a wood indigenous to the Black Forest known for its durability and adaptability to climate changes—the furniture not only echoes the environmental and cultural ethos of the area but also aims to rekindle local carpenters' connection to their traditional woodworking skills. This approach highlights the material’s natural properties, particularly its suitability for wedging due to its softness, blending functionality with a deep respect for regional craftsmanship and sustainability.

https://www.core77.com/posts/125489/Fastener-Free-Furniture-Joinery-from-Germanys-Black-Forest

https://gerlach-heilig.com/Furniture

At MIT, the design class 4.500, taught by Professor Larry Sass from the Department of Architecture, exemplifies a rigorous exploration of design through the lens of computational tools like 3D modeling and animation. This course challenges students to ideate, plan, and prototype, using the chair as a primary focus due to its balance of aesthetic and functional demands. Students learn to navigate the complexities of design, from defining problems to creating tangible solutions, employing various software tools to develop and test their ideas. By designing chairs, they not only gain practical skills in digital and physical prototyping but also engage deeply with design as a creative process that combines utility with experiential quality. Throughout the course, students produce both scale models and full-scale prototypes, refining their designs based on material constraints and ergonomic considerations. This educational journey not only imparts technical skills but also fosters a nuanced understanding of design as a holistic approach to problem-solving.

https://news.mit.edu/2024/mit-students-learn-from-crafting-a-chair-0322

This is a 33/33/33 project, where the designer and manufacturer constructing all the components, and the consumer assembling the chair at home, are equally involved in the completion of the piece.

People used to be much more resourceful, but nowadays we have become lazy, less confident, or even lost the practical knowledge entirely. This is very sad.

I would like to encourage people to re-discover their ability for building furniture and regain the confidence to work with tools. Giving the consumer a certain volume of responsibility, is for them to regain confidence. “third” is a project reflecting these ideas" 

https://www.dezeen.com/2011/01/10/third-by-max-lamb-for-ey/

"Pin Pres is a kid’s room shelf that makes the act of sorting up the room a playful experience where the shelf adopts its form to the toys, books and other things that are being stored.

Its the only shelf that will make your kid actually want to clean up and de-clutter the room!"

https://www.dezeen.com/2011/11/27/pin-pres-by-ooo-my-design/

The Flip Chair, designed by Mina Kasirifar, is a playful furniture piece intended to facilitate sensory development and foster playful experiences for kids stuck inside during the pandemic. Kasirifar focused specifically on vestibular and proprioceptive development within young children.

https://www.minakasirifar.com/flip-sensory-furniture

Congratulations, you've completed a NuVu Studio! 

Part 1 - Final Presentations

You should ensure your final presentations are uploaded on the platform at this stage. If you used Google Slides, make sure you clicked the "anyone with this link can view" link-sharing option, so others can see your presentation. 

Part 2 - Class Reflections 

Now it's time to reflect and share your thoughts on the studio experience. 

As a class, consider putting your chairs in a circle. Your teacher will guide you in discussing what aspects of the studio went well for you and which aspects you'd like to change/improve/try differently next time. 

We like to end studio reflections with "shout outs!" where you thank someone for the help that they offered you during the design process! It feels nice to consider who helped you along your design journey. 

Part 3 - Student Survey (this helps your teacher and NuVu understand how to improve your next studio experience!): 

Fill out the post-studio survey here: https://forms.gle/5eZk2LGw5p4C5vUb9

Forest Couch is a nature themed installation meant to facilitate play between children and adults. Forest couch is a large hexagonal play area with removable pillows and flower themed upholstery. The interior of the couch is a space for a kid to spend time alone and facilitate solitary play. The exterior is for a parent to sit and play with their child.