An implementation of the flat-pack concept in chair design
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
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en
Pages
74
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Abstract
Flat-pack furniture is well known and widely utilized in modern living. The first prototype of flat-pack furniture was produced over 200 years ago. However, flat-pack design did not gain popularity until the 1950s. Having undergone huge improvements and innovation in the past decades, flat-pack furniture is now an essential branch of the furniture industry. Benefit from standardized manufacture and low cost in shipping and storing, the furniture industry is able to cut the cost while maintaining the quality of production. With its advantages of convenience and affordability, flat-pack furniture provides available design to the masses. This thesis discusses flat-pack furniture in the contemporary context. It addresses the problems with the flat-pack design in the market and provides corresponding solutions that can apply in the design. This thesis also documents the process of implementing the flat-pack concept into chair design. The main contents of this thesis divide into two parts: research and design. The research chapter investigates the beginning and development of flat-pack furniture and reviews the theory underpinning the practice-led research methodology. By exploring the history of flat-pack design, section 2.2 reveals the reasons behind its rapid growth; by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of flat-pack furniture, the needs of consumers, and the responsibilities of the furniture industry, section 2.3 and 2.4 discuss various considerations in the design process. The design chapter considers both the aesthetic and practical aspects of furniture design. Based on the previous research, a specific furniture design is applied, which allows the author to refine the creative process within realistic considerations. This chapter documents the creation of a chair, which starts with concept mock-ups and scale models. During the process of making and testing, the author modifies the design through constant reflections. Practical issues related to the structures, material choices and connections of joints are discussed during the design process. This chapter also includes specifications and assembly instructions to complete the flat-pack design.Description
Supervisor
Kokkonen, VilleThesis advisor
Relander, MartinSahi, Karola