plyw.stool

the challenge:

plywood shortage

field:

Product Design

created:

2021 in Detroit 🇺🇸

goal

Turn one sheet of plywood into a interesting piece of furniture.

solution

Using the Japanese concept of `ma´ to work with empty space.

3 ingredients

1/4

Plywood Sheet

assembled by screws

100%

milled Amumilum

Design Principle:

‘Ma’ — a Japanese concept — is the guiding principle behind this design. It’s the art of embracing the space between, where empty moments and quiet intervals hold as much meaning as what’s present. In this piece, I’ve shaped not only the object itself but also the spaces in and around it. The result is a harmony that invites you to slow down, notice the unseen, and connect more deeply with the design.

1:8 Paper Prototype:

Concept Blueprint:

01 cut

02 bend

03 fold

04 mill

05 screw

Photographed at Norbert Thomas Atelier

Inspired by the Max Bill — Ulmer Hocker

Store things.

The bent studs enhance storage and stability.

Details.

Negative space — concept of "ma".

Manufacturing techniqe — Cold Press Forming

Cold form pressing

“Pre-machining, multi-stage forming and ability to form only a selected part of the component allow designs previously considered impossible or unfeasible. Form pressed components can also be equipped with inserts for fixing or electricity.” ~ upmgrada.com