Evolution of an Idea: Chapter 1

I came up with an interesting form and structural system for a lounge chair. It uses repetitive elements in a wave-like curve that mimics the form of a human body in a semi-reclined position. The curve and the way it conforms to the body is reminiscent of the way the mouthpiece fits a player's mouth.

The form is held together entirely with tension and compression. The circular arcs of the curves are formed by wooden slats. The slats are held together by straps of tough nylon webbing that run parallel to the curve of the arc. The wood, on the inside of the arc, resists any compression forces. The nylon, on the outside of the arc, resists tension.

Side View: the red represents my original replacement of the straps, the blue my revised placement after building a mini-model

Seat Surface: Front View

Side View

This mock-up is just the seating surface and arm rests. The final will have a slightly different curve (to accommodate better leg support), and no cardboard fill underneath the curve.